Exercising During Pregnancy

Everyone knows that exercise is very good for your health. During pregnancy, exercise can have many other benefits as well. Normally, exercise should be light, especially during your first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes.

Any type of heavy exercise can divert the blood flow from crucial areas, and most women that exercise on a regular basis should tone down their workout regimen during pregnancy.

Swimming, walking, and yoga are two very popular exercise activities that are suitable for pregnant women. There are other forms of exercise such as weight lifting that are acceptable as long as it isn't too strenuous. Most specialists recommend exercise 3 - 4 times a week, unless you have a medical condition that prevents it. If you are ever in doubt, you should consult a physician first.

Below, you'll find some of the best reasons as to why you should exercise during pregnancy.

1. Exercise can help to reduce the length of labor and recovery time. The right exercise routines will also increase stamina that is needed for delivery.
2. Improved mental health. Exercise can lower stress and improve your emotional health, making it easier for you to get through the new experience of becoming a mother.
3. Exercise can also help with weight management after the child has been born. A common concern with most mothers is the weight they lose after pregnancy. During pregnancy, exercise can make postpartum weight loss easier.
4. Exercise is very good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also looking out for your baby as well.
5. Exercise can help reduce the side effects of pregnancy. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, swelling, and constipation are all common with pregnant women. Studies have shown exercise to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms.
6. Exercise can also decrease the risk of premature birth. Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of premature birth by at least 50%.

You should always make sure that you drink plenty of fluids before you exercise, follow a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. You should also listen to your body, and if you start feeling sick you should immediately stop and rest.

If you exercise during your pregnancy, you'll find it a lot easier to deliver when the time comes. Exercise will help your body strengthen up, which will make it very easy on you when you go into the delivery room. Women who don't exercise find it much harder when the time comes to give birth.

Exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your unborn baby. Your baby will reap some of the benefits, which is reason enough to exercise. Always be safe when you exercise, and don't hesitate to ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions at all. As long as you exercise safe and use good common sense, you'll do a world of good for your pregnancy.

What Your Clothes Say about You

People often say that your clothes define who you are. Generally, you wear clothes to fit the occasion.

Some people wear clothes they feel comfortable in while others feel the need to wear stylish clothes that follow the current trends of the fashion industry.

No matter which of these categories you fit into, here are some basic rules of selecting different clothing styles to improve your appearance.

1. Clean and neat is acceptable; grungy and lousy ones are a no-no.

This applies to clothes for any occasion. Wash and properly iron and maintain your clothes so they do not have that worn-out look. This applies to each detail of your appearance as well.

Make sure that the accessories you choose match your outfit and make certain that you are well-groomed, from the top of your head to the tips of your newly-polished shoes.

2. Wear your clothes with an attitude.

You can look elegant even if you are just wearing jeans and a white shirt; this is where class and élan comes in.

Some people can look great even when they are wearing a sack-like dress.

If you are the type of person who can pull off wearing jeans to a black-tie affair without looking like a “fish out of water”, then you can probably wear anything you desire and still manage to look great.

If you are not naturally born with the appearance a super model, try to improve your appearance by paying attention to small details and trying out different types of clothes.

Ask for a friend’s or a professional opinion to ensure that you make the most of your attributes..

3. Make sure that your clothes fit.

From your underclothing to your blouse, pants, skirt, coat and shoes – never wear anything that does not fit well.

A smooth, tailored look will further enhance your appearance and make you look as if Ralph Lauren personally designed your clothes for you.

4. Go with trends but do not overdo it.

If animal print is in season, acquire one piece of that theme as part of your wardrobe and pair it with something that is more understated. Never wear a tiger-print blouse, shoes and skirt all at the same time. When it comes to trends - less is more.

5. Mix and match.

In your wardrobe, have one item of everything: do not buy multiple pieces of the same color and style of jeans or shirts. Variety will make your outfits more fun and interesting.

Remember that these are just fashion basics, but the basic rule is to wear whatever you feel comfortable in, experiment, have fun wearing your clothes with an attitude!

Enhance Your Appearance by Taking Good Care Of Your Teeth and Show off That Attractive Smile

For many reasons, people feel that there is a need to improve their smile. Some to improve career opportunities, some for self confidence, and others to develop and enhance their appearance.

For many individuals, an improved smile can literally transform their lives. An attractive smile plays an important role in a person’s self image. You can interact with your friends better and deal with colleagues and clients confidently when you know you have a beautiful smile.

Sad to say, but surveys show that about 50 percent of Americans are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, which affects their smile.

Good oral hygiene is vital to achieve a nice smile without having to worry about the condition of your teeth, or even bad breath.

How to effectively brush your teeth:

• Move your toothbrush in a circular gentle scrubbing motion. The outer surfaces of both lower and upper teeth should be thoroughly brushed, keeping the brush bristles slanting toward the “gum line”.

• Scrub all chewing surfaces. The bristles’ tips should clean the surface by using just a small amount of pressure.

• Tilt your brush vertically then use gentle “up and down” strokes when cleaning your “front teeth”.

• Remember to brush your tongue too.

• Always change your toothbrush when bristles become matted or splayed.

• Keep your toothbrush in an open and dry storage area between brushings.

Flossing

• Use about 18 inches of dental floss, wind it around your middle finger and hold the remaining floss with fingers of the other hand: then start flossing.

• While tightly holding the floss, begin with a very gentle rocking motion, being careful not to hit and injure your gums.

• When your floss reaches the gum line, arch it to form a “C- shape” next to one tooth then slide it in between the gum and the tooth work with a swaying motion, carefully scraping your tooth.

• Do the same for all of your teeth. Replace the floss as needed.

When shopping for dental care products, always look for the ADA “American Dental Association” seal of recognition to determine the product’s effectiveness.

Always purchase toothpaste that is rich in fluoride to prevent cavity formation. Read labels carefully. Use a mouthwash to prevent bad breath, for confidence any time you start a conversation.

Remember to take good care of your teeth and see your dentist at least twice a year to maintain a sparkling smile at all times.