Maternity Insurance|Maternity Care|Postpartum Care

Physiotherapy, also often called physical therapy, can help you heal after an accident makes it hard to move. This type of treatment can also assist you in managing disorders that you have had from birth, which means you may be able to move a little easier, with a little less pain than usual. No matter why you have to go to physical therapy, there are a few questions you should ask before you schedule an appointment. Finding out certain facts ahead of time can save you time.

One thing to check is that your insurance is accepted. Otherwise, you may have to pay out of pocket for your physiotherapy appointment. Most doctors list this fact on their website, but since this can change so often, it is best to call the office to confirm. You should also ask whether the office files the claim for you, which is a convenience that many practices now provide since filling out the paperwork on your own can be confusing and time-consuming.

Another insurance-related question to ask is what your co-pay is, though the front office staff may not be aware of this off the top of their heads. Luckily, you can contact your provider or check your coverage on the website to find out information like co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles so you make sure to bring the right amount with you.

New patients always need to fill out a lot of forms at any doctor's appointment. This is why you are encouraged to arrive early to your visit, as it may get pushed back a little if you do not allow sufficient time for the paperwork. Since it asks about allergies, past treatment, and insurance information, there is usually no way to get started with the physiotherapy care before you fill out the proper forms. If you know you will be in a hurry on the day of the visit, find out if you can fill out the paperwork days before the appointment, such as by downloading it online, printing it out, and bringing it with you.

Finally, ask what you should wear to your physiotherapy visit. In most cases, you should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes that you can work out in. However, you should take into account what body parts will be involved in the exercises. For example, if your arm is the only part being rehabilitated, then you probably do not need to think much about your shoes, while tennis shoes are best if your legs will be the focus. To be sure, simply ask the office staff before you come in. If you cannot get in touch with anyone, just use common sense and think about what you would feel most comfortable in.

To avoid having to get your visit rescheduled, you should ask these things well in advance of your appointment. Otherwise, you may have to pay more than you expect, or you might be uncomfortable the whole time. Most physiotherapy practitioners should be happy to provide the answers you need over the phone or website.

What is marijuana? Marijuana, also called pot, weed, or cannabis, is a recreational drug that comes from the hemp plant. Parts of the plant are dried and smoked in pipes or cigarettes (joints) or less commonly eaten. It is an illegal substance in the United States, except in some states that allow marijuana use by prescription for medical purposes.

How much is known about the effects of marijuana on a pregnancy?

Marijuana contains about 400 different chemicals and some marijuana cigarettes may contain other drugs or pesticides. It is very difficult to study the effects of marijuana use during pregnancy because some women who use marijuana may also use alcohol, tobacco, or other substances at the same time. They may also have other factors that can increase pregnancy complications, such as lack of prenatal care. In addition, accurate information on the amount, frequency, and timing of marijuana use is not usually available for study participants. These factors may help explain why we see inconsistent findings in the studies that have been published.

I am trying to become pregnant. Will marijuana use by myself or my partner lower my chance of becoming pregnant?

In women, long-term use of marijuana may affect the menstrual cycle and lead to a reduction in hormones involved in reproduction and fertility. In men, an association with reduced sperm count has been documented. These effects do not appear to totally prevent pregnancy, but may lower the chances. The effects on fertility appear to be reversible when marijuana is discontinued.

Will smoking or ingesting marijuana cause birth defects in my baby?

The frequency of birth defects was not higher than expected in the babies of 1246 women who reported smoking marijuana during pregnancy. However, most of the women in the study smoked only "occasionally." While this data is reassuring, in the absence of studies where women smoked more heavily, it is best to avoid marijuana during pregnancy

Can marijuana harm the baby in any other way?

The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known to cross the placenta during pregnancy. This means it gets into the baby's system, although how THC may impact a developing baby is unclear. Some studies have suggested that for women who smoke marijuana cigarettes regularly, there is an increased risk for premature births and low birth weight, similar to what is seen with cigarette smoking. Premature and low birthweight babies have higher rates of infant deaths, learning problems or other disabilities.

If I smoke marijuana in the third trimester, can it cause my baby to go through withdrawal after birth?

Some newborns exposed to marijuana have been reported to have temporary withdrawal-like symptoms, such as increased tremors and crying.

Can my marijuana smoking affect the brain development of the baby?

Differences in brain activity, behavior, and sleeping patterns of infants and children exposed to marijuana in pregnancy have been reported in some studies. It is believed that these children may have more problems with attention, impulsive behavior, and academic performance. However, the evidence is far from conclusive as many of the studies reportconflicting results.

What happens if I use marijuana when I'm breast-feeding?

Marijuana can be passed to infants through their mother's breast milk. Marijuana may also affect the quality and quantity of breast milk. Although no consistent effects have been noticed in infants exposed to marijuana through breast milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that breastfeeding mothers avoid the use of marijuana.

Are you losing more than 20-100 strands of hairs a day? If your answer is yes; you are part of 50 percent of the population experiencing hair loss, but before you get alarmed there are some changes in your body either conscious or unconscious that maybe causing your hair to shed. Did you make a change in your diet, Are you eating enough proteins and amino acids, Is your body going trough a hormonal change (postpartum, thyroid), Anemia, stress, medications etc.? It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for anyone experiencing extreme hair loss. A professional will evaluate all the possibilities and right treatment for those with a more serious problem.

Here are some recipes that will act on the scalp by tightening it and helping to avoid hair loss and promote hair growth.

Caution: Make sure recipes are not to hot before applying to hair or scalp.

1.Apply 2 tablespoons of warm olive oil to scalp, leave on for 10-30 minutes before washing hair.

2.Boil 2 cinnamon sticks in one cup of water apply to hair and live on for at least 5 minutes then rinse off.( it will sting a little).

3.Apply & massage vitamin E oil to scalp at least once a week. It's also helpful for dull hair lacking shine.

4.Increase your protein intake by taking multivitamins. Eat high protein foods like meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dried beans, grains etc.

5.Massage your hair with warm Castor and Almond oil once a week.

Giving birth provides an unparalleled feeling of joy in the life of every woman. But for becoming a mother you need to conceive first. And to be fair, every day life has become so hectic that getting pregnant can be a real problem. Thus, knowing the best way to get pregnant can be really helpful.

While there is no fool-proof way to get pregnant, you can follow some simple methods to significantly increase your chances of conceiving. By using these tips, you'll be able to have your very own beautiful baby. And be able to experience the great feeling of being a mother.

1. Even though you might be very busy and usually come back home totally spent, you need to have regular sex. The experts say that you must try to have sex at least every other day in order to be able to get pregnant.

2. Try to find out when you ovulate. If you have a regular 28 day cycle, you can just count 14 days from the first day of your period to get your ovulation date. But in case your periods aren't regular, you can use an ovulation kit to calculate your ovulation date. These kits are safe and simply test for the presence of luteinizing hormones (which indicate ovulation) in your urine.

3. The chances of pregnancy are at their highest two days before ovulation and so this may be the right time for you to have sex. This is when the cervical mucus can expedite the flow of sperms towards the egg.

4. Be patient and give it about six months to year before you consult a doctor regarding possible fertility problems and other ways to get pregnant.

When I found out that I was just pregnant, after taking a pregnancy test that turned out positive, I was incredibly excited but also a tiny bit frightened. I wondered about maintaining my health during pregnancy.

I'd heard about how some women have intense cravings and pile on the pounds. Would I be one of them? It was time to do some research to make sure I stayed healthy.

Along the way, I learned five steps to do in the very early stages of pregnancy, as well as through the entire nine months. Each specific tip helped me maintain my health during pregnancy and bounce back in shape quickly after giving birth. Obviously, these tips are not only for when you are just pregnant, but work for all women. To remain healthy is a lifelong struggle, but what better time than when pregnant to really strive for great health?

I have to admit that at first I thought I could eat everything in sight, stop exercising and just take it easy. But I quickly realized that I didn't feel right and that my body was more sluggish than ever. So here are the top five steps I followed:

First, I began to read lots and lots of information about nutrition for pregnancy. For example, I had no idea that a baby could actually rob a pregnant woman's teeth and body of calcium. Maybe that explained why my gums were starting to ache and my dentist told me to take extra care during pregnancy.

But to maintain health during pregnancy, it isn't just calcium that has to be added to the diet. Empty calories had to be limited. I also didn't like to drink caffeine as that seemed to make my baby restless and made me uneasy. I figured that couldn't be good for the baby.

Secondly, I took note of my food cravings, but endeavored not to indulge them. Some cravings truly indicated a need for specific vitamin rich fruits and vegetables. Other cravings, including those for salty foods, could lead to water retention and weight gain. Besides, a craving for salt didn't necessarily mean I needed extra salt because some women desire salt when they actually want sugar - just one of the oddities of pregnancy.

The third step is one that isn't for those women who are just pregnant but can benefit general health. I learned about specific types of exercise to help me stay fit. As not all exercises are recommended to be done during pregnancy, I tried to find out what ones were safe, to ensure my safety as well as that of my baby. A balanced blend of the right fitness routines helped prepare me to give birth and remain in good shape. I also stayed out of hot saunas as overheating the body isn't good for the baby.

The fourth tip I followed was to steer clear of drab maternity clothing. By focusing on my body, I figured I would be reminded to maintain my health during pregnancy, thus not gaining too much weight as I took pride in my pregnant body. Realistically I knew that I would have a baby bulge, but I hoped to get back into shape as soon as possible after the birth of my baby. Wearing nice clothes helped me remember that pregnancy doesn't have to mean dressing in loose and sloppy clothing.

Finally, I worked on putting together a fitness and diet program to help me lose weight after I gave birth. I started planning for this when I was just pregnant, even before the baby was kicking inside me. Shedding those baby pounds doesn't have to be a difficult process but I believe I succeeded only by planning ahead.

There is so much juice recipe information and nutritional advice on the internet, and it can be hard to sort out what is legitimate from what is not. Everyone knows that fresh fruit and vegetable juices can be powerful "medicine" for a range of diseases, but not everyone knows that those people who have health conditions or diseases need to take care when juicing.

Finding reputable information sources and checking with a healthcare professional before juicing is recommended. Juicing is generally safe and healthy but it's important to consider some of the potential hazards so that you can avoid them.

1. Certain raw fruits and vegetables may be contaminated with food-borne pathogens such as E. coli or salmonella. However, this is much more rare than such contaminations in animal products. To be safe, fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly scrubbed before cutting or juicing, and people with compromised immune systems or who are pregnant should stay away from especially susceptible foods such as sprouts.

2. Blood thinners such as Warfarin can have their effectiveness reduced if the patient consumes too much Vitamin K. Because of this, people on blood thinner should avoid consuming the juices of broccoli, carrot, wheatgrass, cranberries, kale, and other fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin K.

3. Garlic is considered a blood-thinner. Very high doses should not be consumed by pregnant or recently postpartum women, nor by any patient before or after surgery.

4. Onion and pomegranate can also amplify the effects of anticoagulant medications, so individuals taking these medications should consult a healthcare professional.

5. Garlic can also interact with medications including but not limited to quinolone antibiotics, hypoglycemic medications, antihypertensive agents, and calcium channel blockers.

6. Cauliflower is not recommended for individuals with gout or high levels of uric acid due to "purine" content, a natural substance that leads to excess uric acid. Large amounts of cauliflower as well as raw cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli or Brussels sprouts should not be consumed by people with hypothyroidism. They are goitrogenic foods that may cause an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone and potentially a goiter in people with thyroid disease.

7. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those who take birth control pills should consult a doctor before consuming larger than normal quantities of alfalfa sprouts. Avoid alfalfa sprout and bean sprout juice if you have a hormone-sensitive condition such as certain cancers, fibroids, endometriosis, etc.

8. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid bitter gourd and wheatgrass completely. Pineapple juice is not recommended in high doses for pregnant women as it may cause uterine contractions

9. Diabetics should carefully monitor their blood glucose when consuming large amounts of alfalfa as it may lower blood glucose.

10. Bitter gourd and blueberries may cause hypoglycemia in diabetics so they also require monitoring. You may find juice recipe information indicating other concerns about juicing for diabetics, and your doctor or nutritionist may have important advice regarding how to juice safely.

11. People with kidney problems should avoid asparagus and eggplant juice.

12. If you are on a low-potassium diet, consult your doctors before consuming large amounts of pear juice.

13. Those with kidney stones should avoid large quantities of beets, eggplant, concord grapes, kiwi, plum, other vegetables and fruits high in oxalic acid.

14. Cranberries can cause excess uric acid and calcium in the urine, increasing the chance of calcium-oxalate stone formation.

15. Spinach should be avoided by people with hepatitis, rheumatism, intestinal inflammations, gallstones and kidney stones. Strawberries and excessive amounts of sweet potato should be avoided by people with gallstone and kidney stones, as well.

16. If you suffer from gallstones, have a bleeding disorder, or take a blood-thinning medication (including aspirin) do not consume ginger before consulting a doctor. It can contribute to the thinning of the blood.

17. Grapefruit is notorious for interacting with a number of medications. Rather than making the medications less effective, in many cases grapefruit increases their efficacy which can lead to overdoses. Grapefruit interacts with statins, some chemotherapy agents, Buspar, certain beta blockers, fexofenadine, carbamazepine, certain anti-retrovirals, some immunosuppressants, sertraline and cyclosporine.

18. You can easily avoid whichever juices might cause bad reactions for you. Search for juice recipe information for fruits and vegetables you know you can safely consume, and then combine those fruits and vegetables creatively. Delicious, nutritious fruit and vegetable juices are just moments away.

Finding a individual health insurance plan in TX is not that difficult. There are many companies that focus on selling health insurance plans to Texans. This article will describe some of your options and what you should look for when buying or getting a quote for an insurance policy in TX.

There are different types of health plans offered in Texas. You can buy a membership into a PPO (preferred provider organization) or HMO (health maintenance organization) plan from most major insurance carriers. Some major carriers in TX are Celtic, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AETNA, UNI CARE, and United Healthcare.

When deciding between a PPO and a HMO you need to look at which plan will provide the most bang for the buck. For example, do you want to specify which doctor to see? If so then you might want to consider a PPO. Most HMO's have one office in your area where you will have to use their doctors. PPO's usually have many doctors to select from, although your normal doctor might not be on their list.

When selecting a heath plan make sure you know how much the deductible will be for each member on the plan and the total out of pocket expense you will have to pay. Also make sure you know how much the coinsurance is for routine visits and other doctor related procedures. Also, make sure if you need maternity coverage that the plan will pay for it as well. Some plans do not include maternity.

Finding the right plan for you takes research. Take your time and make sure you check several quote services for the lowest plan that meets your coverage needs.

While costs for medical care continues to rise, there's still a way to get affordable individual health insurance. Here's how to find the lowest cost health insurance plan.

Individual Health Insurance

If you're self employed or your employer does not offer health insurance, you may have to purchase your own health insurance. Although individual insurance plans cost more than group plans, there are still some ways to find affordable individual health care.

Individuals and groups alike need to select the most affordable health plans they can find. That's what makes a managed health care plan the plan of choice. Managed care plans work by providing medical health care through a network of doctors and hospitals. An HMO is the least expensive of the managed health insurance plans.

As a member of an (HMO) health maintenance organization, you are provided with medical coverage including doctors' visits, hospital stays, surgery, emergency care, x-rays, lab tests, and therapy. Usually, the doctors and hospitals you use must be in the network.

Depending on your needs you may want to include coverage for items such as maternity care, prescriptions, and vision care. Managed care plans can vary quite a bit from insurance company to insurance company so look at each plan carefully before deciding on which one to purchase.

Affordable Individual Health Insurance Quotes

One of the best ways to get affordable health insurance quotes is to go to a free insurance quote website. There you can get competitive quotes from up to 5 health insurance providers so you can compare plans and prices. After you have your quotes, you need to look closely at the policies and decide which one is the best for you.

Joining an activity group is the perfect way to let your baby socialize and find out about the world. And as an added bonus, it could also save your own sanity

For most new parents the first few weeks pass in a whirl of cooing relatives, sleepless nights and mysterious milky mess. But there comes a time for every new mummy and daddy when things finally start to fall into place.

Now you know which way round a sleep suit goes, you can operate the car seat and even have the confidence to drive your precious bundle at more than ten miles an hour, it's time to leave the confines of home.

Luckily there are a multitude of baby groups and activities suitable for little minds keen to learn from all they see and hear.

Not only do they provide babies with an important opportunity to make contact with their tiny colleagues, at a time when rates of postnatal depression are on the rise, these activities can be equally important for new mums who can easily find themselves feeling lonely and isolated.

For the very young, baby massage classes are a great place to start.

Experts say the technique of rubbing your baby's body with natural oils can help you to bond while promoting sleep and helping relieve colic.

Baby Yoga can also help to produce a chilled out cherub and classes give you the chance to interact with your baby through movement, song and relaxation.

With light shows, baby rock and roll, instruments and a large play area, Baby Sensory classes are full of excitement for both parents and tots.

The classes are packed full of ideas of how to stimulate and soothe your baby and there is also a chance to learn baby signing to help with early communication.

Once you've brushed up on your nursery rhymes, there are many opportunities for public performances.

Rhyme Time is a free session for the under twos held twice a month at Salisbury Library.

Parents sing a mixture of old classics and new favourites while the babies bounce along on their laps and play instruments.

Also for the musically minded are Jo Jingles classes which combine music, singing and movement with an array of instruments and exciting paraphernalia like parachutes and bubble machines.

The delightfully named Jolly Babies also provides an early introduction to music and children are encouraged to develop a sense of rhythm as well as have a go at baby signing.

More active babies will enjoy Gym Babes where tots are encouraged to play and crawl together.

As they find their feet they move on to Tumble Tots where they can start to jump, roll and climb on a range of exciting equipment.

And for water babies, Five Rivers Leisure Centre holds daily parent and child swimming lessons where you can splash around together while singing nursery rhymes, playing with toys and developing confidence in the water.

Activities can be equally important for new mums who can easily find themselves feeling lonely and isolated.

Early pregnancy is a scary time for many new mothers. It's a time of anxiety and change, further intensified by a flood of both hormones and information that may be correct on that day. New mothers will soon find a bevy of information declaring practically everything they touched throughout an average day, as being toxic to their unborn child. However, there's a short list of known things that will assist in sorting through the mess.

Make It Well Known You Are Pregnant

Tell any medical professional you come across that you may be pregnant, or even if you are trying to get pregnant. This can prevent exposure to harmful tests and chemicals if you are pregnant and don't know it yet. It's most important with medical professionals, but many others may need to know.

Exercise

Start to exercise now, and it will help you stay in shape during pregnancy, it can lower your risk of miscarriage, and it has been proven to help reduce labor complications and length. It's also important to note, that high-impact exercise should be considered off limits. Also, stay hydrated, as dehydration is a big concern among pregnant woman.

Prenatal Vitamins

Take a prenatal vitamin. They can be prescribed by your practitioner or you can buy them over the counter. Ensure it contains 0.4 mg of folic acid.

Cat Litter

Stop changing cat litter. It's not the litter itself, but cat feces, in many cases, carry a bacteria that can be harmful to an unborn baby.

Harmful Chemicals

Avoid anything that may contain harmful chemicals, such as smoking, alcohol, and be sure to enlist the help of others when painting the nursery. Paint fumes are noxious.

Look For Non-medical Remedies

Use non-medicinal remedies for problems like nausea, heartburn, and constipation. This is the case for both prescription and over-the-counter medications. In specific cases in which medicine is required, such as mental or chronic illnesses, always consult your doctor, as to whether it is safe to take during pregnancy.

Know Your Birth Facility

Tour your selection of birth facilities before making a choice if you are not having a home birth. It's best to feel comfortable with whatever hospital you choose, as well as the doctor. Know the procedure for the day of your child's arrival, and know the layout of the hospital, so you're not milling about when everything is happening.

Know The Symptoms That Should Concern You

Review the signs of premature labor and warning signs for when to call your prenatal caregiver.

Early pregnancy can be a beautiful time for a woman, but keep in mind that the health and well-being of you and your little one are the biggest concern.