Watch out! When night falls, they attack! These nocturnal, blood-sucking insects feed on humans at night when everyone is asleep. They live in mattresses, furniture, pillows, electrical appliances and every dark crevice you can imagine. They have invaded countless homes, hotels, apartments and just about any place where people lay to sleep.

Bedbugs are reddish-brown, flat-bodied, wingless, and grow not longer than 0.2inch. Other than humans, bed bugs also feed on other mammals, including cats and dogs. The feeding process starts when the bedbug pierces the skin of its host and withdraws the blood thereafter. Its saliva contains anticoagulant to keep the host’s blood flowing as they suck and likewise, a numbing agent to anesthetize the host and keep him/her from feeling any discomfort while they’re busy working. Feeding takes about five minutes and once they have their fill, they return to their hiding place. Bedbug bites leave a red welt on the surface of the skin. Some people who have allergic reactions develop bumps and blister-like inflammations. Although bedbugs are not known to spread diseases to humans, they are likely to host other organisms that cause Hepatitis B and other diseases. Bedbugs can go without food for a year but they normally seek out for food every 5-10 days.

People have this notion that bedbug infestation is associated with poor housekeeping. It’s not. Bedbugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide and not on filth and clutter. Cleanliness wouldn’t make your house bedbug-proof.

Fifty years ago, bedbugs are said to have been nearly eliminated by DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane), a synthetic pesticide used to combat mosquitoes spreading malaria and other insect-born diseases. However, DDT was banned in the 80’s due to human toxicity concerns. Eliminating bedbugs nowadays is more challenging because extermination practices have become insect-specific. A pesticide for a cockroach may not work for a bedbug and vice versa.

Of late, there has been a dramatic increase in bedbug infestation in the U.S, Europe and other countries. People say this is attributed to international travel. Bedbugs may cling to the travelers’ clothes and possibly shack itself up in the luggage. Transferring from one country to another inevitably spreads the infestation. Other factors include increased resistance to pesticides and newer pest-control methods that leave bedbugs unharmed.

How do we prevent bedbugs from invading our home? Here are helpful tips to protect ourselves from bedbugs:

- If you are buying a secondhand furniture, thoroughly inspect the item before bringing them into your home.

- Employ the regular services of a professional exterminator.

- Use bed nets impregnated with permethrin to ward off infestation in tropical areas.

- Inspect any room you’re about to inhabit while traveling.

- After you return from a trip, check your luggage for insects that might have hitched a ride.

- Change bed linens at least once a week, and wash in hot water of at least 97 F (36 C).

More tips are found here.

Now, if you find yourself bitten by a bedbug, apply topical cream on the affected area. Cortisone will do. And don’t scratch the area no matter how itchy it is. However, should you have allergic reactions to cortisone or if you think the bites are severe, it is best to seek medical advice.

Sources:
Mayoclinic.com, Wikipedia.org , National Geographic

The Mediterranean diet is loaded with lots of vegetables, fruits, fish and healthy oils such as those found in fish, olives and nuts. This type of dietary pattern is predominantly the eating lifestyle of Greeks and Italians. Do note that there is little amount of red meat in their diet.

Health-wise, in a study conducted by Greek researchers, children of women who eat a Mediterranean-rich diet are found to be less likely to develop asthma and allergies. The nutrients present in these foods boost anti-oxidant levels thereby increasing the body?s resistance to common allergies. On the other hand, the children of women who consumed more red meat in their diet during pregnancy are more susceptible to developing allergies.

The researchers do admit that they need to conduct further studies to prove the veracity of their findings that is the correlation of Mediterranean diet and the likelihood of developing allergies amongst infants.

Genetics and the environment play an important role in acquiring asthma. But did you know that apart from smoking, stress levels especially for women who are expecting increases their children?s risk of asthma? Not only that, mothers who are experiencing bouts of depression or anxiety heightens the possibility of children developing asthma later in life.

According to a study conducted by Canadian researchers spearheaded by Anita Kozyrskyj of the University of Manitoba in Canada, maternal distress beyond the postpartum period is associated with an increased risk of asthma in children of school-age. The group analyzed medical records of children born in Manitoba from 1995 to 2003 and likewise, gathered data on the mother?s medical history on the same period. Results show that there?s a correlation between the effects of a mother?s persistent stress and the increased risk of asthma in children as the year progresses.

Stress is a fixed hurdle to be dealt with everyday. We all experience stress. No doubt about that. Moms, especially, have to put up with quite a lot of it, ranging from household matters, career, finances, relationships, and of course, our children. We can either deal with it in a positive fashion or allow ourselves to succumb in the sad realities of depression.

I remember my son wincing in pain when he showed me his left palm. There was a sliver of wood lodged beneath the skin. It?s a splinter. The end of the sliver is slightly protruding. The traditional solution I know is to dig the splinter out using a needle and a tweezer. I sterilized the needle and tweezer first then I slowly dislodged the splinter embedded in the skin. My son writhed and occasionally jerked in pain. When the splinter loosened up a bit, I slowly pulled it out of the skin using a tweezer. I have to be more careful because the splinter might break in two or more pieces, prolonging my son?s agony.There are other ways to remove splinters with lesser pain.

Keep in mind, however, that if the splinter is deeply lodged in the skin or if it’s in the facial area or underneath the nails, it is better to see a doctor and have it removed professionally. Likewise, see a doctor if you notice swelling or infection on the affected area after the splinter has been removed because it means that there are fragments of the splinter left in the skin.

In Hong Kong, medical experts have come up with seven signs in identifying severe illnesses in newborn babies. If the baby displays any of these signs, it?s best to seek medical attention to prevent further complications. These assessments were compared against decisions made by pediatricians.

The seven clinical signs are:

- history of difficult feeding

- history of convulsions

- movement only when stimulated

- breathing rate of 60 breaths per minute or more

- severe chest indrawing

- over 37.5 degrees Celsius

- under 35.5 Celsius

This undertaking by medical researchers helps the mothers and health workers in promoting wellness in infants. Being cognizant in health matters will enable them to make sound decisions in infant care. Hence, possible infections or complications could be prevented and dealt with at the early stages of life.

My first child was delivered via home birth. A midwife, a close relative of my in-laws, assisted the whole birthing procedure. Being a first time mom, I was scared to death. My mind was plagued with thoughts of possible complications both to my baby and myself. I went through labor for twelve hours. When the contractions became more frequent at a steady 2-3 minute intervals, I lay down on the mattress and readied myself for the most awaited part of pregnancy ? delivery. After pushing for about half an hour, my baby came out. It was a relatively easy birth. My baby was a tad bluish in color because the umbilical cord was caught up around his neck. The midwife immediately unwound the cord and performed routine check on the baby. My baby was in good shape and so was I.

In this day and age of advanced technology and innovative medicine, you?ll be surprised at the number of women who are opting for do-it-yourself deliveries. I?m not talking about home births per se, but unassisted home delivery. The mommies bring forth their babies to the world skipping medical intervention. In the U.S., home births comprise 1 percent of the total deliveries. The statistics doesn?t say if these deliveries are assisted or otherwise. But more and more women are doing it alone.

There are possible complications arising from unassisted home births. The mother could suffer from bleeding and significant tearing. The baby, on the one hand, could be born in a breach position or with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, just like what happened to my baby. The doctors underscored the importance of medical assistance during delivery and have in fact, cited the ramifications of unassisted delivery.

The mothers who have undergone DIY deliveries said that birthing is all but a matter of personal choice. I do hope though that the mothers would not discount the importance of medical care because not all deliveries would be as successful as we want them to be.

Obesity in children is increasingly rising throughout the world. The incidence of child obesity is more prevalent in industrialized countries where people consume more junk food which are high in calories and low in nutritional value and living a sedentary lifestyle. According to DailyMail.co.uk, kids as young as 3 years old are fast becoming couch potatoes. The inactivity affects their physical development and as a result, increases the risk of obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, high-blood pressure and high cholesterol. Improving the diet and increasing the level of exercise in the family is one of the best strategies in overcoming obesity.

Obesity can be attributed to genetics, psychological factors, inactivity and improper diet. However, most of the cases stem from eating too much and exercising too little. Hence, if we eat more than we are supposed to with little or no exercise to expend calories, then we are more predisposed to weight gain.

As parents, we are responsible for our family?s diet. We decide which food to buy, how it?s going to be cooked and where it?s to be eaten. We should set an example to our children that we are committed to eating healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle.

With regard to diet, parents should make it a point to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in their meals, limit beverages that are high in sugar content, and limit fast-food trips as these foods are teeming with fat and calories. We should all discourage eating in front of the television as well.

Moving on to physical activity, introduce fun activities to your children like free-playing, running around in the park or any activity that would involve the whole family together. Make variations to your family activities so the kids won?t get bored doing the same thing over and over. It is also important to set rules on the number of hours spent on watching television and playing video or computer games.

In sum, the battle with obesity is a family commitment. The children cannot do it on their own without our full support and encouragement. We should lead a healthy lifestyle and set a good example to our children.

It brings great satisfaction to us parents whenever we see our kids drop their pennies in their quaint little piggy banks. Teaching them the value of saving at a young age develops a good habit that would benefit them when they become adults. Now, what if somebody broke into your home and stole the money from your child?s piggy bank? Insane, isn?t it? In Wilson, Wisconsin, a 30-year old burglar just did that.

It was the mother who caught him red-handed. The piggy bank belonged to her 2-year old daughter. Good thing is that no one was hurt in the scene. He escaped, unfortunately. According to the investigators, he left traces of blood resulting from a cut; that?s why the police were able to determine who the culprit is. He broke into other homes in the neighborhood previously but was never caught. The family not only lost money from their daughter?s piggy bank but also lost the sense of security in their own home.

Diego Palacios of Northern Mexico enjoyed vacation so much that he doesn?t want to back to school anymore. Must be some vacation, huh? I bet it is. He seemed to have overly attached himself to the fun part of it. Just a few days before resumption of school, the Mexican paramedics rushed to Diego?s home. The little boy glued his right hand to the bed using an industrial adhesive, all because he doesn?t want to go back to school! His mom tried all possible ways to free Diego?s hand but her efforts are useless. She has to call in paramedics to have her son?s hand removed from the bed.

Boys will be boys.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding at this time of the year, you better stock up on your vitamin D supplements. Sunlight exposure is a good source of vitamin D however, those of you living in the colder regions won’t be seeing much of it for the next few months because of the winter season. Occasional peeks from the sun may not provide the dosage of Vitamin D necessary to benefit pregnant women and women who are nursing.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B rays. It plays an important role in the maintenance of the body’s system. It regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood to maximize absorption in the body. It also promotes bone formation and helps in strengthening the body’s immune system.

There are very few foods which naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D. These include fish liver oil, fatty fish oils which are found in salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna and eel, mushrooms and egg. Most of the dietary sources of vitamin D come in fortified form hence we have fortified milk, soy milk, cereals and the like.

The U.S. Department of Health strongly encourages pregnant and breastfeeding women to take Vitamin D supplements in the winter months to ensure that babies will not develop rickets or seizure. The Department has also noted a rise in the number of cases of Vitamin D deficiency among children in Asia, the Middle East, and in the Afro-Carribean regions. This is due to the fact that skin color also influences vitamin D absorption. The darker the skin, the less sunlight is absorbed. But fret not, the deficiency can also be remedied by taking Vitamin D supplements.

Impossible? Not in India

Commercial surrogacy also known as ?wombs for rent? is growing in India. In the city of Anand, more than 50 women are pregnant with the children of infertile couples from the United States, Britain, Taiwan and a host of other countries.

The procedure starts with matching the couples with the list of local women ready for surrogacy. The surrogate moms have to be between 18 and 45 years old, have at least one child of their own and be in good medical condition. The couples fly to Anand for the in-vitro fertilization and following that, the fertilized egg is planted on to the surrogate mom?s uterus. The couples return to Anand after nine months for the delivery of the baby. The cost of the entire procedure amounts to $10,000 or less and that includes fertilization, medical care and the fee paid to the surrogate mother. The facility also provides medical care during pregnancy, delivery and counseling after birth.

Wombs for rent have been around in India since 2002. The industry is not regulated by the government. It is now considered the leader in the industry and experts say that the reason why India?s commercial surrogacy is successful in the market is the same reason why a lot of other industries outsource their services: labor pool and low rates.