Is it Colic, Infant Reflux or GERD? Learn How To Tell The Difference.Written by Roni MacLean
It can sometimes be difficult for a parent to understand whether baby has colic or reflux (and even GERD) since some of symptoms (eg. poor sleep, constant crying) can be similiar. It's also extremely important to rule out reflux as a cause of this crying, as it's becoming widely acknowledged that many cases of colic are actually undiagnosed and untreated cases of reflux. In these cases, simply treating reflux may eliminate colicky behavior. The easiest way to determine whether a baby has colic or reflux is to look at definitions and symptoms of each. Then compare them to your child's symptoms. COLIC Colic can be defined as uncontrollable, extended crying in babies who are otherwise healthy and well-fed. All babies cry, but when they cry for more than three hours a day, three to four days a week, they are said to have colic. Symptoms of Colic The main symptom is continuous crying for long periods of time. This crying can occur at any time of day but it usually gets worse at night. It's not believed that colic is caused by pain although a colicky baby may look uncomfortable or appear to be in pain. They may lift their head, draw their legs up to their abdomen, pass gas and become red-faced. Poor sleep habits is also common. REFLUX The term reflux is a shorter way of referring to GER (Gastro Esophageal Reflux) and is simply defined as backward flow of stomach contents up esophagus. GER is a physiological process that happens to everyone—young and old—from time to time, particularly after meals and many times we are not even aware it is happening. In babies it generally occurs from immaturity of LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) which is muscle between stomach and esophagus. Some common symptoms of uncomplicated reflux can include: *constant or sudden crying or colic like symptoms *irritability and pain *poor sleep habits typically with frequent waking *arching their necks and back during or after eating spitting-up or vomiting *wet burp or frequent hiccups *frequent ear infections or sinus congestion
| | 5 Tips To Cure Your AcneWritten by Tony Newton
Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults are acne sufferers. And although acne affects about 50 percent of all adult women, acne does affect males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.Here are 5 tips to help with acne prevention and treatment and skin maintenance. They are listed in no particular order of importance. 1. Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine for vitamin D, ingredients for healthy skin. Not only will your skin appreciate vitamin D, your body and mind will enjoy oxygen and stress reducer of a daily jaunt outdoors. But don't overdo it and get a sunburn! Remember to use sun protection / tanning lotions if you'll be out long. You don't want to get caught up in that cycle of burned, dead skin cells blocking pores, resulting in acne scenario. 2. Remember, even "good" stress can trigger internal chemical responses that result in acne, too. So plan ahead to deal with extra stress when planning a wedding, graduation, a move, a new job, a job transfer, a new baby, etc. Journal a little extra, focusing on upcoming issue or issues and plan in some extra rest (use relaxation or meditation tools - cassettes, workshops, etc.) Get help around house, take time off, exercise (yoga and T'ai Chi are highly recommended), have fun or whatever you need to do.
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