Importance of skin-on-skin care for sick babies

Mother Brings Baby Back to Life With Two Hours Of Loving Cuddles After Doctors Pronounce Him Dead.

Image Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

Kate Ogg, an Australian mother who gave birth to twins at 27 weeks after 3 hours of labor couldn't believe her ears when the doctors broke the news that her son, Jamie weighing 2lbs couldn't make it. At a Sydney hospital, Jamie’s twin sister Emily was fine and healthy at the time of delivery while her brother was resuscitated for twenty minutes to help him spring to life. When he didn't respond to the treatment, the parents had to be told the dreadful news.

Image Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

Image Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

The brave and valiant mother highlighted the importance of skin-on-skin care for sick babies, a trend recently being adopted by many hospitals across the world. It is also known as the Kangaroo Care method adopted from the manner in which kangaroos keep the little ones in their pouch. This technique allows mothers to act as incubators to keep the new born babies warm and alive. This method also decreases the chances of infection and the rate of hypothermia in pre-mature and low weight babies. Skin-on-skin care method improves the sleep pattern of babies and drops down the severity of illness in them.

Image Source: www.newscientist.com

Kangaroo care approach is a scientific method that restores the baby’s temperature in a faster way than any incubator. For pre-mature babies who are likely to have a low body temperature, this method enables the mother to pass on the heat to the little one. As far as a research published in The Lancet goes, Karolinska Institute in Stockholm found that ninety percent of the babies who underwent this care revived normal body temperature in four hours as compared to sixty percent babies kept in incubators. This technique doesn't carry a risk of overheating as well as the excess heat is passed to the mother. Such an approach is also advised for older babies to calm them down as well as enhance their development.

David Ogg appreciates his wife for being warm and valiant at the time when most mothers would be devastated.

[SOURCE: www.dailymail.co.uk, www.newscientist.com]

ABS Exercise from Medifacts

1. Warm-Up: Ab Prep
With your knees bent, feet flat on the floor lie on your back. Breathe in and tuck your chin to your chest. Breathe out and slowly curl just your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor as you lift your arms and reach toward your feet. Pause and breathe in. Slowly return to the starting position, breathing out as you go. Repeat eight times.

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2. Roll Up
(A) Lie on your back and stretch your arms and your legs and form a straight line on the floor. Then  Inhale and bring your arms overhead, and begin to curl your upper body off the floor. 
(B) When halfway up, exhale and continue roll forward to reach your toes. Inhale and reverse the move, exhaling halfway down, to return to start. Repeat 10 times.

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3. Leg Drop
(A) Raise your both legs straight toward the ceiling and then breathe in and tighten your abs. 
(B) Exhale and then slowly lower your legs towards the floor till your feet are about four inches above the floor or you can go even lower without lifting the small of your back. Pause and breathe in. Breathe out as you raise your legs to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.

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4. Scissors
Raise both legs straight up towards the ceiling. Firstly lower your left leg until it is six inches off the floor. Lift your head and shoulders and grasp the back of your right leg, gently pulling it toward you. Switch legs and repeat on other side. Quickly complete 10 reps without any pause.

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5. Hip Lift
Raise both legs toward the ceiling and extend your arms on the floor at your sides, palms down. Inhale and tighten your core muscles. Curl your hips toward your ribs as you exhale, lifting your hips off the floor and reaching your feet straight up. Breathe in as you slowly lower. Repeat 10 times

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6. Torso Twist
(A) Sit cross-legged and put your arms out in front of your chest and breathe in.
(B) Slowly move your upper body about 45 degrees to the right while breathing out with your hips square and abs tight. Return to the center and repeat on your left side. Complete 10 reps

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Source : http://health.yahoo.net/articles/fitness/photos/6-easy-lower-abdominal-exercises#1

Health Benefit of Banana

Banana for Breakfast anyone???

This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

'A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!'

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER:
200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniclercases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL:
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!'

Health benefit of coconut oil

Personal Hygiene/Body:
1. Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face.
2. Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.
3. Preshave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.
4. Aftershave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores.
5. Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!
6. Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment - use as a leave in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.
7. Hair Gel/Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).
8. Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.
9. Make up remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!
10. Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!
11. Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub!
12. Lubricant – it is an all natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!
13. Sunscreen – see my post on <http://www.jobdescriptionmommy.com/job-description-mommy/2011/06/sunscreen.html> natural sunscreen for more detailed information.
14. Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.
15. Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore, or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.
16. Diaper salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.
17. Cradle cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.
18. Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.
19. Healing - when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.
20. Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.
21. Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
22. Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.

General Health and Wellness

23. Stress Relief - relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.

24. Digestion - the saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.

25. Fitness - coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat, while increasing muscle.

26. Nose bleeds - coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme hotness and extreme coldness. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding.

27. For breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich your milk supply.

28. Helps with weight loss & controlling cravings.

29. Helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings in those with diabetes.

Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when taken internally)

30. Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, some don't

31. Skin problems

32. Toenail fungus

33. Hot flashes

34. Bleeding hemorrhoids (can also be applied externally twice a day)

35. HIV

36. Head lice

37. Improvements in menstruation regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow

38. Migraines (with regular use)

39. Mononucleosis

40. Parasites

41. Thrush

42. Relieve gallbladder pain

43. Has helped some people improve symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland, results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal

44. Energy boost

45. Flaky, dry skin

46. May relieve acid reflux and indigestion when taken with each meal

47. Adrenal fatigue

48. Alzheimers

49. H. pylori

50. Candida albicans

51. Asthma, even in children

52. Autism

53. Cholesterol - improves HDL ('good' cholesterol) to LDL ('bad' cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol

54. Chronic fatigue

55. Circulation/feeling cold all the time

56. Stronger immune system

57. Mental Clarity

58. Depression

59. Helps with inflammation in Crohns

Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when applied topically)

60. Athletes foot

61. Back pain/sore muscles

62. Canker sores

63. Acne

64. Cellulite

65. Herpes (applied topically and taken internally)

66. Genital warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)

67. Circumcision healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.

Cooking

68. Use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing other oils/butter in recipes with coconut oil.

69. Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in it’s solid form – greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.

70. Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc.

71. Nutritional supplement – melt and add to smoothies.

Other Uses

72. Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with Deet! Tons safer too.

73. Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.

74. Goo Gone - just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.

75. Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out!

76. Polish Furniture - coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.

77. Polishing Bronze - all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.

78. Seasoning animal hide drums

79. Seasoning cookware

80. Moisturizing and cleaning leather products

Coconut Oil ---- The Champion!

13 Evidence-Based Medicinal Properties of Coconut Oil

While coconut oil has dragged itself out of the muck of vast misrepresentation over the past few years, it still rarely gets the appreciation it truly deserves. Not just a "good" saturated fat, coconut oil is an exceptional healing agent as well, with loads of useful health applications.