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Swine influenza

2009-05-03T02:19:00.000-07:00

**Flu**

Swine influenza is endemic in pigs

Swine influenza (also called swine flu, pigfluenza, hog flu, and pig flu) refers to influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus that usually infect pigs and are called swine influenza virus (SIV).^[1] Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.

Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common. When transmitted, it does not always cause human influenza and often, the only sign of infection is the presence of antibodies which are only detectable by laboratory tests. When transmission results in influenza in a human, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of catching swine flu. However, only about fifty such transmissions have been recorded since the mid-20th Century, when identification of influenza subtypes became possible. (Importantly, eating pork does not pose a risk of infection.) Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills , fever , sore throat , muscle pains, severe headache , coughing , weakness and general discomfort.

The 2009 flu outbreak in humans that is widely known as "swine flu" is due to an apparently virulent new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that was produced by reassortment from one strain of human influenza virus, one strain of avian influenza virus, and two separate strains of swine influenza. The origin of this new strain is unknown, and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that this strain has not been isolated in pigs. It passes with apparent ease from human to human, an ability attributed to an as-yet unidentified mutation. This 2009 H1N1 strain causes the normal symptoms of influenza, such as fever, coughing and headache.

Classification

Of the three genera of influenza viruses that cause human flu, two also cause influenza in pigs, with Influenzavirus A being common in pigs and Influenzavirus C being rare. Influenzavirus B has not been reported in pigs. Within Influenzavirus A and Influenzavirus C, the strains found in pigs and humans are largely distinct, although due to reassortment there have been transfers of genes among strains crossing swine, avian, and human species boundaries.

Influenza C

Influenza C viruses infect both humans and pigs, but do not infect birds. Transmission between pigs and humans have occurred in the past. For example, influenza C caused a small outbreaks of a mild form of influenza amongst children in Japan, and California. Due to its limited host range and the lack of genetic diversity in influenza C, this form of influenza does not cause pandemics in humans.

Influenza A

Swine influenza is known to be caused by influenza A subtypes H1N1 ,^[11] H1N2 ,^[11] H3N1 ,^[12] H3N2 ,^[11] and H2N3 .^[13] In pigs, three influenza A virus subtypes (H1N1, H3N2, and H1N2) are the most common strains worldwide. In the United States, the H1N1 subtype was exclusively prevalent among swine populations before 1998; however, since late August 1998, H3N2 subtypes have been isolated from pigs. As of 2004, H3N2 virus isolates in US swine and turkey stocks were triple reassortants, containing genes from human (HA, NA, and PB1), swine (NS, NP, and M), and avian (PB2 and PA) lineages.

A/Veracruz/2009 (H1N1)

Main article: 2009 swine flu outbreak

A/Veracruz/2009 (H1N1), the new strain of swine influenza A (H1N1) involved in the 2009 flu outbreak in humans, is a reassortment of several strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that are usually found separately, in humans , birds, and pigs. Preliminary data suggest that the hemagglutinin (HA) gene was similar to that of swine flu viruses present in United States pigs since 1999, but the neuraminidase (NA) and matrix protein (M) genes resembled viruses present in European pigs. Viruses with this genetic makeup had not previously been found to be circulating in humans or pigs, although there is no formal national surveillance system to determine what viruses are circulating in pigs in the United States.

Swin flu History

2009-05-03T02:09:00.000-07:00

The various types of influenza viruses in humans. Solid squares show the appearance of a new strain, causing recurring influenza pandemics. Broken lines indicate uncertain strain identifications.

The influenza virus constantly changes form, thereby eluding the protective antibodies that target populations (swine, avian or human) may have developed in response to previous exposures to influenza or to influenza vaccines. Every two or three years the virus undergoes minor changes. But at intervals of roughly a decade, after the bulk of the world's population has developed some level of resistance to these minor changes, it undergoes a major change that enables it to easily infect populations around the world, often infecting hundreds of millions of people whose antibody defenses are unable to resist it. The influenza virus has also been known to change form over a much shorter period of time. For instance, during the Spanish flu pandemic, the initial wave of the disease was relatively mild, while the second wave of the disease a year later was highly lethal.

The first identification of an influenza virus as a cause of disease in pigs occurred in 1930. For the following 60 years, swine influenza strains were almost exclusively H1N1. Then, between 1997 and 2002, novel viruses of three different subtypes and five different genotypes emerged as agents of influenza among pigs in North America. In 1997-1998, H3N2 strains emerged. These strains, which include genes derived by reassortment from human, swine and avian viruses, have become a major cause of swine influenza in North America. Reassortment between H1N1 and H3N2 produced H1N2. In 1999 in Canada, a strain of H4N6 crossed the species barrier from birds to pigs, but was contained on a single farm.

The H1N1 form of swine flu is one of the descendants of the Spanish flu that caused a pandemic in humans in 1918–1919. As well as persisting in pigs, the descendants of the 1918 virus have also circulated in humans through the 20th century, contributing to the normal seasonal epidemics of influenza. However, direct transmission from pigs to humans is rare, with only 12 cases in the U.S. since 2005.

Medical researchers worldwide, recognizing that swine influenza viruses might mutate into something as deadly as the Spanish flu, are carefully watching the 2009 H1N1 outbreak in humans and making contingency plans for a possible global pandemic. Several countries took precautionary measures to reduce the chances for a global pandemic of the disease.

Swine fluTransmission

2009-05-03T02:05:00.000-07:00

Transmission between pigs

The main route of transmission is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals. These close contacts are particularly common during animal transport. The direct transfer of the virus probably occurs either by pigs touching noses, or through dried mucus. Airborne transmission through the aerosols produced by pigs coughing or sneezing are also an important means of infection. The virus usually spreads quickly through a herd, infecting all the pigs within just a few days. Transmission may also occur through wild animals, such wild boar , which can spread the disease between farms.

Transmission to humans

People who work with poultry and swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of zoonotic infection with influenza virus endemic in these animals, and constitute a population of human hosts in which zoonosis and reassortment can co-occur. Transmission of influenza from swine to humans who work with swine was documented in a small surveillance study performed in 2004 at the University of Iowa. study among others forms the basis of a recommendation that people whose jobs involve handling poultry and swine be the focus of increased public health surveillance.

Transmission to humans usually does not result in influenza in humans. When it does result in influenza, usually the influenza is mild and the basic reproduction number of the virus in human hosts is low enough that an outbreak does not occur.

Interaction with avian H5N1 in pigs

Pigs are unusual as they can be infected with influenza strains that usually infect three different species: pigs, birds and humans. This makes pigs a host where influenza viruses might exchange genes, producing new and dangerous strains. Avian influenza virus H3N2 is endemic in pigs in China and has been detected in pigs in Vietnam, increasing fears of the emergence of new variant strains. H3N2 evolved from H2N2 by antigenic shift. In August 2004, researchers in China found H5N1 in pigs.^[ These H5N1 infections may be quite common, in a survey of 10 apparently healthy pigs housed near poultry farms in West Java, where avian flu had broken out, five of the pig samples contained the H5N1 virus. The Indonesian government has since found similar results in the same region. Additional tests of 150 pigs outside the area were negative

Swine flu Signs and symptoms

2009-05-03T02:02:00.000-07:00

In swine

Main symptoms of swine flu in swines.

In pigs influenza infection produces fever, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and decreased appetite. In some cases the infection can cause abortion. Although mortality is usually low (around 1-4%), the virus can produce weight loss and poor growth, causing economic loss to farmers. Infected pigs can lose up to 12 pounds of body weight over a 3 to 4 week period.

In humans

Main symptoms of swine flu in humans

Direct transmission of a swine flu virus from pigs to humans is occasionally possible (this is called zoonotic swine flu). In all, 50 cases are known to have occurred since the first report in the medical literature in 1958, which have resulted in a total of six deaths. Of these six people, one was pregnant, one had leukemia, one had Hodgkin disease and two were known to be previously healthy. Despite these apparently low numbers of infections, the true rate of infection may be higher, since most cases only cause a very mild disease, and will probably never be reported or diagnosed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans the symptoms of the 2009 "swine flu" H1N1 virus are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting. The 2009 H1N1 virus is not zoonotic swine flu, as it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, but from person to person.

Because these symptoms are not specific to swine flu, a differential diagnosis of probable swine flu requires not only symptoms but also a high likelihood of swine flu due to the person's recent history. For example, during the 2009 swine flu outbreak in the United States, CDC advised physicians to "consider swine influenza infection in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute febrile respiratory illness who have either been in contact with persons with confirmed swine flu, or who were in one of the five U.S. states that have reported swine flu cases or in Mexico during the 7 days preceding their illness onset." A diagnosis of confirmed swine flu requires laboratory testing of a respiratory sample (a simple nose and throat swab)

swine flu Prevention

2009-05-03T01:59:00.000-07:00

Prevention of swine influenza has three components: prevention in swine, prevention of transmission to humans, and prevention of its spread among humans.

Prevention in swine

Methods of preventing the spread of influenza among swine include facility management, herd management, and vaccination. Because much of the illness and death associated with swine flu involves secondary infection by other pathogens, control strategies that rely on vaccination may be insufficient.

Control of swine influenza by vaccination has become more difficult in recent decades, as the evolution of the virus has resulted in inconsistent responses to traditional vaccines. Standard commercial swine flu vaccines are effective in controlling the infection when the virus strains match enough to have significant cross-protection, and custom (autogenous) vaccines made from the specific viruses isolated are created and used in the more difficult cases. Present vaccination strategies for SIV control and prevention in swine farms, typically include the use of one of several bivalent SIV vaccines commercially available in the United States. Of the 97 recent H3N2 isolates examined, only 41 isolates had strong serologic cross-reactions with antiserum to three commercial SIV vaccines. Since the protective ability of influenza vaccines depends primarily on the closeness of the match between the vaccine virus and the epidemic virus, the presence of nonreactive H3N2 SIV variants suggests that current commercial vaccines might not effectively protect pigs from infection with a majority of H3N2 viruses. The United States Department of Agriculture researchers say that while pig vaccination keeps pigs from getting sick, it does not block infection or shedding of the virus.

Facility management includes using disinfectants and ambient temperature to control virus in the environment. The virus is unlikely to survive outside living cells for >2 wk except in cold (but above freezing) conditions, and it is readily inactivated by disinfectants. Herd management includes not adding pigs carrying influenza to herds that have not been exposed to the virus. The virus survives in healthy carrier pigs for up to 3 months and can be recovered from them between outbreaks. Carrier pigs are usually responsible for the introduction of SIV into previously uninfected herds and countries. After an outbreak, as immunity in exposed pigs wanes, new outbreaks of the same strain can occur.

Prevention in humans

Prevention of pig to human transmission

Swine can be infected by both avian and human influenza strains of influenza, and therefore are hosts where the antigenic shifts can occur that create new influenza strains.

The transmission from swine to human is believed to occur mainly in swine farms where farmers are in close contact with live pigs. Although strains of swine influenza are usually not able to infect humans this may occasionally happen, so farmers and veterinarians are encouraged to use a face mask when dealing with infected animals. The use of vaccines on swine to prevent their infection is a major method of limiting swine to human transmission. Risk factors that may contribute to swine-to-human transmission include smoking and not wearing gloves when working with sick animals.

Prevention of human to human transmission

Influenza spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth. Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food.The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days. Diagnosis can be made by sending a specimen, collected during the first five days for analysis.

Recommendations to prevent spread of the virus among humans include using standard infection control against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public. Although the current trivalent influenza vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against the new 2009 H1N1 strain, vaccines against the new strain are being developed and could be ready as early as June 2009.

Experts agree that hand-washing can help prevent viral infections, including ordinary influenza and the swine flu virus. Influenza can spread in coughs or sneezes, but an increasing body of evidence shows small droplets containing the virus can linger on tabletops, telephones and other surfaces and be transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes. Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers work well to destroy viruses and bacteria. Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation and should contact a doctor to be tested.

Social distancing is another tactic. It means staying away from other people who might be infected and can include avoiding large gatherings, spreading out a little at work, or perhaps staying home and lying low if an infection is spreading in a community. Public health and other responsible authorities have action plans which social distancing actions to request or require depending on the severity of the outbreak.

swine flu Treatment

2009-05-03T01:52:00.000-07:00

In swine

As swine influenza is not usually fatal to pigs, little treatment is required; instead veterinary efforts are focused on preventing the spread of the virus throughout the farm, or to other farms. Vaccination and animal management techniques are most important in these efforts. The modern pork industry also uses antibiotic, which although they have no effect against the influenza virus, do help prevent bacterial pneumonia and other secondary infections in influenza-weakened herds.

In humans

If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Beside antivirals, palliative care, at home or in the hospitals, focuses on controlling fevers and maintaining fluid balance. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir ) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses, however, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs. The virus isolates in the 2009 outbreak have been found resistant to amantadine and rimantadine

In the U.S., on April 27, 2009, the FDA issued Emergency Use Authorizations to make available Relenza and Tamiflu antiviral drugs to treat the swine influenza virus in cases for which they are currently unapproved. The agency issued these EUAs to allow treatment of patients younger than the current approval allows and to allow the widespread distribution of the drugs, including by non-licensed volunteers.

Notable outbreaks

Swine flu has been reported numerous times as a zoonosis in humans, usually with limited distribution, rarely with a widespread distribution. Outbreaks in swine are common and cause significant economic losses in industry, primarily by causing stunting and extended time to market.

1918 pandemic in humans

The 1918 flu pandemic in humans was associated with H1N1, thus may reflect a zoonosis either from swine to humans or from humans to swine. Evidence available from that time is not sufficient to answer this question. Phylogenetic analysis of more recent strains of influenza in humans, birds, and swine suggests that the 1918 outbreak in humans followed a reassortment event.

1976 U.S. outbreak

Main article: 1976 swine flu outbreak

On February 5, 1976, in the United States an army recruit at Fort Dix said he felt tired and weak. He died the next day and four of his fellow soldiers were later hospitalized. Two weeks after his death, health officials announced that the cause of death was a new strain of swine flu. The strain, a variant of H1N1, is known as A/New Jersey/1976 (H1N1). It was detected only from January 19 to February 9 and did not spread beyond Fort Dix.

President Ford receives swine flu vaccination

This new strain appeared to be closely related to the strain involved in the 1918 flu pandemic. Moreover, the ensuing increased surveillance uncovered another strain in circulation in the U.S.: A/Victoria/75 (H3N2) spread simultaneously, also caused illness, and persisted until March. public-health officials decided action must be taken to head off another major pandemic, and urged President Gerald Ford that every person in the U.S. be vaccinated for the disease.

The vaccination program was plagued by delays and public relations problems. On October 1, 1976, the immunization program began and by October 11, approximately 40 million people, or about 24% of the population, had received swine flu immunizations. That same day, three senior citizens died soon after receiving their swine flu shots and there was a media outcry linking the deaths to the immunizations, despite the lack of positive proof. According to science writer Patrick Di Justo, however, by the time the truth was known — that the deaths were not proven to be related to the vaccine — it was too late. "The government had long feared mass panic about swine flu — now they feared mass panic about the swine flu vaccinations." This became a strong setback to the program.

There were reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a paralyzing neuromuscular disorder, affecting some people who had received swine flu immunizations. This syndrome is a rare side-effect of modern influenza vaccines, with an incidence of about one case per million vaccinations. a result, Di Justo writes that "the public refused to trust a government-operated health program that killed old people and crippled young people." In total, less than 33 percent of the population had been immunized by the end of 1976. The National Influenza Immunization Program was effectively halted on Dec. 16.

Overall, about 500 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), resulting in death from severe pulmonary complications for 25 people, which, according to Dr. P. Haber, were probably caused by an immunopathological reaction to the 1976 vaccine. Other influenza vaccines have not been linked to GBS, though caution is advised for certain individuals, particularly those with a history of GBS. Still, as observed by a participant in the immunization program, the vaccine killed more Americans than the disease did.

1988 zoonosis

In September 1988, a swine flu virus killed one woman in Wisconsin, and infected at least hundreds of others. 32-year old Barbara Ann Wieners was eight months pregnant when she and her husband, Ed, became ill after visiting the hog barn at the Walworth County Fair . Barbara died eight days later, though doctors were able to induce labor and deliver a healthy daughter before she passed away. Her husband recovered from his symptoms.

Influenza-like illnesses were reportedly widespread among the pigs at the farm they had visited, and 76% of the swine exhibitors there tested positive for antibody to SIV, but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggested between one and three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.^[60]^[61] However, there was no community outbreak.

1998 US outbreak in swine

In 1998, swine flu was found in pigs in four U.S. states. Within a year, it had spread through pig populations across the United States. Scientists found that this virus had originated in pigs as a recombinant form of flu strains from birds and humans. This outbreak confirmed that pigs can serve as a crucible where novel influenza viruses emerge as a result of the reassortment of genes from different strains.

Billa (2009) 320KBPS CDRIP

2009-05-01T12:07:00.001-07:00

Cast :: Prabhas, Krishnamraju, Anushka, Namitha

Music :: Prabhod and Narendra
Director :: Mehar Ramesh
Producer :: Manisharma

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02 - Ellora Silpaani - Rita
03 - Billa Theme Song - Ranjith, Rahul
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05 - Ney Patasu - Suchi, Ranjith
06 - My Name Is Billa - Ranjith, Naveen

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Kalasala (2009) HQ 320Kbps l CDRips

2009-05-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

Cast :: Akhil, Tamanna and others
Music :: Joshwa Sridhar
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Singers::Haricharan, Chorus

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Singers::Rahul Nambiyar, Rita

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Singers::Haricharan, Harini Sudhakar

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Singers::Sri Murali, Chorus

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Aakasamantha [2009] 320KBPS

2009-05-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Cast : Trisha , Prakash Raj,Aishwarya
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PUNNAMI NAGU(2009) CDRIPS 320KBPS

2009-05-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

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Kick (2009) HQ |VBR | 320 KBPS

2009-05-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

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*ing Ravi Teja,Ileana
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Koncham Ishtam Koncham Kashtam (2009)

2009-05-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

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Info About How Breast Milk Is Made

2009-04-25T04:33:00.000-07:00

If you’ve every been pregnant or if you are pregnant
now, you’ve probably noticed a metamorphisis in your
bra cups. The physical changes (tender, swollen
breasts) may be one of the earliest clues that you
have conceived. Many experts believe that the color
change in the areola may also be helpful when it
comes to breast feeding.

What’s going on
Perhaps what’s even more remarkable than visible
changes is the extensive changes that are taking
place inside of your breasts. The developing
placenta stimulates the release of estrogen and
progesterone, which will in turn stimulate the
complex biological system that helps to make lactation
possible.

Before you get pregnant, a combination of supportive
tissue, milk glands, and fat make up the larger
portions of your breats. The fact is, your newly
swollen breasts have been preparing for your
pregnancy since you were in your mother’s womb!

When you were born, your main milk ducts had already
formed. Your mammary glands stayed quiet until
you reached puberty, when a flood of the female
hormone estrogen caused them to grow and also to
swell. During pregnancy, those glands will kick
into high gear.

Before your baby arrives, glandular tissue has
replaced a majority of the fat cells and accounts
for your bigger than before breasts. Each breast
may actually get as much as 1 1/2 pounds heavier
than before!

Nestled among the fatty cells and glandular tissue
is an intricate network of channels or canals known
as the milk ducts. The pregnancy hormones will
cause these ducts to increase in both number and
size, with the ducts branching off into smaller
canals near the chest wall known as ductules.

At the end of each duct is a cluster of smaller
sacs known as alveoli. The cluster of alveoli is
known as a lobule, while a cluster of lobule is
known as a lobe. Each breast will contain around
15 - 20 lobes, with one milk duct for every lobe.

The milk is produced inside of the alveoli, which
is surrounded by tiny muscles that squeeze the
glands and help to push the milk out into the
ductules. Those ductules will lead to a bigger
duct that widens into a milk pool directly below
the areola.

The milk pools will act as resevoirs that hold the
milk until your baby sucks it through the tiny
openings in your nipples.

Mother Nature is so smart that your milk duct
system will become fully developed around the time
of your second trimester, so you can properly
breast feed your baby even if he or she arrives
earlier than you are anticipating.

Breastfeeding Myths Part 1

2009-04-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

breastfeeding. Often passed along by people with good intentions, these bits of incorrect or misleading information can prevent or destroy a healthy breastfeeding relationship. Here are some common breastfeeding myths, and an explanation of why they are not true.

“Breastfeeding Hurts!”

Breastfeeding should not hurt if done correctly, unless there are complications involved such as cracked nipples or an infection. In the beginning, nipples can become chapped and sore while still adjusting to their new duties, but this is usually a temporary and only mildly annoying problem. Occasionally nipples will crack or bleed, but this usually happens only when the baby’s mouth isn’t positioned properly. Generally speaking, if the baby has the proper latch on mom’s nipple, there will be no pain.

Other sources of discomfort while nursing include plugged ducts, mastitis, engorgement, or the let-down reflex. If a milk duct becomes plugged, there may be a bit of soreness in the breast. The cure is massage and more nursing. Mastitis is a breast infection, which can sometimes accompany a plugged duct or cracked nipple. If mastitis occurs, fever and flu-like symptoms may be present, and part of the breast may become red and swollen. Antibiotics are usually needed to clear up the infection, but the antibodies in breast milk will protect the baby from getting sick.

Breastfeeding Problems 3

2009-04-25T04:28:00.000-07:00

Mastitis
Plugged ducts can sometimes lead to mastitis, which is a breast infection. If your breast soreness or lump is accompanied by a fever of over 101 degrees and flu-like symptoms, contact your physician immediately. You will probably be prescribed an antibiotic, and should begin feeling better within a couple of days. Continue breastfeeding as usual.

Nursing Strikes

Babies usually don’t self-wean before nine months of age, and do so gradually. If your baby suddenly decides he wants nothing to do with the breast, chances are he’s on a nursing strike. There are several reasons why your baby may go on strike, such as teething pain, an illness or injury that makes nursing uncomfortable. If you’re having severe stress or anxiety, the baby may be reacting to that. Or perhaps the baby bit you, causing a strong reaction, and the baby was frightened.

Romancing baby back to the breast can take patience and persistence, but it’s worth the trouble. Seek medical attention if an injury or illness is causing the strike. Take extra time to cuddle with the baby. Nurse in a quiet, dim room to minimize distractions, and try nursing when the baby’s sleepy. If you need to express milk, feed the baby with a cup or spoon instead of a bottle to avoid nipple confusion.

Breastfeeding Myths Part 3

2009-04-25T04:27:00.000-07:00

One day while we were visiting my husband’s parents, I had a bottle of expressed breast milk to feed our daughter. (My in-laws were very uncomfortable with nursing, so I did it out of respect for them.) My father-in-law grabbed the bottle, held it up to the light, and exclaimed, “That’s not milk! It’s too thin! Here…” He went to the refrigerator, and brandished a half-gallon jug of milk in my face. “This is milk! No wonder that baby’s so skinny!”
It happens. Don’t let it get to you. Your baby is not a calf, and you don’t eat grass and moo.

“Breastfeeding mothers can’t eat certain foods.”

A nursing mother can eat anything she wants to, including spicy food and garlic. These flavors do alter the taste of the breast milk, but babies seem to enjoy the variety. Occasionally, babies do become sensitive to foods in the mother’s diet and develop uncomfortable gas or become restless and inconsolable. Common culprits include chocolate, caffeine, and dairy products, but there are others. A nursing mother should try to eliminate these foods from her diet before giving up and weaning the baby.

“You won’t have enough milk because your breasts are too small.”

Pre-pregnancy breast size usually has nothing to do with the ability to produce milk. Fatty deposits in the breasts determine their size, not the number of milk ducts. While breasts usually swell a cup size or two during pregnancy, you’ll be able to nurse just as well even if they don’t. Engorgement following delivery isn’t necessary, either.

“You’ll have to wean when you go back to work.”

Depending on your job, it’s quite possible that you can continue a wonderful nursing relationship even after you return to work. Many employers are becoming more supportive of breastfeeding mothers by providing breaks and areas for expressing milk, and there are effective, inexpensive pumps that make it easy to do so. But even if you can’t pump during work hours, nursing while you’re home with the baby can still continue. Your breasts will adjust to the schedule, and while you may produce less milk and not be able to satisfy all of the baby’s nutritional needs, he’ll still benefit from the closeness and comfort of nursing.

Breastfeeding Myths Part 1

2009-04-25T04:24:00.000-07:00

before you read this second Part of the most breast feeding Myths
“You have to feed formula until your milk comes in.”

Breast milk isn’t usually present, at least not in quantity, immediately following the baby’s birth. Instead, the mother will produce a clear or yellowish fluid called colostrum. Should you supplement until the “true” milk appears? Certainly not! Colostrum is the perfect food for newborn babies. It contains antibodies and all the nutrition the baby needs. And the more a baby nurses, the faster “true” milk will come in! Mothers who supplement with formula or glucose water will often have trouble getting a sufficient supply of breast milk. More importantly, supplementing during these crucial first days can make the baby reluctant to nurse because getting milk from a bottle takes less effort.

“The baby’s always hungry because you’re not making enough milk.”

There will be days when the baby nurses more often than usual, and it can be exhausting. In most cases, however, this is not caused by insufficient milk and is not detrimental to the baby. It usually means that the baby is having a growth spurt and has a temporary need for more nutrition. The constant nursing helps to build up the supply. In other words, if you’re not making enough milk, keep nursing and you soon will be.

“There’s no way to tell if the baby’s getting enough to eat.”

Breasts, unlike bottles, don’t come with a measuring guide. Nursing mothers will never be able to say “he took eight ounces at his last feeding!” But that doesn’t mean there’s no way to know if he’s getting enough to eat. What comes in must go out. If the baby’s making lots of dirty and wet diapers, he’s getting plenty.

“The baby’s crying and uncomfortable because your milk isn’t good enough.”

All babies cry. Babies get gassy and uncomfortable, and sometimes suffer that dreaded condition called “colic” whether they’re breastfed or formula fed. But unless the mother is suffering from severe malnutrition, there’s no such thing as “bad breastmilk.”

Breastfeeding-best food for babies

2009-04-25T04:21:00.000-07:00

Breastfeeding and contains all the relevant information about Breastfeeding. If you are interested do read on.Decision making is all about having ample information about a given topic and that is what I intend to do-providing you with ample information about Breastfeeding.

Reading this post about Breastfeeding must have made this clear to you that there are so many things that are generally not provided by your run of the mill posts.

New parents want to give their babies the very best. When it comes to nutrition, the best first food for babies is breast milk. Experts recommend that babies be breast-fed for six to 12 months. The only acceptable alternative to breast milk is infant formula. Solid foods can be introduced when the baby is 4 to 6 months old, but a baby should drink breast milk or formula, not cow’s milk, for a full year. Cow’s milk contains a different type of protein than breast milk. This is good for calves, but human infants can have difficulty digesting it. Bottle-fed infants tend to be fatter than breast-fed infants, but not necessarily healthier.

Human milk contains at least 100 ingredients not found in formula. No babies are allergic to their mother’s milk, although they may have a reaction to something the mother eats. If she eliminates it from her diet, the problem resolves itself.

Sucking at the breast promotes good jaw development as well. It’s harder work to get milk out of a breast than a bottle, and the exercise strengthens the jaws and encourages the growth of straight, healthy teeth. The baby at the breast also can control the flow of milk by sucking and stopping. With a bottle, the baby must constantly suck or react to the pressure of the nipple placed in the mouth.

Initially, a breast-fed baby will need to be fed 8-12 times in a 24-hour period, especially since both baby and mother are getting used to the process. Breast milk is more quickly digested than formula, which is another reason why more frequent feeding is necessary. Another reason for the constant suckling at the breast is to stimulate the mammary glands to produce more milk for the baby’s growing appetite. But the extra time spent feeding the baby that first year is well worth it as breast milk passes along the mother’s immunities and delivers the highest-quality nutrition for a developing baby.

If you still feel that there was no need to read this post, I would have to concede that you truly know what all needs to known about Breastfeeding, but if the answer is no, you must be glad of reading this post.

Living in this world presupposes thinking and taking decisions and that could only be done with enough information. That is what I have tried to provide you here on Breastfeeding. Hope it proves useful to you.

Breastfeeding Sleep is Good for Mother and Babies

2009-04-25T04:19:00.000-07:00

Reading this post about breastfeeding sleep is not going to hurt you in any way. On the contrary you would be richer by the information that you would get.This is the beginning of the post about breastfeeding sleep and the very fact that you are reading this post shows that you are interested in breastfeeding sleep. So, go on reading this post and add to your knowledge.

Besides being the optimal source of nutrition for your baby in her first year, nursing has obvious psychological benefits for both mother and baby. At birth, newborn see 12 to 15 inches only, it is the distance between a nursing baby and its mother’s face. Studies have found that newborn baby as young as 1 week prefer the smell of their own mother’s milk.

Many psychologists believe the nursing baby enjoys a sense of security from the warmth and presence of the mother, especially when there’s skin-to-skin contact during feeding. Parents of bottle-fed babies may be tempted to prop bottles in the baby’s mouth, with no human contact during feeding. But a nursing mother must cuddle her newborn baby closely many times during the day. Nursing becomes more than a way to feed a baby; it’s a source of warmth and comfort.

When the baby is being fed and nurtured in this way, it’s natural for her to fall asleep quickly. When you know how much she can consume in one feeding, try to gently nudge her awake if she falls asleep too soon. You can easily rouse her with a little tickle of the feet. Otherwise, she’ll get hungry sooner and you’ll be feeding her more often.
Breast-feeding is good for new mothers as well as for their babies. There are no bottles to sterilize and no formula to buy, measure and mix.

It may be easier for a nursing mother to lose the pounds of pregnancy as well, since nursing uses up extra calories. Lactation also stimulates the uterus to contract back to its original size.A nursing mother is forced to get needed rest. She must sit down, put her feet up, and relax every few hours to nurse. Nursing at night is easy as well. No one has to stumble to the refrigerator for a bottle and warm it while the baby cries. If she’s lying down, a mother can doze while she nurses.

It is a natural thing to feel that there existed so many things about breastfeeding sleep which one was unaware of. And if this is what you are feeling it is no surprise.

Now that you have read this post, I hope that all your doobts about breastfeeding sleep must have been resolved. Always give the best food for your beloved babies with breast milk.

Baby care First month to three months

2009-04-25T04:15:00.000-07:00

In the first month the development milestones of your baby first year will be to lift their head for short time, move head from side to side, make arm movements and bring hands to face. They prefer human face than other shapes, do strong reflex movements, can focus on items which are 8 to 12 inches away, turn to familiar voices and blink at bright lights. In the second month babies smiles and track objects with their eyes. They make different noises and repeat vowel noises like ah, ooh, uh, etc. in the third month babies develop a lot. They raises their head and chest upto tummy, lift head up 45 degrees, kicks, straighten legs, open hands, shut hands, can push down with legs when lying on a hard surface, reaches for dangling objects and shakes hand toys. They also grasps toys, track moving objects, imitate sound, recognizes familiar objects and people, develop a social smile, develop hand-eye coordination, can bring both hands together, can hold head up with control and are interested in circular and spiral patterns.

Four months to six months

Most babies hold up their head at 90 degrees angle while they are on stomach. They can bear their weight on both legs and laugh and smile with some hoo and coos while talking. There are other developments which are not common in every baby like grasping a rattle, pay attention to objects, reach out for objects and do small mini push ups with roll over. Babies can hold head level with body when pulled to sit, sit without support and make a razzing sound. They will get upset if their toys are taken away. In fifth month babies can easily roll over with mini push ups, make razzing sound, turn to new sounds, recognize own name, pass object from one hand to other, pull up to standing position from the sitting position and sit momentarily without any support. They try to bring object closer which are out of reach. This is the time when they repeat sounds like ma and da and anxiety begins for separation and strangers. In the sixth month babies can keep head level in sitting position, sit with minimum support for some time, roll back in both directions, imitate sound, imitate facial expressions and reach for toys. They can sit without support, feed own self a cracker, work a lot to get the out of reach toys. They start crawling, get into sitting position from stomach, pick up small objects with fingers. They can babble and combine sounds and anxiety begins at this age which is known as separation and stranger anxiety.

From seven months to nine months

In seven months most babies can sit without support, make razzing sound, imitate sound and work at getting a toy which is out of reach. They feed self a finger food or crackers. Some babies start crawling and lunging forward and get upset if their toy is taken by others. They love to play peek a boo and can distinguish the emotion of the person talking by their voice. They can pass object from one to another hands and feeling of anxiety begins. They can stand by themselves if they hold onto something or someone. They learn to wave goodbyes and clap hands. They bang objects together and say mama, mu or baba. They can walk alone holding onto some furniture. In the ninth month, babies can stand with some support and look for dropped objects. They can stand from sitting position, clap and bang things. They can combine syllables to make different sounds. They use thumb and finger to grasp and pick things up. They walk holding onto furniture, stand alone for little time and begin to identify themselves in the mirror. They wave goodbye, drop object and look for them and understand the word”no”, as mummies often use this word to stop their children from something. There are developments which are shown by some children like saying mama to the real mother, play patty cake and balls. They can drink from a cup without any help, stand alone without support and say one or two new words.

From ten months to twelve months

In the tenth month, most babies stand holding on something, walk with the support and pull upto standing position from sitting. They can wave goodbyes, crawl well and thumb and finger pincer grasp to pick up things. Some babies can say mama to the right person, can understand the word ‘no’ but do not obey that word. They can recognize their name and respond to it. Every child has their own style and gestures to express their needs in which crying is the most common gesture. People who live around the children know about their gestures and indications. They can stand alone for some time. Some babies can drink from cup alone and stand without holding something. They can play ball and patty cake and walk for one or two step. They can put their toys in containers or boxes. In the eleventh month babies can recognize parents and say ma and da. They wave good byes, clap hands, stand alone for few moments, drink from a cup alone, imitate others, understand simple instructions and babble. Some children can walk well be little advanced than other children. In the twelfth month or after a year, babies imitate other people’s sounds and activities, indicate their needs with gestures and crying. They can crawl well and walk well with little or no help. They are afraid of strangers and pull off their socks. They can say more words than before and take few steps. They can shake their head to express their no to something. Some children who are more developed can scribble with crayons and say more than three or four words.

Things which are responsible for a child’s development

Development of children depends on many things of which love and care comes in the first number. There are other factors which also contribute to a child’s growth and development. Physical activity like playing helps them to moive their muscle and makes them flexible. Playing with toys that encourages building, stacking, pulling, kicking and throwing. Interaction helps them to live healthy relations with people around them and make them strong to face their problems alone. The ability to interact with others and socialize can be improved and developed by playing group games, participating in community get-togethers and learning something in a group. Mental activity like learning, recognition, problem solving mentality, etc are essential and they can be improved by playing puzzles and toys with different shapes, colors and sizes.

Baby Toys – important part in baby development milestones

Baby Toys are not just your baby’s playing tool, they help a lot in building their overall development. So before buying toys for your child, you should think of its utility and different ways of playing it. Baby Toys should be fun, safe, durable and attractive which gathers children’s attention. There are toys which have many levels of activity. These kinds of games help children to increase their thinking power. It is always necessary to buy products which can be played for longer period of time and make them learn something, which can be applied in their life.

Talk clever with them and behave intelligently with them

Parents generally treat their children as their property or someone who does not have brain and cannot understand your words. Many parents make stories to make their children listen to them. But this is not necessary. If you talk cleverly with your children, they will listen to you. The reason behind this is that they will feel responsible and someone with whom his parents can share something honestly. This help children to be straight forward in their words and they can speak when it is required. They will also become responsible as you share things as they are and not fake anything in front of them, which will make your child adjusting in nature.

Nutrition is important for baby development

Food is the vital thing, which helps children to develop to a healthy human being. You must know what is best and required for your child. Early stage of babies is the most vital stage and parents should take care of their food carefully. One must add all kind of nutrients in a baby’s daily diet chart. It is necessary to take care of the amount of food given to the children, less amount of food can lead to malnutrition and excess amount can lead to fat baby, which is not healthy also. Nutrition plays a vital role in baby’s development.

Congratulation Moms! You’ve got the Best Gift from God, so please give the Best Newborn Baby Care for your Baby First Year.

Why do i ger acne?

2009-04-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

If you're a teen, chances are pretty good that you have some acne. Almost 8 in 10 teens have acne, along with many adults.

Acne is so common that it's considered a normal part of puberty. But knowing that doesn't always make it easier when you're looking at a big pimple on your face in the mirror. So what is acne, and what can you do about it?

What Is Acne and What Causes It?

Acne is a condition of the skin that shows up as different types of bumps. These bumps can be blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts. Teens get acne because of the hormonal changes that come with puberty. If your parents had acne as teens, it's more likely that you will, too. The good news is that, for most people, acne goes away almost completely by the time they are out of their teens.

The type of acne that a lot of teens get is called acne vulgaris (the meaning of "vulgaris" isn't as bad as it sounds — it means "of the common type"). It usually shows up on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest.

The hair follicles, or pores, in your skin contain sebaceous glands (also called oil glands). These glands make sebum, which is an oil that lubricates your hair and skin. Most of the time, the sebaceous glands make the right amount of sebum. As a teen's body begins to mature and develop, though, hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to make more sebum, and the glands may become overactive. Pores become clogged if there is too much sebum and too many dead skin cells. Bacteria (especially one called Propionibacterium acnes) can then get trapped inside the pores and multiply, causing swelling and redness — the start of acne.

If a pore gets clogged up and closes but bulges out from the skin, you're left with a whitehead. If a pore gets clogged up but stays open, the top surface can darken and you're left with a blackhead. Sometimes the wall of the pore opens, allowing sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells to make their way under the skin — and you're left with a small, red bump called a pimple (sometimes pimples have a pus-filled top from the body's reaction to the bacterial infection). Clogged pores that open up very deep in the skin can cause nodules, which are infected lumps or cysts that are bigger than pimples and can be painful.

There are a few myths out there about things that cause acne. Acne isn't caused by eating greasy foods like french fries or pizza, chomping on chocolate, or drinking sodas. Some people do find that they notice their breakouts get more severe when they eat too much of a certain food, though. If you're one of them, it's worth trying to cut back on that food to see what happens.

Stress doesn't usually cause acne either (although it can make existing acne worse because stress increases sebum production).

There are also myths about what helps make acne better. Acne isn't really helped by the sun. Although a tan can temporarily make acne look less severe, it won't help it go away permanently — and some people find that the oils their skin produces after being in the sun make their pimples worse.

What Can I Do About Acne?

To help prevent the oil buildup that can contribute to acne, wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and warm water. Don't scrub your face hard with a washcloth — acne can't be scrubbed away, and scrubbing may actually make it worse by irritating the skin and pores. Try cleansing your face as gently as you can.

If you wear makeup or sunscreen, make sure it's labeled "oil free," "noncomedogenic," or "nonacnegenic." This means it won't clog your pores and contribute to acne. And when you are washing your face, be sure you take the time to remove all of your makeup so it doesn't clog your pores.

If you use hair sprays or gels, try to keep them away from your face, as they can also clog pores. If you have long hair that touches your face, be sure to wash it frequently enough to keep oil away. And if you have an after-school job that puts you in contact with oil — like in a fast-food restaurant or gas station, for example — be sure to wash your face well when you get home. It can also help to wash your face after you've been exercising.

Many over-the-counter lotions and creams containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are available to help prevent acne and clear it up at the same time. You can experiment with these to see which helps. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly — don't use more than you're supposed to at one time (your skin may get too dried out and feel and look worse) and follow any directions to see if you're allergic to it first.

What if I Get Acne Anyway?

Sometimes even though they wash properly and try lotions and oil-free makeup, people get acne anyway — and this is totally normal. In fact, some girls who normally have a handle on their acne may find that it comes out a few days before they get their period. This is called premenstrual acne, and about 7 out of 10 women get it from changes in hormones in the body.

Some teens who have acne can get help from a doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin problems). A doctor may treat the acne with prescription medicines. Depending on the person's acne, this might mean using prescription creams that prevent pimples from forming, taking antibiotics to kill the bacteria that help create pimples, or if the acne is severe, taking stronger medicines such as isotretinoin, or even having minor surgery. Some girls find that birth control pills help to clear up their acne.

If you look in the mirror and see a pimple, don't touch it, squeeze it, or pick at it. This might be hard to do — it can be pretty tempting to try to get rid of a pimple. But when you play around with pimples, you can cause even more inflammation by poking at them or opening them up. Plus, the oil from your hands can't help! More important, though, picking at pimples can leave tiny, permanent scars on your face.

What Is Cellulite?

2009-04-22T05:44:00.000-07:00

Cellulite is the lumpy substance resembling cottage cheese that is commonly found on the thighs, stomach, and butt. Cellulite is actually a fancy name for collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath a person's skin, which causes the surface of the skin to dimple or pucker and look lumpy.

You can check to see if you have cellulite by pinching the skin around your upper thigh. If it looks a bit lumpy, you probably have it. And if you do have cellulite, you're definitely not alone: Most girls and women - and some men - have cellulite.

Several factors influence whether a person has cellulite and how much they have. Your genes , your gender, the amount of fat on your body, your age, and the thickness of your skin are all associated with the amount of cellulite you have or how visible it is.

Whatever the cause of cellulite, it's important to know that there aren't any miracle products, treatments, or medicines that can make it go away. For example, some fancy salon treatments that promise to get rid of cellulite simply cause your skin to puff up through deep massaging, temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Treatments like liposuction (surgery to remove fat) and mesotherapy (injection of drugs into cellulite) are either expensive or may produce only temporary improvement. Many doctors even warn that liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite because liposuction is designed to remove deep fat instead of cellulite, which is close to the skin.

If you have cellulite, chances are you won't like it. It's important to remember, though, that almost everyone wishes that something about their body was a bit different. This is particularly true for teens whose bodies are going through all sorts of changes caused by puberty .

If you decide that you want to try to reduce the amount of cellulite you have, the best thing to do is to decrease excess body fat. If you and your doctor think that you are overweight, eat fewer calories and exercise more. Experts agree that an exercise routine that combines aerobic exercise with strength training is the best weapon against cellulite. In the meantime, if you want to conceal your cellulite, try using a self-tanning product. Cellulite tends to be a little bit less noticeable on darker skin.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Skin

2009-04-22T05:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it may seem like your skin is impossible to manage, especially when you wake up and find a huge zit on your nose or a cold sore at the corner of your mouth. The good news is that there are ways to prevent and treat common skin problems — read on for some tips.

Acne

A pimple starts when the pores in the skin become clogged with a type of oil called sebum, which normally lubricates the skin and hair. Acne is common during puberty when hormones go into overdrive, causing the skin to overproduce sebum. Because many oil-producing glands are on the forehead, nose, and chin, this area — the T-zone — is where a person is most prone to pimples.

Here are some tips to help prevent breakouts and clear them up as fast as possible:

Wash your face twice a day (no more) with warm water and a mild soap made for people with acne. Gently massage your face with circular motions. Don't scrub. Overwashing and scrubbing can cause skin to become irritated. After cleansing, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying an over-the-counter (no prescription needed) lotion containing benzoyl peroxide. This will decrease oil and bacteria.
Don't pop pimples. It's tempting, but here's why you shouldn't: Popping pimples can push infected material further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring. If you notice a pimple coming before a big event, like the prom, a dermatologist can often treat it for you with less risk of scarring or infection.
Avoid touching your face with your fingers or leaning your face on objects that collect sebum and skin residue like the telephone receiver. Touching your face can spread the bacteria that cause pores to become inflamed and irritated. To keep bacteria at bay, wash your hands before applying anything to your face, such as treatment creams or makeup.
If you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose.
If you get acne on your body, try not to wear tight clothes, which don't allow skin to breathe and may cause irritation. You also might want to stay away from scarves, headbands, and caps, which can collect dirt and oil, too.
Remove your makeup before you go to sleep. When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" on the label. Throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it.
Keep hair clean and out of your face to prevent additional dirt and oil from clogging your pores.
Protect your skin from the sun. It may seem like a tan masks acne, but it's only temporary. A tan can cause the body to produce extra sebum, which may worsen your acne, not improve it. Tanning also causes damage to skin that will eventually lead to wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer.

If you're concerned about acne, talk to a dermatologist. Dermatologists offer a range of treatments that help to prevent and clear up acne and acne scars. A dermatologist can help you find the treatment method that's best for you and can also give you lots of useful tips for dealing with acne and caring for your skin type. Some salons and spas have trained skin specialists, called estheticians, who can offer advice and skin care treatments.

Sun and Skin

We all know we need to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays. Of course, it's impossible to avoid the sun — who wants to hide indoors when it feels so great to get outside and be active? And the sun's not all bad, anyway: Sunlight helps our bodies create vitamin D. So follow these tips when you're outdoors to help manage sun exposure:

Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, even if it's cloudy or you don't plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. If you sweat a lot or go swimming, reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours (even if the bottle says the sunscreen is waterproof).
Choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Look for the words "broad spectrum protection" or UVA protection in addition to the SPF of 15 or greater. Select a sunscreen that says "nonacnegenic" or "noncomedogenic" on the label to help keep pores clear.
The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so make sure you reapply sunscreen frequently and take breaks indoors if you can. If your shadow is longer than you are tall, then it's a safer time to be in the sun (you should still wear sunscreen, though).
Apply more sunscreen (with higher SPF) when you're around reflective surfaces like water, snow, or ice.
We all know that the sun can damage skin, but did you know it can contribute to eye problems, too? Protect your face and eyes with a hat and sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.
Some medications, such as prescription acne medications or birth control pills, can increase your sensitivity to the sun, so if you're taking medication, increase your sun protection.
If you want the glow of a tan, try faking it with self-tanners or salon tanning treatments. Avoid tanning beds, though, because although manufacturers claim that tanning beds are free of UVB rays, they still use harmful UVA rays.

Cold Sores

Cold sores usually show up as tender "pimples" on the lips. They are caused by a type of herpes virus (HSV-1, which most often is not sexually transmitted) so they are contagious from person to person. Once you get this virus it stays in your body, meaning you'll probably get cold sores every now and then throughout your life. Here are ways you can help prevent cold sores from making an appearance (or reappearance if you've had them in the past):

Avoid getting cold sores in the first place by not sharing stuff like lip balm, toothbrushes, or drinks with other people who might have cold sores. The virus that causes cold sores is transmitted through the nose (in mucus) and the mouth (in saliva).
People who have the virus know that cold sores can flare up from things like too much sun, stress, or being sick. Just one more reason to lather on that suntan lotion, eat well, exercise, and get plenty of sleep!

If you do have a cold sore, here are some tips for keeping yourself comfortable:

Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the cold sores are painful.
Suck on ice pops or cubes to ease pain and keep cold sores cool.
Stay away from acidic foods (like oranges, tomatoes, and lemonade) and salty, spicy foods, which can cause irritation.
Don't pick at cold sores while you're waiting for them to go away. They may bleed or become infected with bacteria.

Usually, cold sores go away on their own after a week or two. But if you get them frequently or they're a problem, talk to your doctor or dermatologist, who may be able to prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms and shorten the amount of time cold sores last.

Eczema

Eczema is a condition that causes skin to become red, itchy, and dry. If you have eczema, you might notice that you are prone to getting itchy rashes — especially in places like where your elbows and knees bend or on your neck and face. The symptoms of eczema can vary from person to person. Though you can't cure eczema forever, you can take steps to prevent it from flaring:

Stay away from things like harsh detergents, perfumed soaps, and heavily fragranced lotions that tend to irritate the skin and trigger eczema.
Because water tends to dry out the skin, take short, warm showers and baths. If you're going to have your hands in water for a long time (like when you're washing dishes or your car), try wearing gloves.
Soothe your skin with regular applications of a fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent itching and dryness. Creams generally moisturize a bit better and last longer than lotions for most people. Creams work best if applied when the skin is slightly wet, like just after bathing.
Be careful which fabrics you wear. Cotton is good because it's breathable and soft. (But if you are exercising, some of the newer synthetic materials actually keep you drier and are better for you than cotton.) Try to stay away from materials like wool or spandex that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Keep stress in check. Because stress can lead to eczema flares, try activities like yoga or walking after a long day to keep your stress levels low.
If you wear makeup, look for brands that are free of dyes and fragrances that can aggravate eczema.

If you're having trouble managing your eczema, talk to a dermatologist, who can suggest ways to better control it.

Other Skin Conditions

Warts are tiny skin infections caused by viruses of the human papilloma virus (HPV) family. There's no way to prevent warts from occurring (other than avoiding contact with people who have them). But if you do get them, don't rub, pick, or scratch them because you can spread the virus and get new warts. Some over-the-counter medications containing special acids can help get rid of warts, but it's always a good idea to see your doctor before trying one. If you find warts in your genital area , you should see your doctor, who can recommend the best treatment method for that sensitive area.

Another type of wart-like viral infection is molluscum contagiosum. (It's not as scary as its name sounds!) Like warts, it can be transmitted through scratching and sexual contact.

Fine white or purplish lines on the skin called stretch marks are pretty common in most teens. Stretch marks are formed when the tissue under your skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching, like during puberty. Stretch marks usually fade on their own over time. Talk to a dermatologist if you're concerned about them.

Because our skin is the most visible reflection of what's going on in our bodies, people equate healthy skin with beauty. But healthy skin is about more than just good looks; it's essential to our survival. So keep your skin glowing with the right skin care techniques and by eating well and getting lots of exercise.

Stretch Marks

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Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most girls and guys. When a person grows or gains weight really quickly (like during puberty), that person may get fine lines on the body called stretch marks. Stretch marks happen when the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching. Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it's overstretched, the normal production of collagen (the major protein that makes up the connective tissue in your skin) is disrupted. As a result, scars called stretch marks may form.

If you're noticing stretch marks on your body, you're not alone. Most girls and women have stretch marks, which tend to show up on the breasts, thighs, hips, and butt. Many women get them during pregnancy. And while they're more common in girls, guys can get stretch marks, too.

People who are obese often have stretch marks. Bodybuilders are prone to getting stretch marks because of the rapid body changes that bodybuilding can produce. Stretch marks also may occur if a person uses steroid-containing skin creams or ointments (such as hydrocortisone) for more than a few weeks, or has to take high doses of oral corticosteroids for months or longer.

At first, stretch marks may show up as reddish or purplish lines that may appear indented and have a different texture from the surrounding skin. Fortunately, stretch marks often turn lighter and almost disappear over time. But the fact that stretch marks usually fade and become less noticeable over time can be little consolation if you plan to spend most of your summer in a bathing suit.

Here are some things to consider if you want to make stretch marks less noticeable:

Some people find that sunless tanning treatments (both over-the-counter lotions and sprays and in-salon types of treatments) can help cover up stretch marks. This doesn't work for regular tanning or tanning beds, though, because stretch marks themselves are less likely to tan. And as everyone knows, the sun and tanning beds do more harm than good when it comes to the long-term health of your skin. You also can buy body makeup matched to the tone of your skin that can make stretch marks all but invisible. Although some manufacturers make these cover-up products water-resistant, makeup may not be the best solution if you'll be spending a lot of time in the water.
Speaking of pool or beach time, the good news is that current fashion favors many styles of bathing suits that also just happen to hide stretch marks. "Boy short" style suits (popular with many athletes because they don't ride up when a person moves) work well for hiding stretch marks on the buttocks and upper thighs. And because many swimmers prefer high-neck bathing suits, which can hide stretch marks in the chest area, there are usually lots of styles to choose from.
Although there are tons of creams and other skin products on the market that claim to eliminate stretch marks, the truth is that most are ineffective and often costly. You can't make stretch marks go away entirely without the help of a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in treating skin problems) or plastic surgeon. These doctors may use one of many types of treatments - from actual surgery to techniques such as microdermabrasion and laser treatment - that reduce the appearance of stretch marks. These techniques are expensive and are not usually recommended for people in their teen years because they are not finished growing and their stretch marks will probably diminish over time anyway.

Shaving

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You looked different this morning. While brushing your teeth, you gazed into the mirror and there it was — hair sprouting all over your face. It's definitely cool, but you're not quite sure whether you want to grow that big bushy beard and moustache just yet. It's time to start shaving (as if you didn't have enough things to do first thing in the morning).

Actually, shaving's no big deal once you get the hang of it. It's quick, easy, and if you follow the tips outlined below, absolutely painless.

Razor Basics

Shaving is simply using a razor to remove the tip of the hair shaft that has grown up through the skin. Razors come in a bunch of different forms. There are standard razors that are either completely disposable or have a disposable blade that needs to be replaced regularly, and there are electric razors.

Using an electric razor can be quick and convenient, but many guys find that it may not give the close and accurate shave that a standard razor can. Although using an electric razor is pretty easy (just turn it on and move it around your face), shaving with a standard razor has a few rules to follow.

When you're using a standard razor, the most important item you need is a clean, sharp blade (the best razors have at least two blades and a movable head). Try to avoid shaving with a dull or blunt blade. At best, a dull blade will give you an uneven shave and leave you with redness, blotches, and patches of unshaven hair on your face and neck. At worst, a dull blade will remove a fair amount of your skin along with the hair! Don't be afraid of changing the blade (or the razor, if you're using the disposable kind) often. You'll be glad you did.

Shaving scrapes natural oils off your face, so the next most important item is some sort of shaving gel to keep your skin from becoming too dry and reduce friction from the razor. Pick a gel you think sounds good and give it a try. If you choose a shaving gel that is mentholated (it will say that on the label), be aware that menthol can sometimes cause a slight reaction with some types of skin and may result in red blotches. If this happens to you, don't worry. Just switch to a non-mentholated shaving cream.

Ouch!

Cuts and nicks are a part of shaving. They won't happen to you every time, but they will happen. When you nick or cut yourself, be sure to grab a clean tissue or cloth and apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. If you've got a zit or a cut right in the middle of the area you're going to shave, it's a good idea to drop the standard razor for a while and use an electric razor or give shaving a break altogether for a few days.

Also, some guys might get ingrown hairs after shaving, in which the hair grows back into the skin. It can pierce the hair follicle, which in turn causes razor bumps. Called folliculitis, this condition can sometimes be handled by using a special safety razor, but this doesn't always work for every guy. If you experience folliculitis, talk to a dermatologist about the best way to remove your beard and moustache.

How to Shave

Before you begin, be sure to remember to rinse your razor after every few strokes. That way, the razor is cleared of any shaving cream or hair that might clog it up. Also, because the hair on different parts of your face grows in different directions, always try to shave in the direction your hair is growing (shaving against the direction your hair is growing can cause razor burn, redness, and rashes).

Now let's shave:

First, wet your face with hot or warm water. This makes the hair on your face softer and opens your skin's pores, getting you ready for a closer and easier shave. Even better, try to shave right after you get out of the shower.
Squirt some shaving gel into your hand, then apply it to your face, making sure to cover the sides of your face, chin, mouth area (around your lips), neck, and throat.
Press the razor to the area you want to shave (it's a good idea to start with the sides of your face as they're easy to handle). Use short, slow strokes and remember to move the razor in the direction your hair is growing. Don't press too hard but don't be too gentle. Find the right touch by making sure the razor is cutting the hair and not your skin. You'll know if you're being too gentle if you only remove the shaving cream and the hair is still there.
When the sides of your face are finished, move on to the more tricky spots. For areas like your upper lip/moustache area, bottom lip/chin area, and neck/throat area, you'll have to work a little. Try to stretch your skin a bit to make a flat surface, and glide the razor over those tricky areas.
When you're finished, rinse your clean, smooth face with cold water. If you want to, put on some aftershave. Depending on how fast you grow that beard and moustache, repeat the entire process in 1 to 3 days.