Being pregnant means following a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever. It’s crucial to understand what steps you can take to keep you and your baby in good health.
Prenatal care is one of the vital factors that ensure a smooth pregnancy. The first checkup should occur during the first 6 to 8 weeks of your pregnancy, when your menstrual period is approximately 2 to 4 weeks late. For women who are relatively healthy and have no complicating risk factors, you'll probably see your health professional every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks of pregnancy. After that you'll have an appointment weekly until you give birth through inducing labor or otherwise.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is one of the best ways to enjoy a happy pregnancy. Because you’re eating for two, it’s doubly important to consume healthy foods and stay away from things that may harm your baby as it develops. When you’re pregnant, dieting and cutting calories is not a good thing - you will need to take in about 300 more calories a day to ensure you and your baby are properly nourished, especially as your pregnancy progresses. Caloric intake, however, can vary from woman to woman. For thin women, and women carrying twins, you possibly required to consume more than 300 extra calories. Or, if you are currently over-weight you might need less. No matter what, you will need to contact your health professional to determine what’s best for you.
Of course, pure calorie consumption is not the only goal - you need to make sure that what you eat is nutritionally sound. Nutritious foods contain the essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a baby’s growth and development.
Although a healthy diet is fundamental to caring for your body during pregnancy, it’s actually quite simple to integrate healthy living into your daily life. Maintain a well-balanced diet by following basic dietary guidelines. Lean meats, fruit, vegetables, whole grain breads and low-fat dairy products are all essential to maintaining good health.
Real, healthy food will provide your body with much-needed nutrients. At the same time, during pregnancy certain essential nutrients are required in higher-than-normal amounts. For example, calcium, iron, and folic acid (folate) are especially essential in the diet of a pregnant woman. Although your doctor may prescribe vitamin supplements, your diet still needs to contain nutritious food to provide your body with most of its nourishment.
On a normal basis, women need 1,000 mg of calcium per day, but during pregnancy, calcium consumption should rise in order to keep up with calcium loss in your bones. You can get calcium from a wide range of food products, including low-fat dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; orange juice, soy milk, and cereals that are fortified with calcium; dark green veggies such as spinach, kale, and broccoli; as well as tofu, dried beans, and almonds.
A pregnant woman requires 27 to 30 mg of iron per day because iron is used by the body to make hemoglobin, which is what helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. A lack of iron leads to a dearth of red blood cells, meaning the body’s tissues and organs don’t receive enough oxygen. With a baby on board, women need to pay extra attention to their iron intake.
Iron is found in both plant and animal matter, but the body absorbs it more easily from meat sources. The following are some foods that contain a good amount of iron: red meat, dark poultry, salmon, eggs, tofu, enriched grains, dried beans and peas, dried fruit, leafy green vegetables, black-strap molasses, and iron-fortified breakfast cereals.
Many people have already heard about how important folate (folic acid) is for a pregnant woman. For pregnant woman, or those planning on becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you take 0.4 milligrams of folic acid every day. Many women choose to supplement their diet with vitamins in addition to any folic acid intake they receive from food.
It has been found that consuming folic acid 1 month before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects by 70%, which is why it’s considered so critical. The neural tube is formed during the first 28 days of pregnancy, which is usually before a woman even realizes she’s pregnant, and it eventually develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Lack of sufficient nutrition, particularly a lack of folic acid, may result in a neural tube defect such as spina bifida.
To remain healthy while pregnant, it’s also key to drink plenty of fluids. During pregnancy your blood volume increases, so drinking plenty of water is the best way to avoid dehydration and constipation.
Exercise is a great way to feel great throughout an entire pregnancy. There is no reason to stop you exercise and other physical activity once you become pregnant; in fact, dietary guidelines suggest that you take 30 minutes or more each day to work out at a moderate pace.
During pregnancy, regular exercise prevents excessive weight gain, reduces problems such as back pain, swelling, and constipation, improves sleep, increases energy, promotes a positive attitude, prepares your body for labor and lessens recovery time after labor.
Proper sleep is another factor in maintaining health and comfort during pregnancy. Pregnancy can take its toll, and after a long day you will feel more tired than usual. As the baby grows bigger, it will be more difficult to sleep, but try to sleep as best you can - it will do wonders for how you feel!
Once you are ready to give birth and are considering inducing labor it is wise to consider all the advantages and disadvantages. Indeed, several authorities recommend you give informed consent before labor is induced. Of course, the baby is an important concern when considering induction of labor, especially the baby's ability to breathe once delivered.
Following a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising, and drinking plenty of fluids are all important to your overall well-being during pregnancy. If you strive to eat nutritious food and maintain a positive attitude during the course of your pregnancy, the good moments will definitely outshine the difficult ones.
(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.This blog is offering many articles and tips to stay fit. )
Monday, November 12, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Exercises To Relieve Chronic Back Pain
Using exercises to relieve chronic back pain is most definitely effective. Chronic back problems are ones that persist over a long period of time. This could be due to several reasons and can affect many different people. It is important for you to check with your doctor before taking on any new exercise program, especially if it involves a chronic back problem. Using exercises to relieve chronic back pain can help quite a bit but, if not done properly or when your body is not ready, it can worsen the situation.
When using exercises to relieve chronic back pain you stand to experience benefits far beyond that of just helping your back. You will be positively affecting your overall well-being. You should look to take on a couple different types of exercise, one being aerobic. The goal of aerobic is, of course to help strengthen your heart but it will also have an added benefit of helping you strengthen your back and lose weight. For many people who have chronic back problems, much of it can be remedied by losing weight. The extra weight one carries puts unnecessary stain on your back.
Another to consider when wanting to use exercises to help relieve chronic back pain is yoga. Yoga involves a lot of really positive stretching moves that has the benefits of stretching out your spine and strengthening your back. It promotes the overall health of your back. Really any kind of back stretching can be beneficial but yoga provides you with quite a few postures and movements that typical stretching does not. It requires a lot of concentration and can also help you on other levels. Yoga can help you with breathing and increase your balance.
An added benefit to using exercises to relieve chronic back pain is that it helps with your out look. Having chronic back pain for a long period of time can bring depression. This comes from having to endure pain for so long, having to miss out on life and being limited to what you can do. Many people who battle depression are told to get active, to find ways to move around and to exercise. If you have problems staying positive and can see it affecting other parts of your life, then exercise will help you on many levels.
An added benefit to using exercises to relieve chronic back pain is that it helps with your out look. Having chronic back pain for a long period of time can bring depression. This comes from having to endure pain for so long, having to miss out on life and being limited to what you can do. Many people who battle depression are told to get active, to find ways to move around and to exercise. If you have problems staying positive and can see it affecting other parts of your life, then exercise will help you on many levels.
It is important, to an extent, to get plenty of rest for your back but what happens if it gets too much rest is it gets weaker. The weaker it gets, the more pain you endure and the easier it becomes to get injured. Exercising on a regular basis will not only make your body stronger as well as all the other added benefits discuss earlier, it will help you remain mobile and may help to make you even more flexible. It will also help to shorten the amount of time it takes to recover in those moments that you hurt your back again and makes those moments further and farther between. Using exercises to relieve chronic back pain will work and will help not only take the pain away, but help keep it away.
Stretching exercises to relieve back pain can help overcome the day-to-day stress that our bodies undergo and the toll that it takes on our backs in particular. Depending on our occupation, we are forced to either stand or sit in one place for long periods of time. This poor posture and the constant compression of our spines can bring about not only short-term pain but long term problems. Correcting your posture and doing stretching exercises to relieve back pain will help remedy the situation.
Another problem that people face is on the weekends over compensating for their lack of activity during the week by undergoing rigorous physical activities. While getting exercise is highly recommended and beneficial, it can also cause problems if your body is not ready for the endeavor. This can make your body, in particular your back susceptible to injury. Getting a little bit of exercise during the week can prevent this and also doing stretching exercises to relieve back pain.
Five stretching exercises to relieve back pain that you can do that take only about 15 –20 minutes a day will help your body recover from the stress we put on our bodies Monday through Friday. For these stretching exercises to relieve back pain you will need an elastic exercise band available at most department stores.
Low Back Stretch:
This is accomplished by sitting upright on the floor with your legs together and stretched straight out. Take the exercise band and wrap it around your feet holding on to both ends with your hands. “Climb” towards your foot using the band pulling yourself one hand in front of the other. Do this until you can feel the stretch going from your calves all the way to your spine and lower back. Hold this for 8-10 seconds breathing normally. Do this 3 times.
Quad Stretch:
Lay face down and wrap the elastic band around your toe pulling your leg towards your head. Once you feel your front thigh fully stretched, hold it for 8 seconds and then repeat two more times and do the same with the other leg.
Glutes and External Rotator Stretch:
Still laying with your back to the ground wrap the elastic band around one toe and straighten that leg, holding on to the band. Once it is extended then twist at the hip until that leg is on the ground, keeping your back as flat as can be. Hold this for the full 8-10 seconds repeating 3 times and then switch legs.
Groin Stretch:
Lay on your back with your legs almost in a split. Bend your left leg till your foot is flat on the floor. Wrap the elastic band on the right foot and gently pull with both arms. Hold this for another 8-10 seconds and then repeat 3 times. Then switch legs and do it all over again.
Hamstring Stretch:
Assume the same position as the External Rotator Stretch and instead of twisting at the hip, stay straight, with your leg straight up and pull gently back towards your head. This stretches the hamstring, which relives some of the tension from the back.
These exercises will not only make you stronger and a bit more flexible, they will also be great stretching exercises to relieve back pain.
(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.This blog is offering many articles and tips to stay fit. )
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Tennis Fitness : Tips from the Professionals
Tennis is one of the best and easiest sports to keep you fit. However, the general consensus is that too much of it or the use of wrong techniques can and do cause injuries. If you are a beginner you will do well to learn the basic techniques of the sport as well as the safety tips provided.
There are many injuries that can result from using the wrong techniques to play this kind sport. The injuries range from tennis elbow to more serious back or ankle problems. When starting out, play twice or three times a week at the most to give the body the time it needs to adjust. Do this for a month and then slowly step up the pace to four times a week and so on.
You need to alternate your court sessions with some gym sessions for all round fitness. If you can maintain a fit physique there is nothing to prevent you from playing the game well into your eighties or beyond. Tennis is a very popular sport for all ages and once a player gets hooked on the game, it is very difficult to give it up.
There are some very basic tips that should be adopted to stay fit for the game. Right at the top of the list is having the right tennis gear. It is not only the racquet that is important in terms of size, grip, balance, head size and weight. You also need to wear the right socks and shoes. There are specially designed tennis shoes that help to provide support for the ankles.
Once you have the right gear, you can then focus on taking lessons from a real professional who will be able to teach you the correct techniques to play the game. How you reach for the ball and swing your racquet is important. You could reach for the ball by using the wrong technique and end up putting too much strain on your back. Torn ligaments and muscles are common when players do not exercise the right game techniques.
Eating the right foods that provide the body with the complete nutritional requirements and staying hydrated are very important factors that contribute to keeping your body fit.
The body needs time to adjust to the movements of the game and the demands you make of it, so take it slow – do not go pushing your body beyond its natural limits. You can start out by playing only two days a week and gradually build up your strength to stay on the court for longer periods of time.
(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)
There are many injuries that can result from using the wrong techniques to play this kind sport. The injuries range from tennis elbow to more serious back or ankle problems. When starting out, play twice or three times a week at the most to give the body the time it needs to adjust. Do this for a month and then slowly step up the pace to four times a week and so on.
You need to alternate your court sessions with some gym sessions for all round fitness. If you can maintain a fit physique there is nothing to prevent you from playing the game well into your eighties or beyond. Tennis is a very popular sport for all ages and once a player gets hooked on the game, it is very difficult to give it up.
There are some very basic tips that should be adopted to stay fit for the game. Right at the top of the list is having the right tennis gear. It is not only the racquet that is important in terms of size, grip, balance, head size and weight. You also need to wear the right socks and shoes. There are specially designed tennis shoes that help to provide support for the ankles.
Once you have the right gear, you can then focus on taking lessons from a real professional who will be able to teach you the correct techniques to play the game. How you reach for the ball and swing your racquet is important. You could reach for the ball by using the wrong technique and end up putting too much strain on your back. Torn ligaments and muscles are common when players do not exercise the right game techniques.
Eating the right foods that provide the body with the complete nutritional requirements and staying hydrated are very important factors that contribute to keeping your body fit.
The body needs time to adjust to the movements of the game and the demands you make of it, so take it slow – do not go pushing your body beyond its natural limits. You can start out by playing only two days a week and gradually build up your strength to stay on the court for longer periods of time.
(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)
Friday, January 20, 2012
Never Too Late to Start Exercising
It Is Never Too Late to Start Exercising
Primary keyword: start exercising
Secondary keywords: benefits of exercise, healthy lifestyle, sedentary lifestyle, exercise for weight loss, daily exercise routine, work-life balance
Understanding Why Exercise Matters More as We Age
For many people, the true benefits of exercise are not fully appreciated until later in life. During childhood, physical activity happens naturally. Children run, jump, and play simply because it is enjoyable—not because they are thinking about long-term health.
As adulthood arrives, priorities begin to shift. Work, family responsibilities, and longer working hours slowly replace daily movement. Exercise, once effortless, starts to feel optional or even inconvenient. At this stage, many individuals still believe that health issues are something to worry about “later.”
Unfortunately, the body keeps score. When unhealthy habits accumulate, they often resurface years later in the form of fatigue, joint pain, weight gain, or reduced stamina. This is usually the moment when people begin to understand why maintaining a healthy lifestyle truly matters.
How Early Lifestyle Choices Shape Your Current Health
If you are now in your forties or beyond and experiencing recurring health problems, it is worth reflecting on past habits. Lifestyle choices made during younger years—especially poor eating habits and lack of exercise—play a major role in current physical condition.
Neglecting regular physical activity does not always cause immediate discomfort. However, over time, it can lead to muscle weakness, reduced flexibility, slower metabolism, and declining energy levels. The encouraging reality is that the body responds positively to movement at any age. It is never too late to start exercising, and positive changes can still happen even after years of inactivity.
The Essential Benefits of Exercise for the Body
Exercise is not only about appearance or weight management. It supports nearly every system in the body. Regular physical activity helps:
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Strengthen muscles and ligaments
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Maintain bone density and slow bone deterioration
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Improve circulation and organ function
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Enhance balance, coordination, and flexibility
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Support exercise for weight loss in a natural and sustainable way
Even individuals who work in physically demanding jobs benefit from structured exercise. Light stretching or low-impact routines can help balance repetitive movements and reduce strain.
Read 👉 weight loss program
Sedentary Lifestyle: A Hidden Risk in Modern Life
One of the biggest health challenges today is the rise of the sedentary lifestyle. Office workers often spend hours sitting in air-conditioned rooms, staring at computer screens with minimal physical movement.
Many skip proper breaks, eat meals at their desks, and rarely step outside during work hours. When this pattern continues for years, it can increase the risk of obesity, poor posture, muscle stiffness, and cardiovascular issues. Mental fatigue and reduced focus are also common side effects.
Why Busy Professionals Still Make Time to Exercise
Interestingly, people at the highest levels of organizations often prioritize exercise despite demanding schedules. CEOs and executives are frequently seen at golf courses, swimming pools, or tennis courts. This is not a coincidence.
They understand that exercise improves mental clarity, stress management, and long-term productivity. Some prefer early-morning workouts, while others exercise after work to release tension from the day. Physical activity helps balance the negative effects of prolonged sitting and work-related stress.
Read 👉 7 reasons to exercise
Starting an Exercise Routine Without Overwhelming Yourself
One common reason people delay exercising is the belief that workouts must be intense or time-consuming. In reality, consistency matters more than intensity. Simple activities such as brisk walking, stretching, light strength training, or cycling can already deliver meaningful health benefits.
Beginners should focus on building a habit first. Short sessions done regularly are more effective than occasional intense workouts. Over time, the body adapts, making movement feel easier and more enjoyable.
Read 👉 9 Effective Ways to Start a Healthy Lifestyle for Beginners
Exercise as a Key to Work-Life Balance
A well-planned daily exercise routine contributes significantly to achieving work-life balance. Physical activity helps release stress hormones, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mood. These benefits extend beyond the gym and positively affect work performance and personal relationships.
Exercise does not have to be separate from daily life. Walking meetings, short stretching breaks, or evening walks with family are simple ways to stay active without disrupting a busy schedule.
Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Start Is Now
Regardless of age or fitness level, choosing to move your body today is one of the most valuable investments you can make for your future health. The human body is remarkably adaptable, and positive changes can happen faster than expected.
Remember, it is never too late to start exercising. What matters most is taking the first step—and continuing, one day at a time.
(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.This blog is offering many articles and tips to stay fit. )
Monday, January 09, 2012
Walking is a Beneficial Exercise
Why Walking is a Beneficial Exercise ? Everyone knows that exercising regularly is good for one’s health and it also keeps the weight issues at bay. However, not everyone follows this generally accepted rule. There are a number of reasons for this. The biggest one is that they cannot find the time to work out due to their busy work life. Well, the answer to this is that you must find time for yourself. Otherwise you will never be able to take care of your health. The minimum amount of time that one should spare for exercise is 30 minutes a day. This is surely not too much to ask for if one thinks about it in a rational manner.
One of the best forms of exercise is to go for a walk. Walking is easy for people of all ages. Be it young or old, everyone has the liberty to choose their own pace, speed and limit. Added to this there are a number of benefits of opting for it as a regular exercise.
The biggest and main benefit is that through walking you can exercise all the muscles of your body. That way, from a weight loss perspective all the trouble areas are covered. Those who can do arm exercise while they are walking can quite easily tone their loose muscles as well. One such form of exercise is the march past style walk in which arms are used as well. If you do not want to do this then you can select some slow arm exercises and do them while you are out on a walk.
As it helps work out all the body muscles, walking is quite beneficial for the heart as well. The heart remains healthy and active. This is a great benefit for those who have opted for walking as a regular form of exercise. This is also one of the reasons why heart patients are told to opt for walking as a form of regular exercise to prevent further damage.
The best time to take a walk is early in the morning. This is because at that time of the day the air is fresh. Walking at that time is going to ensure that you get the maximum of oxygen in your system. This factor adds to the benefits of other exercise that you are going to do. Also starting the day with exercise is going to energize you for the rest of the day.
(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)
One of the best forms of exercise is to go for a walk. Walking is easy for people of all ages. Be it young or old, everyone has the liberty to choose their own pace, speed and limit. Added to this there are a number of benefits of opting for it as a regular exercise.
The biggest and main benefit is that through walking you can exercise all the muscles of your body. That way, from a weight loss perspective all the trouble areas are covered. Those who can do arm exercise while they are walking can quite easily tone their loose muscles as well. One such form of exercise is the march past style walk in which arms are used as well. If you do not want to do this then you can select some slow arm exercises and do them while you are out on a walk.
As it helps work out all the body muscles, walking is quite beneficial for the heart as well. The heart remains healthy and active. This is a great benefit for those who have opted for walking as a regular form of exercise. This is also one of the reasons why heart patients are told to opt for walking as a form of regular exercise to prevent further damage.
The best time to take a walk is early in the morning. This is because at that time of the day the air is fresh. Walking at that time is going to ensure that you get the maximum of oxygen in your system. This factor adds to the benefits of other exercise that you are going to do. Also starting the day with exercise is going to energize you for the rest of the day.
(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)
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