Gestational DiabetesWritten by Andrew Palmer
Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before, but who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, are said to have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnancies, making it one of top health concerns related to pregnancy. What is cause of gestational diabetes? While no-one really knows true cause, there are some contributing factors that might increase risk of developing gestational diabetes. These factors include: * Obesity in woman * A family history of diabetes * Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy. * Older maternal age (over age of 30). * A previous delivery of a large (greater than 9 pounds) baby . What are risks of gestational diabetes? High sugar levels in your blood can be unhealthy for both you and your baby. If a woman had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a greater change of developing diabetes, but there is also some other risks involved, such as macrosomia, or a "fat" baby. Babies with macrosomia face health problems of their own, including damage to their shoulders during birth, or a higher risk for breathing problems.
| | Tips for Staying Fit and Healthy at HomeWritten by Lesley Spencer
by Lesley Spencer, MSc; Founder & President HBWM.com Inc. Many Americans these days are finding themselves out of shape and overweight. Why is that? The bottom line is we are taking in more calories than we are burning. It takes a conscious effort to reduce calories, eat healthier and get regular exercise. Exercise does not have to be a dreaded word either. The good news is that exercise gives you more energy, stress relief, better health, clearer focus, sharper mind, better sleep, better bone health, better sex life, and it decreases risk of cancers, heart attacks and heart problems. Forget benefits of just looking good and realize exercise not only makes you feel good, it can help you live a longer, healthier life. Here are some tips to get you on your way to a healthier lifestyle: -- Put your workout clothes on first thing in morning. You'll feel more "obligated" to exercise once you are dressed in your workout clothes. -- Use music to energize and motivate you to exercise. Get a few great CDs that energize you. Turn it up and jam out! The music will motivate you and help time pass by more quickly! -- Always keep a water bottle and a healthy snack with you. When you get hungry, go for healthy snack instead of heading to pantry. Try to keep your water bottle full so that you can drink plenty of water throughout day.
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