Whether or not episiotomies should be used at all has long been controversial. The original rationale for the incision was to avoid extensive damage to the pelvic floor muscles and thus to avoid or decrease the incidence of future problems with unwanted urine loss, pain with sex, difficulties with controlling bowel movements, and uterine prolapse [...]

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In short, the best advice is to get educated about the process, but go into labor with an open mind. If you feel you need epidural anesthesia after you’ve reached the active phase of labor at 4-5 cms, then baring contraindications, get one! Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re “giving up” or “throwing in [...]

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We live about 45 minutes from the hospital and I’m worried about getting there in time. My husband is not the guy I want to have deliver the baby. Should I be concerned? Rapidity of labor depends on many factors from heredity, size of the baby, size of your pelvis, to the size and number [...]

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How will I know when I’m in labor? Labor is defined as the occurrence of regular, painful uterine contractions leading to progressive effacement and dilation of the cervix. The key words here are regular and progressive. By the time you are at term, you will probably have felt your whole tummy get extremely hard for [...]

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Those who have to endure chronic pain are all too aware of the debilitating nature of a condition like this. It may seem as if there is no end in sight. You may just want to go back to bed and pull the covers over your head to try to escape the pain. Chronic pain [...]

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“Hurry, Dad or we’ll miss the sign-up for gymnastics and indoor soccer!” my daughter pleaded. Being a sports-minded dad, I let myself be hustled out the door wondering why this had suddenly come up when my wife was out. But what the heck, those sports would be good for her. Later, I learned that my [...]

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Both public and university libraries have health sections. Some libraries also have computer databases, which can help you track down medical information. The National Network of Libraries of Medicine can help you find a medical library in your area. Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Planetree Health Resource Centers is an [...]

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Oral jellies, introduced to the marketplace as a cure for impotence, have been proven to be effective in treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence in men. The active ingredients in the oral jellies currently available on the market have been proven effective in treating male Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence, so there is no doubt [...]

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Include significant others, family members and/or friends in periodic functions. The attitude and support of those with whom an individual interacts most frequently helps determine whether that person will adhere to an exercise program. A participant’s significant other, as well as family and friends, can play an important role in this regard. The importance of [...]

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Investigation into the anthrax cases in Florida is “ongoing,” according to a report Thursday from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Last Thursday, Florida health officials and the CDC reported a case of inhalation anthrax in 63-year-old Robert Stevens, who worked at American Media, Inc, in Boca Raton.

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