TIPS OF CONCEIVING A BABY GIRL

This is an excerpt from a brief discussion we had with colleagues  asking about tips to Conceive a baby Girl and I think I should post it up here for anyone else interested in the info,
The topic about Conceiving a boy/ girl is not an exact science; in that, some people have tried to practice all the tips, and still conceived the gender they were not hoping for, but that said, you can try these tips just for the fun of it.
Ok, 1st I think it’s necessary to explain the science behind this. The gender is determined by the sperm that gets 2 the egg. There are female sperms and male sperms; so to speak.
Female Sperm: it is loaded with more matter, and hence its a little heavier than the male sperm. That means it moves more slowly than its male counter-part. But being packed with more matter means it can survive for longer inside the uterus environment.
So, Tips to conceive Female child

•• having sex some 3 days before the expected ovulation date, and then avoiding unprotected sex after that, for about 6 days. That will mean that the male sperms will have died off, leaving more female than male to compete for the egg.

•• Eat acidic foods, avoid alkaline foods. Sperms survive better in alkaline environment. When you consume acidic foods, you make it harder for both genders to survive, but as we’ve said, the female sperm survives longer, so it still works to our favour. Acidic foods include Chocolate, soda, vinegar, meat, coffee, spinach, white rice, tomatoes, milk,, maize, peanuts, popcorns. Alkaline foods include; Avocadoes, lemons, limes, mineral water, pineapples, kales, mango, cabbages, banana, etc
consuming these foods around the ovulation date (2 days before till 2 days after )influence the environment inside your uterus, so if U want a female, consume acidic, if U want a male, consume Alkaline

•• Avoid hitting orgasm. When females hit orgasm, an alkaline substance is produced in the vagina. That promotes survival of the male sperms so avoid orgasm

•• so, in conclusion, let me just say again, it’s not an exact science, but you lose nothing by trying, right?
••• to increase your chances of conceiving a boy-child, of course you simply perform the opposite, simply, have unprotected sex on a those days surrounding the Ovulation

date, eat the alkaline foods listed and hit ’em orgasms.
Oh, Good Luck dear,

Stress and How to Lower It

You know when you’re stressed out – your body feels tired and your thoughts are spinning. It can also help to know why your body reacts that way, and what you can do about it. Our bodies are designed to handle calm situations, and also exciting or dangerous ones. When you’re in the middle of something scary or challenging, your body gets into a mode that’s better for handling the situation. This is a state of high energy and sharp senses, such as the way you feel when you’re playing a fun sport or doing really well on a test. However, when the situation turns into more than you can handle, that’s when you start to feel the effects of stress. It’s as if your body is shouting “Do something!”, and your brain is shouting back “I don’t know what to do!”

What is stress?

When you’re stressed, you feel changes in your body and your mind. Your heart beats faster, your blood pressure goes up, and your face may get flushed. Your muscles may tighten up, or you might feel anxious. You may feel rushed and confused, or forget things. You may feel sick to your stomach. You might be irritable, and get into arguments with your family and friends.

What causes stress in our lives?

We live in an interesting, but also fast-paced world. There are lots of sources of stress, including:

Homework and projects at schoolFamily tension as you try to be more independent from your parentsPressure from friends to do risky thingsTension with your boyfriend or girlfriendDifficult people in your lifeUpsetting news about disasters, war, or personal tragedyMedia messages that lower your self-esteemNot getting enough sleepChronic illness

What are the effects of stress?

A certain amount of stress is OK if it helps to motivate you to deal with a short term problem. For example; if you’re stressed about writing a paper for school, and your stress causes you to ask your teacher for advice, and you finish the paper, then your stress has done its job.

In the short term, stress can:

Help you focus on a situation or solve a problemTire you outMake you nervous or irritable

On the other hand, if you’re experiencing a lot of stress day after day, your body may start sending you warning signs that something’s really wrong. This kind of chronic stress can take a physical and mental toll on your body and mind.

Long term stress can put you at risk for health problems such as:

Substance abuse
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia
Self-Injury
Obesity and other eating problems
Digestive problems
Lower immunity to colds and other illnesses

These chronic problems are really your body’s way of telling you “Hey! I’m under way to much stress – something’s got to change!”

If you notice that you feel stressed just about every day, you should take some steps to (1) lessen the number of stressors in your life, and (2) try some techniques that will help you de-stress.

How can I lower my stress level?

Here are some ideas for different activities you can do to lower your stress. Pick a couple that look interesting to you, and try them out. If these ideas help you de-stress, you can include them in your daily or weekly routine. If not, you can try others on the list, or come up with a list of your own. Talk to your parents or another trusted adult about how they de-stress. They might have some good ideas you can try out.

Helpful Hint: Make a list of your favorite stress-reduction activities, and tape it where you’ll see it often, such as on the fridge, in your notebook, or on your computer screen. When you’re over-stressed, stop what you’re doing, pick one thing off the list, and do it!

Stress Reduction Activities

Simplify. You may feel like you’re not in control of everything that’s expected of you. It’s up to you to decide what you can do, and what you can’t. To help simplify your life, sit down and make a list of everything you feel you need to do. Then separate all the items on the list into these three sections:

These can waitThese should get done soonDo these TODAY

If you see that there’s just too much to do TODAY, you’ll have to cut down on some activities to make your schedule more manageable.

Exercise is a great way to lower your stress. While exercising, you can focus on what you’re doing with your body, which helps free your mind from other worries. Vigorous exercise also triggers the release of chemicals in your body called endorphins, which make you feel happier and more relaxed. You don’t have to be a super-athlete to exercise. Even something as basic as walking for half an hour can help you relax and improve your mood. Or, you can sign up for a class at your local YWCA or YMCA, such as dancing( Otieno Jasiaya loves dancing) volleyball, or swimming.

Yoga. These types of movement use stretches and poses for flexibility, strength, concentration, and relaxation. Yoga emphasizes flexibility and strength, while Tai Chi and Qigong help with concentration, balance, and patience. You can do any of these exercises in a class at your local YWCA, YMCA, dance center, or at home on a towel or mat. If you’re shy about taking a class, you can borrow a DVD out of the library, or find one on TV and try the movements at home.

Take a Break. Sometimes your tired brain is just craving a little time off from your busy day. Stop what you’re doing, and find a quiet spot where you can put your feet up. Drink some tea (without caffeine), or take a bath. Read a book or magazine, or even watch TV. These things sounds so basic, you might think, “why bother?”, but when your feet are up, your stress level drops.

Meditation and Prayer offer you ways to calm, focus your thoughts, and feel more positive. Meditation involves sitting still in a quiet place, focusing your thoughts on your breath or on a slow chant, and trying to be aware of what is going on in the present moment, instead of stressing about the past or freaking out about the future. With prayer you focus on feeling connected to a higher spiritual power, and on wishes and hopes you may have for yourself or people you care about. You might like to contact your local church, temple, yoga center, or Buddhist center about a prayer or meditation group. If you’re shy about attending a group, you can borrow DVDs from the library about different meditation and prayer techniques.

Massage can work wonders on a stressed-out body. A gentle massage can untie knotted muscles, and make you feel relaxed all over. A professional massage can be expensive, but even a simple foot-rub or shoulder-rub from a good friend can take the edge off your stress – you can check out local massage schools to see if they offer discounted services.

Journaling. If you enjoy writing(like otieno Jasiaya )this can be a good way to de-stress. Write down what’s been happening with you on a daily basis and how you feel. By writing your thoughts and feelings down on paper, you’ll likely feel less stressed.

Have a good cry. You may know that little kids get upset easily, cry and make a fuss, and then get over it quickly. This approach can work for you too. At the end of a stressful, if you find yourself crying to a supportive friend, family member, or to your pillow, this can help you de-stress. In our culture we often try to convince people not to cry, as if it were a sign of weakness, but that’s really not true. If crying helps you communicate your frustration, vent your stress, and get some support, than there’s nothing wrong with a good cry every now and then.

Sleep. Teens in our culture are often sleep-deprived on a daily basis, and even just a few nights in a row of not-enough-sleep can make you feel irritable and nervous. You actually need more sleep at this time in your life (about 9 hours per night) than you will as an adult. Although your school schedule and social life make it difficult, try to put sleep at the top of your priority list, right up there with eating healthy foods.

Special note: Drugs, alcohol, or binge eating are really harmful ways to try to de-stress. These things may seem to make you feel better in the very short term by numbing your senses, or making you feel silly or forgetful. However, they have destructive effects on your life and your health and are not worth the temporary quick fix they might seem to provide. If you find yourself turning repeatedly to these harmful activities, it’s time to seek counseling to help you deal more positively with your stress.

What should I do if I’m dealing with extreme stress?

Sometimes the stressors in your life are very serious. Some examples of extremely stressful situations are: being in a serious accident; being the victim of a crime or sexual abuse, or experiencing violence in your family life, including daily fighting, yelling, and hitting. These serious stressors can have lasting effects on the way your body and mind handle stress, and this can set you up for mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Here are some resources for coping with extreme stress:

Parents or other trusted adults. If you feel that your stress is more than you can manage on your own, you should definitely seek help. Have an honest talk with a parent(s), guardian, or another trusted adult in your life. Be has truthful as you can about the stress you’re dealing with and the effect it’s having on you. Opening up to a caring adult can help you feel less alone, and that person can help you find ways to manage your stress.Counseling and medication. In addition to help from family members, counseling can be a great resource. It involves meeting with a professionally-trained person; a therapist, social worker, health care provider, or religious leader. This person can help you figure out the cause of your stress, how to minimize it, and how to learn techniques for handling stress in the future. Sometimes your health care provider will prescribe medicine to help you manage the symptoms of your stress, as they work with you on ways you can make your life less stressful.

Throughout your life it’s important to be aware of the signals coming from your body and your mind. If you realize that you’re getting stressed out, remember that you can do something about it now and in the future. However, if you feel that you just can’t manage your stress or that you’re having a hard time coping with something (and it lasts for up to two weeks or more) it’s important to talk with your health care provider.

HIV,OTHER HEALTH CONDITIONS AND OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS

HIV, OTHER HEALTH CONDITIONS AND OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS

When you are first diagnosed with HIV, it is likely that it will be your main health concern for a while. You need time to learn about it and how best to manage it. But, having HIV is only one part of a bigger picture, and thinking about other aspects of your health is important too.

As well as staying healthy by eating well, exercising and getting enough rest, you will need to manage any other health conditions you have with your healthcare professional.

Managing other health conditions

Some people have HIV and another long-term health condition, such as diabetes or epilepsy. This is known as having a co-infection. Many people develop other conditions as they get older, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, lung disease or kidney disease.1

It’s a good idea to learn about the health conditions that may affect you. In addition to any medication your healthcare professional gives you to treat health conditions, there may be lifestyle changes you can make to improve your health and any symptoms you have.

Talking to your healthcare professional about HIV and other health conditions

When you are managing another health condition alongside HIV, communication with the healthcare professionals treating you is important. Often, you will see one healthcare professional for HIV and another for the other condition. In some cases, drugs for another condition can interact with your HIV treatment, making one or both of them less effective, so it’s important that your healthcare professionals know about the drugs you are taking.2

If possible, the two healthcare professionals could talk to each other directly, but this is not always possible and gaps in communication can happen. The more you learn and understand, the more you can help to keep the flow of information running smoothly. It can be helpful to bring some notes with you to each appointment – such as the names of any drugs you are taking, and any symptoms you want to talk about.

Looking after your mental health

Looking after your health is not just about looking after your physical health. Mental health is also important and mental health problems, particularly depression and anxiety, are very common, although people often find it harder to talk about them.3 Your healthcare professional should take them just as seriously as any physical health problems you experience, and offer advice and treatment if appropriate.

As well as medical help, support from friends and family can also be very helpful in coping with health conditions.

Preventing other health conditions

Certain health conditions are preventable, and there are precautions and lifestyle changes we can take to avoid developing them. For example, you might decide to stop smoking, change your diet or take more exercise to reduce your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease or cancer.

They are also actions we can take to avoid some infections, such as having vaccinations, using condoms to avoid sexually transmitted infections, or using an insecticide-treated bed net in areas where malaria is common.

Common co-infections

Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) is the most common infection among people living with HIV. It can be very serious and if it is not treated, it can kill. The symptoms of TB include a persistent cough, fever, unintended weight loss and night sweats. Your healthcare professional should test you for TB and if you do have it, you should receive treatment which cures the infection.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are also common among people living with HIV. Both are common among people who inject drugs, and hepatitis B is more common in South East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Hepatitis affects the liver and can be very serious if untreated. There is a vaccine against hepatitis B, and both hepatitis B and C can be treated.

Opportunistic infections

When someone living with HIV has a weakened immune system (shown by a low CD4 count), they are at risk of other illnesses. These are known as ‘opportunistic infections’ because they take the opportunity of the immune system being weak.

Opportunistic infections include:

cryptococcal meningitis
toxoplasmosis
PCP, a type of pneumonia
oesophageal candidiasis
certain cancers, including Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Cotrimoxazole is a medicine used to prevent infections, and it is commonly prescribed to people living with HIV who have a low CD4 count.

WHO recommends cotrimoxazole for:4

adults with HIV who have a CD4 count below 350, or who are ill because of HIV, until they are on stable HIV treatment
all adults with HIV in areas where malaria or severe bacterial infections are common
adults with HIV who also have active tuberculosis (TB).

Boyfriend Disappears After Impregnating and Infecting Teen With HIV

The girl is defiant. As we stand with hundreds of young women queuing  outside a health Centre, she tells me how she fell pregnant unexpectedly in September 2014 aged 15.

Her boyfriend fled a week after he found out she was expecting. Days later, she learnt that she was HIV positive.

Excluded by many in her community, the girl left school to look after her son who is now eleven months old. She had to give up her dreams of becoming a teacher.

She now sells home-grown vegetables at a market in Alego Usonga Sub County in an attempt to provide for her son.

She doesn't sound like she has much to be grateful for except that her son is not HIV positive.

She is a lucky woman. Many teenage girls in her circumstances fare worse. Unintended pregnancy is one of the biggest causes of death in teenage girls in Siaya County.

Young women aged 15 to 19 are twice as likely to die from complications in pregnancy as are women in their twenties.

For mothers under 18, their babies' chance of dying in the first year of life is 60 per cent greater than that of a baby born to someone aged 19 or older.

The fact that the girl and so many other young women are in this snaking queue is a sign of hope.

Soon she will be injected with a contraceptive implant that will protect her from the risk of another unwanted pregnancy for the next three years.

She will also receive ARVs and more information on how to live positively.

The girl is no longer one of the 215 million women around the world with no means of accessing contraception and family planning services and information.

Women with unmet needs account for 82 per cent of the 75 million unintended pregnancies that occur globally every year.
Access to family planning services could reduce the number of maternal deaths by a third. Like so many of the women around us, the girl says she was too young to have a child when she did.

She looks at her son, now balanced on her hip, and adds quietly: "If I had known about contraceptives before, I would have taken them."

Unlike in developed countries, pregnancy is not primarily a lifestyle in most of developing countries.

Every year 358,000 women die due to pregnancy or childbirth. Many of these women did not plan to be pregnant. Equally tragic is that 47,000 women die every year because of unsafe abortions.

While government policy states adolescents should have access to comprehensive family planning, there is stigma supplying contraceptives to teens, getting them into the clinics and dispelling the myths that surround the services.

In Alego Usonga Sub County almost half of the teenagers have children. According to a senior nurse at the hospital, around 10 per cent of births in Alego Usonga Sub County involve girls under 15 years.

It is estimated that more lives could still be saved every year if there was more family planning provided in the county.

There is actually a need to fund family planning in Siaya County. Teenage pregnancy is a "BIG ISSUE" in Siaya County and needs to be addressed urgently.

In Siaya County, 60-70 per cent of the population are under the age of 30. Family planning is the most important human development intervention because it enables young people to make choices about their lives.

It also ensures women can have the number of children they want and can look after; and it gives them the possibility to protect themselves from infectious diseases.

GONORRHOEA

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus.

How do you get gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is passed on through unprotected sex (sex without acondom) or by sharing sex toys.

Safer sex is the best way to prevent gonorrhoea. This means using a condom every time you have sex (vaginal, anal or oral). A dental dam can be used to cover the female genitals during oral sex. Any sex toys should be covered with a condom and washed after use. Make sure to change condoms between partners.

If you are worried about gonorrhoea, or have had unprotected sex - get tested.

What does gonorrhoea look like?

Gonorrhoea symptoms normally appear within 10 days of infection but they can occur many months later. Roughly 10% of men and 50% of women will not experience any symptoms at all.

In women, symptoms include:

unusual discharge from the vagina that is thick and green or yellow in colourpain when urinatingpain in the lower abdomenbleeding between periods and/or heavy periodsbleeding after sex - this is rare.

Men may experience:

unusual discharge from the tip of the penis that may be white, yellow or green in colourpain when urinatinginflammation or swelling of the foreskinpain in the testicles - this is rare.

Infected semen or vaginal fluid in the eyes can cause inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis). Unprotected anal or oral sex can lead to infection and symptoms in the rectum (discomfort, pain, bleeding or discharge) or throat (normally no symptoms).

You can't diagnose gonorrhoea by looking at pictures because symptoms vary from person to person. If you think you have gonorrhoea, see your doctor or healthcare worker.

Can I get tested for gonorrhoea?

The only way to know if you have gonorrhoea or any other STI is to get tested.

In women, a doctor or healthcare worker may take a swab from either the cervix or the vagina. Men are usually asked for a urine sample. If you have had anal or oral sex you may also be offered a swab test taken from the rectum or throat.

Some clinics carry out rapid tests meaning you can get your test results straight away. Otherwise, it can take up to two weeks to get your results.

How is gonorrhoea treated?

Treatment for gonorrhoea consists of a short course of antibiotics. It normally involves an antibiotic injection (in the buttocks or thigh) and a single dose of antibiotic tablet. Sometimes it is possible to have another antibiotic tablet instead of an injection.

Do not have unprotected sex until you have finished treatment and make sure your current partner and other recent sexual partners are also tested and treated.

What happens if I don't get treatment for gonorrhoea?

Without treatment, gonorrhoea can cause other health problems. For example, gonorrhoea puts you at risk of other STIs, including HIV.

Other potential issues to be aware of in women include:

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - an infection of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. PID is estimated to occur in 10-20% of untreated gonorrhoea cases. PID can be treated with antibioticsDuring pregnancy, gonorrhoea can cause miscarriage and premature labour. The baby can also be born with conjunctivitis. If this is the case, the baby must be treated with antibiotics.

And in men:

Gonorrhoea can cause inflammation of the tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm causing swelling and tenderness in the scrotum (epididymitis). If left untreated, it can lead to infertility

 In rare cases, untreated gonorrhoea can spread to other parts of the body causing:

inflammation and swelling of joints and tendonsskin irritation and rednessinflammation around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or the heart.

Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual periods can be light and easy for some teens and young women, but for others, they can be heavy and/or accompanied by painful cramps. Cramps can be a big reason why girls are absent from school, why they miss sport practices, and why they may avoid social events with their friends.

What is Dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea (pronounced: dis-men-o-ree-a) is a medical term that means “difficult or painful periods.” There are two types of dysmenorrhea, primary and secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common kind of dysmenorrhea. Cramps (pain in the lower belly area and/or lower back) can start 1-2 days before your period comes and can last 2-4 days.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is when cramps and, for some, lower back pain are a result of a medical problem such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.

What causes menstrual cramps?

Menstrual cramps are caused by uterine contractions (when your uterus tightens and relaxes allowing blood to leave your uterus). The lining of your uterus releases special chemicals called “prostaglandins.” These substances can increase the intensity of the contractions, especially if the levels rise. High levels of prostaglandins may also cause nausea and lightheadedness.

*Some or all of these problems may start a day or two before your period and can last for part or all of your period. These signs could be caused by other medical conditions and therefore it is important to talk with your health care provider about your symptoms.
Is it normal to have some mild cramps during your period?

Yes, it is normal to have mild cramps during your period because of uterine contractions. The uterus is a muscle that tightens and relaxes which can cause jabbing or cramp-like pain. However, if the discomfort is not relieved with over-the-counter medications and causes you to miss school or other daily activities, it could mean that there is another reason for your symptoms.

It is common for young women to have irregular periods when they first begin to menstruate. This means that ovulation (when a woman’s body makes eggs) may not happen for a few months or even for a few years. So you may not have menstrual cramps when you first begin your period. After one, two, or three years, when your hormonal system is more mature, you might have more severe menstrual cramps.

If your cramps are severe and interfere with your daily activities, don’t ignore what your body is telling you. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider, because there may be other reasons for your pain.
What other symptoms do girls have during their periods?

In addition to cramping during their periods, some girls may have other symptoms.

Symptoms may be mild to moderate and can include:

Nausea (feeling like you want to throw up)
Vomiting (throwing up)
Loose bowel movements/diarrhea
Constipation
Bloating in your belly area
Headaches
Lightheadedness (feeling faint)
Are menstrual cramps the same as PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome)?

Menstrual cramps are not the same as PMS. Symptoms of PMS such as bloating, weight gain, and moodiness happen before a woman’s period begins, and get a lot better when her period starts. On the other hand, menstrual cramps usually get worse the first day or two of a woman’s period and have a different cause and treatment.

What medicine can I take for my menstrual cramps?

If you are having menstrual cramps, talk with your parents or health care provider about your options. If your menstrual cramps are painful, you may think about taking some type of the over-the-counter medication for one to two days. These medications are “anti-prostaglandins.” They help relieve the discomfort, make your flow lighter, and cause your uterus to cramp less. Look for over-the-counter medications that contain ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Take this medicine when you first start to feel uncomfortable, and continue taking it every 4-6 hours or as recommended by your health care provider. Since this kind of medicine can upset your stomach, you should take it with food. Make sure you read the label to see how much and how often you should take the medication. You should not take these products if you are allergic to aspirin-like medicine or have stomach problems. It is important not to take more medicine than is recommended or prescribed.

Is there anything else I can do to help my menstrual cramps?

Natural remedies such as a microwavable warm pack or a heating pad placed on your abdomen (lower belly) may help. Soaking in a warm bath may also relieve uncomfortable cramps. Some teens find that increasing their physical activity helps; others find that resting quietly for short periods of time helps.

Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that is sometimes recommended to treat menstrual cramps. You should also eat healthy foods, drink lots of fluids, and get plenty of rest. You can try different treatments to find out what works best for you.

What if nothing helps my menstrual cramps?

If your menstrual cramps are not relieved by over-the-counter medicine, make an appointment to see your health care provider. Use a period and symptom tracker for 2-3 months and then bring it to your next medical appointment. A record of your symptoms can help your health care provider figure out the best treatment choices for you.