By Graham Chase

MANCHESTER, England, April 29 (Reuters) - John O’Shea’s early goal put Manchester United in control of their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal with a 1-0 first-leg win at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The holders scored in the 17th minute when Irish defender O’Shea rifled in a half-volley from eight yards after Michael Carrick had turned Anderson’s deep corner back across goal.

United dominated the match and can feel they should be travelling to next week’s second leg at the home of their Premier League rivals with a greater advantage.

“From our first-half display we maybe should have had a couple more goals, but we have a lead and kept a clean sheet and we know we are capable of scoring a goal at the Emirates,” O’Shea said in a televised interview.

“But it’s definitely not over.”

Arsenal’s only real opportunity of the opening period was a shot from Cesc Fabregas which was sliced well wide of goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo headed straight at Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia from a perfect cross by Carlos Tevez, who was handed a surprise start ahead of Dimitar Berbatov.

United forward Wayne Rooney also went close after cutting in from the left flank and sending a curling shot just wide of Almunia’s goal.

WELL OVER

The pattern continued after the restart and Anderson shot well over following fine work from Ronaldo and Rooney.

A rare opening for the visitors saw striker Emmanuel Adebayor shoot too high after he was picked out by a clever pass from Alex Song.

United went close to doubling their lead when Ryan Giggs sent Ronaldo into space and the Portuguese’s thumping shot from more than 25 yards bounced away off the crossbar.

The hosts were nearly made to pay for their failure to add a second goal when Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner headed wide from Fabregas’s free kick but Arsenal rarely threatened to get a potentially vital away goal.

There was concern for United in the closing stages when England defender Rio Ferdinand left the field clutching his ribs but Alex Ferguson’s team held firm to stay on course to reach the final in Rome.

The winners of the tie will play Barcelona or Chelsea, who drew 0-0 in Spain on Tuesday in the first leg of their semi-final, in the final in Rome.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=Aq46HJUiJ5WLCxKyZvgn6W0mw7YF?slug=reu-championsunited_pix&prov=reuters&type=lgns

I am defying all preconceptions we have of pop artists. That’s how 23-year-old Lady Gaga sees herself.

But how did the Grammy-nominated singer go from brunette Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta to preconception defying, flashy dressing, platinum blonde superstar Lady Gaga?

Germanotta was born in Yonkers, New York, where she attended a private Catholic girls school, wrote her first piano ballad at age 13, and then won early entrance into New York’s prestigious Tisch school for the performing arts.

But Germanotta needed to strike out on her own to become Lady Gaga. She ditched school and threw herself into New York’s Lower East Side music scene as a naive, convent-educated teenager.

“I went against all I was brought up to be; I moved out of home, wouldn’t take any help from my parents [her internet entrepreneur dad and his business partner wife], and supported myself with waitressing jobs and stripping,” she said. “I discovered a real personal freedom through it.”

It wasn’t long before Germanotta’s talent for writing hook-laden melodies came to the attention of major record labels. Just 20, she wrote hits for the Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears and New Kids On The Block.

But it was while working with producer Rob Fusari that she got her attention-grabbing stage name. After noting that her singing voice sounded like her hero, Queen’s Freddie Mercury, Fusari named her Lady Gaga for the Queen hit “Radio Ga Ga.”

While her provocative burlesque pop act Lady Gaga and the Starlight Revue was a hit in Manhattan’s downtown nightclubs, mainstream showbusiness was nonplussed. When she showed up for auditions with labels and musicals, the usual reaction was utter bewilderment.

“A lot of record labels thought I was too theatrical,” she said. “Then, when I auditioned for stage musicals, the producers said I was too pop.”

Finally, it was rapper Akon who recognised her singing ability and got her a major deal.

And the rest is Gaga history.

Source: http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/musictoob/5172/how-did-lady-gaga-become-lady-gaga/

The human body is a complex system. Most of the time the body functions without much intervention from its owner. It does, however, require the correct ingredients to function correctly. When there is a problem it is often indicated externally - this is the case with stretchmarks.

There is very little that you can do to prevent stretchmarks that result from your genetic makeup. However, stretch mark prevention is possible when its cause is related to hormonal inbalance. The following are some easy tips for stretch mark prevention.

1. Do not gain or lose weight rapidly.
If your body changes its physical composition too quickly, all the processes may not function properly. In relation to stretchmarks this means collagen and elastin may not be produced fast enough. These elements are essential for keeping your skin flexible and smooth.

2. Keep your body hydrated.
You have undoubtedly heard it before, but there is never too much information on the benefit of drinking water. Water helps to prevent stretch marks by helping the body stay moisturized. There are constant debates over the amount of water an individual should consume. The best indicator is your urine. Urine that is close to colorless is an indication that you are well hydrated. You should drink many glasses of water per day. Also, try to ensure that it is pure water as some flavored waters have additives and colorings that take away from the quality of the water.

3. Exercise.
Daily exercise is just as important as staying hydrated. The two work together to keep your body free of toxins. Exercise will also keep your body well toned and keep excess fat at bay. Strength training is a good method for toning, but a daily walk is all that is necessary for many people to stay in good health.

4. Moisturize your skin.
Applying a moisturizer helps to keep your skin supple and smooth. You want to use products with natural ingredients. Stretch mark prevention oil is available from many retailers - try and get recommendations from friends before buying. Pregnant women are susceptible to strechmarks and a moisturizer with natural ingredients assures the mother that no harm will come to her baby as a result of using the product. Many mothers recommend using a natural product such as cocoa butter.

When you take care of your body it will take care of you. As long as you nourish your body and keep it healthy you should be able to minimize stretchmarks, even from pregnancy and childbirth.

Source: http://www.healthguidance.org/authors/404/Nicky-Pilkington

1. WHAT ARE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDS)?

Sexually transmitted diseases are diseases that can be passed from person to person through sexual contact. In this case sexual contact means penis-vagina penetration, oral sex which is sexual contact using the mouth, and insertion of the penis into the rectum which is anal sex. Some of these diseases may be transmitted by exchange of sexual fluids such as semen or vaginal discharge. Some of the STD’s result in open sores, and it can be spread by contact with skin of someone else. There are also ways to transmit these diseases in a non sexual way, an infected pregnant woman can either give it to her baby during pregnancy, or when the baby is being delivered. Drug abusers can transmit the disease through sharing hypodermic needles that have been used by an infected person. The seriousness of STD’s varies, some are cured easily by drugs, others need a combination of treatments and drugs, whilst others have no cure, and the only option is treatment.

2. WHAT ARE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED IINFECTIONS (STI’s)?

Any infection that is usually passed through sexual contact.

3. ARE THE TWO WORDS INTERCHANGEABLE?

Fifteen years ago both these categories came under one name Venereal Disease (VD). To distinguish between them they were separated into infections(STI) and diseases(STD). Infection means that a germ, bacteria, parasite or virus is present in the body. An infected person does not necessarily have any symptoms, which means that they do not usually feel ill. A disease is any abnormal condition of the body or mind that causes discomfort, dysfunction, or distress, in other words your body tells you that you are unwell. This means that STI covers a wider range than the term STD. STD refers only to infections that are causing problems. Because most of the time, people don’t know they are infected with an STI until they start showing symptoms of disease, the AIDS Resource Center uses the term STD, even though the term STI is also appropriate in many cases.

Let’s see if we can simply un-muddy the waters here. Genital herpes has two states when the blisters are present and when they are absent. When they are present they are causing symptoms, ie the blisters, at this stage it is an STD, and it is that this stage that the infection is most likely to be spread to another person. When the blisters are absent then there are no symptoms, and this is then an STI, and the likelihood of an infection is reduced. However HIV can be an infection, in the sense that there may be no symptoms, when they develop symptoms then they have AIDS which is an STD. However it is important to remember that HIV infection can be spread at any time.

4. WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STD’S AND HIV?

A person who is already infected with STD, has a higher risk of contracting HIV if they have unprotected sex, without a condom. This risk is greater if the STD causes open genital sores, as these wounds provide a break in the skin which enables the HIV infection to enter the blood stream. STDs that can cause genital ulcers include genital herpes, syphilis, chancre, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and scabies.

5. WHY IS IT DIFFICULT TO RECOGNIZE THAT YOU MAY HAVE A STD?

First of all the majority of the people with STD have no immediate symptoms and when they do have them it can be misleading to diagnose as the symptoms can be confused with non sexual diseases. Please note that this applies much more to women than men.

6. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS FOR WOMEN WHEN THEY ARE SUFFERING FROM AN STD?

Unusual or A bad-smelling vaginal discharge, severe itching or burning in the genital area, unusual bleeding, pain in the pelvic region, pain during sex, rashes on the genitals, open sores or warts on the genital area, and/or recurrent urinary tract infections.

7. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS FOR MEN WHEN THEY ARE SUFFERING FROM AN STD?

In men, the most common symptoms of STD are: pain when urinating, open sores or warts on the genital area, genital rash discharge from the penis, and/or pain in the scrotum/testicles.

8. WHAT ARE THE OTHER SYMPTOMS NOT CONNECTED TO THE GENITALS?

The following symptoms are present in both men and women. discharge from the anus, swelling of the groin, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), oral thrush (white tongue), arthritis, sores or bumps in and around the mouth, and generalized rashes.

9. CAN I CONTRACT STI AS A RESULT OF MUTUAL MASTURBATION?

Yes you can and listed below are some examples. Bacterial Vaginosis Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Herpes Simplex Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, Warts) Pubic Lice Scabies.

10. CAN I PREVENT GETTING STI OR STD?

The only foolproof way is abstinence from sex. A condom merely reduces the risk, and it must be used every time, before any sexual fluids are exchanged.
Source: http://www.healthguidance.org/authors/129/Roy-Barker

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs which is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, one-third of all people who developed pneumonia subsequently died from the infection. Currently, over 3 million people develop pneumonia each year in the United States. Over a half a million of these people are admitted to a hospital for treatment. Although most of these people recover, approximately 5% will die from pneumonia. Pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

How do people “catch pneumonia”?

Some cases of pneumonia are contracted by breathing in small droplets that contain the organisms that can cause pneumonia. These droplets get into the air when a person infected with these germs coughs or sneezes. In other cases, pneumonia is caused when bacteria or viruses that are normally present in the mouth, throat, or nose inadvertently enter the lung. During sleep, it is quite common for people to aspirate secretions from the mouth, throat, or nose. Normally, the body’s reflex response (coughing back up the secretions) and immune system will prevent the aspirated organisms from causing pneumonia. However, if a person is in a weakened condition from another illness, a severe pneumonia can develop. People with recent viral infections, lung disease, heart disease, and swallowing problems, as well as alcoholics, drug users, and those who have suffered a stroke or seizure are at higher risk for developing pneumonia than the general population.

Once organisms enter the lungs, they usually settle in the air sacs of the lung where they rapidly grow in number. This area of the lung then becomes filled with fluid and pus as the body attempts to fight off the infection.

What are pneumonia symptoms and signs?

Most people who develop pneumonia initially have symptoms of a cold which are then followed by a high fever (sometimes as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit), shaking chills, and a cough with sputum production. The sputum is usually discolored and sometimes bloody. People with pneumonia may become short of breath. The only pain fibers in the lung are on the surface of the lung, in the area known as the pleura. Chest pain may develop if the outer pleural aspects of the lung are involved. This pain is usually sharp and worsens when taking a deep breath, known as pleuritic pain.

In other cases of pneumonia, there can be a slow onset of symptoms. A worsening cough, headaches, and muscle aches may be the only symptoms. In some people with pneumonia, coughing is not a major symptom because the infection is located in areas of the lung away from the larger airways. At times, the individual’s skin color may change and become dusky or purplish (a condition known as “cyanosis”) due to their blood being poorly oxygenated.

Children and babies who develop pneumonia often do not have any specific signs of a chest infection but develop a fever, appear quite ill, and can become lethargic. Elderly people may also have few symptoms with pneumonia.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Pneumonia may be suspected when the doctor examines the patient and hears coarse breathing or crackling sounds when listening to a portion of the chest with a stethoscope. There may be wheezing, or the sounds of breathing may be faint in a particular area of the chest. A chest x-ray is usually ordered to confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia. The lungs have several segments referred to as lobes, usually two on the left and three on the right. When the pneumonia affects one of these lobes it is often referred to as lobar pneumonia. Some pneumonias have a more patchy distribution that does not involve specific lobes. In the past, when both lungs where involved in the infection, the term “double pneumonia” was used. This term is rarely used today.

Sputum samples can be collected and examined under the microscope. If the pneumonia is caused by bacteria or fungi, the organisms can often be detected by this examination. A sample of the sputum can be grown in special incubators, and the offending organism can be subsequently identified. It is important to understand that the sputum specimen must contain little saliva from the mouth and be delivered to the laboratory fairly quickly. Otherwise, overgrowth of noninfecting bacteria may predominate.

A blood test that measures white blood cell count (WBC) may be performed. An individual’s white blood cell count can often give a hint as to the severity of the pneumonia and whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus. An increased number of neutrophils, one type of WBC, is seen in bacterial infections, whereas an increase in lymphocytes, another type of WBC, is seen in viral infections.

Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible, lighted viewing tube is inserted into the nose or mouth after a local anesthetic is administered. The breathing passages can then be directly examined by the doctor, and specimens from the infected part of the lung can be obtained.

Sometimes, fluid collects in the pleural space around the lung as a result of the inflammation from pneumonia. This fluid is called a pleural effusion. If the amount of this fluid that develops is large enough, it can be removed by inserting a needle into the chest cavity and withdrawing the fluid with a syringe in a procedure called a thoracentesis. In some cases, this fluid can become severely inflamed (parapneumonic effusion) or infected (empyema) and may need to be removed by more aggressive surgical procedures.

What are some of the organisms that cause pneumonia, and how are they treated?

The most common cause of a bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. In this form of pneumonia, there is usually an abrupt onset of the illness with shaking chills, fever, and production of a rust-colored sputum. The infection spreads into the blood in 20%-30% of cases, and if this occurs, 20%-30% of these patients die.

Two vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal disease; the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7; Prevnar) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23; Pneumovax). The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is part of the routine infant immunization schedule in the U.S. and is recommended for all children < 2 years of age and children 2-4 years of age who have certain medical conditions. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended for adults at increased risk for developing pneumococcal pneumonia including the elderly, people who have diabetes, chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease, those with alcoholism, cigarette smokers, and in those people who have had their spleen removed.

Antibiotics often used in the treatment of this type of pneumonia include penicillin, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin, Augmentin XR), and macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, azithromycin (Zithromax, Zmax), and clarithromycin (Biaxin). Penicillin was formerly the antibiotic of choice in treating this infection. With the advent and widespread use of broader-spectrum antibiotics, significant drug resistance has developed. Penicillin may still be effective in treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia, but it should only be used after cultures of the bacteria confirm their sensitivity to this antibiotic.

Klebsiella pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae are bacteria that often cause pneumonia in people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or alcoholism. Useful antibiotics in this case are the second- and third-generation cephalosporins, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin [Levaquin], moxifloxacin-oral [Avelox], gatifloxacin-oral [Tequin], and sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim [Bactrim, Septra]).

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that often causes a slowly developing infection. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, diarrhea, and rash. This bacterium is the principal cause of many pneumonias in the summer and fall months, and the condition often referred to as “atypical pneumonia.” Macrolides (erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, and fluoroquinolones) are antibiotics commonly prescribed to treat Mycoplasma pneumonia.

Legionnaire’s disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumoniae that is most often found in contaminated water supplies and air conditioners. It is a potentially fatal infection if not accurately diagnosed. Pneumonia is part of the overall infection, and symptoms include high fever, a relatively slow heart rate, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and chest pain. Older men, smokers, and people whose immune systems are suppressed are at higher risk of developing Legionnaire’s disease. Fluoroquinolones are the treatment of choice in this infection. This infection is often diagnosed by a special urine test looking for specific antibodies to the specific organism.

Mycoplasma, Legionnaire’s, and another infection, Chlamydia pneumoniae, all cause a syndrome known as “atypical pneumonia.” In this syndrome, the chest x-ray shows diffuse abnormalities, yet the patient does not appear severely ill. These infections are very difficult to distinguish clinically and often require laboratory evidence for confirmation.

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is another form of pneumonia that usually involves both lungs. It is seen in patients with a compromised immune system, either from chemotherapy for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and those treated with TNF (tumor necrosis factor), such as for rheumatoid arthritis. Once diagnosed, it usually responds well to sulfa-containing antibiotics. Steroids are often additionally used in more severe cases.

Viral pneumonias do not typically respond to antibiotic treatment. These infections can be caused by adenoviruses, rhinovirus, influenza virus (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza virus (that also causes croup). These pneumonias usually resolve over time with the body’s immune system fighting off the infection. It is important to make sure that a bacterial pneumonia does not secondarily develop. If it does, then the bacterial pneumonia is treated with appropriate antibiotics. In some situations, antiviral therapy is helpful in treating these conditions.

Fungal infections that can lead to pneumonia include histoplasmosis, coccidiomycosis, blastomycosis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis. These are responsible for a relatively small percentage of pneumonias in the United States. Each fungus has specific antibiotic treatments, among which are amphotericin B, fluconazole (Diflucan), penicillin, and sulfonamides.

Major concerns have developed in the medical community regarding the overuse of antibiotics. Most sore throats and upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses rather than bacteria. Though antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, they are often prescribed. This excessive use has resulted in a variety of bacteria that have become resistant to many antibiotics. These resistant organisms are commonly seen in hospitals and nursing homes. In fact, physicians must consider the location when prescribing antibiotics (community-acquired pneumonia, or CAP, versus hospital-acquired pneumonia, or HAP).

The more virulent organisms often come from the health-care environment, either the hospital or nursing homes. These organisms have been exposed to a variety of the strongest antibiotics that we have available. They tend to develop resistance to some of these antibiotics. These organisms are referred to as nosocomial bacteria and can cause what is known as nosocomial pneumonia when the lungs become infected.

Recently, one of these resistant organisms from the hospital has become quite common in the community. In some communities, up to 50% of Staph aureus infections are due to organisms resistant to the antibiotic methicillin. This organism is referred to as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staph aureus) and requires special antibiotics when it causes infection. It can cause pneumonia but also frequently causes skin infections. In many hospitals, patients with this infection are placed in contact isolation. Their visitors are often asked to wear gloves, masks, and gowns. This is done to help prevent the spread of this bacteria to other surfaces where they can inadvertently contaminate whatever touches that surface. It is therefore very important to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently to limit further spread of this resistant organism.

Conclusions

Pneumonia can be a serious and life-threatening infection. This is true especially in the elderly, children, and those that have other serious medical problems, such as COPD, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Fortunately, with the discovery of many potent antibiotics, most cases of pneumonia can be successfully treated. In fact, pneumonia can usually be treated with oral antibiotics without the need for hospitalization.
Pneumonia At A Glance

* Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by different types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
* Symptoms of pneumonia include cough with sputum production, fever, and sharp chest pain on inspiration (breathing in).
* Pneumonia is suspected when a doctor hears abnormal sounds in the chest, and the diagnosis is confirmed by a chest x-ray.
* Bacteria causing pneumonia can be identified by sputum culture.
* A pleural effusion is a fluid collection around the inflamed lung.
* Bacterial and fungal (but not viral) pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics.

Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/pneumonia/article.htm

Could it be that you are pregnant? Are you wondering what the first week signs of pregnancy are? Some women encounter signs of pregnancy within a week of conception. For other women, pregnancy symptoms may develop over a few weeks, months, or maybe not at all. Interpreting the signs of pregnancy is important because each symptom may be akin to something other than pregnancy.

Signs of pregnancy can start before you miss your first menstrual cycle. Keep in mind that symptoms differ for each woman and can be different for each pregnancy. Being a mother of 7 myself, I can attest to this whole heartedly. Consider these age old body clues for early symptoms of pregnancy.

1. Missing Your Period

This is the first sign many women look for as a clear sign of pregnancy. However, have you missed your period, is it just late, or out of whack?

There can be other reasons as to why you might be experiencing a late period. Too much tension in your life, fatigue, hormonal changes due to extreme weight gain or weight loss, even stopping your birth control pill. So keep these considerations in mind as you move forward.

2. Slight Bleeding or Cramping

A small amount of light vaginal bleeding or spotting is one of the first signs of pregnancy. This is known as implantation bleeding. It usually takes place very early in the pregnancy, around 7 to 14 days after the conception; the fertilized egg (embryo) attaches to the lining of the uterus. This type of bleeding is typically more spottier and lighter in color than a normal period, and doesn’t last very long. Some women will have abdominal cramping early in pregnancy as well. These cramps are a lot like menstrual cramps. This is normal and no reason for concern.

3. Fatigue

Fatigue was the first thing that always hit me when being pregnant. This can start as early as the week after conception! You may experience extreme tiredness and sleep more than usual. This is a good indication of first week signs of pregnancy that you should be looking for. This symptom can be hard for a lot of women to recognize with their busy day to day lives. Of course, there can be other reasons for fatigue as well… such as stress, depression, the flue, insomnia. Any of these medical conditions and more can cause fatigue.

4. Nausea

Morning sickness is something that most women do experience during their pregnancy. It can hit as early as two weeks from conception and can attack you at any time of the day or night. I am not sure why it is known as “morning sickness” as that is far from the truth.

The reason for the nausea seems to be caused at least in part from rapidly rising levels of estrogen. Also, beware of the heightened sense of smell that a pregnant woman has to various odors, such as foods being cooked, cigarette smoke, the smell of perfume or cologne. These can all send waves of nausea in early pregnancy.

5. Sensitive Breast

Your breasts may provide one of the first week signs of pregnancy clues. This symptom can strike after only a few weeks after conception. Due to hormonal changes your breasts may become tender, tingly or sore.

6. Headaches

Early weeks in your pregnancy, increased blood circulation caused by hormonal changes in your body may trigger mild headaches.

7. Food Cravings

Food cravings are a common symptom of the very early signs of pregnancy. However, it may be that you are just hungry! This may very well be the body’s way of getting more nourishment that it may be lacking such as needed vitamins and minerals. Food cravings can come and go and may occur all the way through your pregnancy.

8. Constipation

Constipation is another early sign of pregnancy. An increase in progesterone causes food to pass more slowly through the intestines - which causes constipation.

9. Mood Swings

Again, your hormones diligently at work! You may feel emotional and weepy at times. This seems to attack mostly in the first trimester.

10. Faintness and Dizziness

Some women experience being lightheaded, dizzy or even pass out.

11. Low Back Pain

Early pregnancy symptoms of low back pain can happen due to your weight change or uterus growing bigger. This will usually be a more significant factor as you baby grows larger and as you progress through your pregnancy. With the baby growing bigger each week this may put a strain on your back muscles as it now needs to support both you and the baby.

So there you have it… the most common first week signs of pregnancy. If you miss a period or notice any of the signs or symptoms on this list, you might want to take a home pregnancy test just to be sure. If the test proves positive, then it’s time to start reading everything you can on having a good pregnancy and healthy baby. See your doctor and start creating your birth-plan. Good luck and I wish you the best!

Source:http://www.healthguidance.org/authors/508/Allison-Saunders

What are some of the treatment options for prostate cancer?

How to Test Your Blood Sugar With Diabetes

Everyone with diabetes should test their blood sugar, or glucose, levels regularly. Knowing your blood glucose levels allows you to alter your diabetes management strategy if your levels aren’t near your target blood glucose.

Also, regular diabetes testing can help reduce your risk of having long-term complications from diabetes. Based on studies of people with type 1 diabetes (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial [DCCT]) and type 2 diabetes (United Kingdom Prevention of Diabetes [UKPDS]), maintaining near normal blood glucose and HbA1c levels significantly reduces the risks of complications arising from diabetes.

Ways to Test Your Blood Sugar With Diabetes

• Traditional Home Blood Glucose Monitoring. The traditional method of testing your blood sugar (diabetes testing) involves pricking your finger with a lancet (a small, sharp needle), putting a drop of blood on a test strip and then placing the strip into a meter that displays your blood sugar level. Meters vary in features, readability (with larger displays or spoken instructions for the visually impaired), portability, speed, size, and cost. Current devices provide results in less than 15 seconds and can store this information for future use. These meters can also calculate an average blood glucose level over a period of time. Some meters also feature software kits that retrieve information from the meter and display graphs and charts of your past test results. Blood glucose meters and strips are available at your local pharmacy.
• Meters That Test Alternative Sites. Newer meters allow you to test sites other than your fingertip; these alternative testing sites include upper arm, forearm, base of the thumb and thigh. However, diabetes testing at alternative sites may give you results that are different from the blood glucose levels obtained from the fingertip. Blood glucose levels in the fingertips show changes more quickly than those in alternative testing sites. This is especially true when your blood glucose is rapidly changing, like after a meal or after exercise. It is also important to know that if you are checking your sugar at an alternative site while you are experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, you should not rely on these test results.
• Lasers to draw blood. In 1998, a laser to draw blood was approved. The laser device produces a precise beam of light that penetrates the skin on the finger instead of pricking it, reducing pain and discomfort.
• MiniMed Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. This device involves a small plastic catheter (very small tube) that is inserted just under the skin. It collects small amounts of fluid and measures the glucose content over 72 hours.
• GlucoWatch. In 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the GlucoWatch, a watch-like device that helps people with diabetes measure their blood glucose via tiny electric currents. It draws small amounts of fluid from the skin and measures blood glucose levels three times per hour for up to 12 hours. The GlucoWatch is considered a first step toward noninvasive, continuous glucose monitoring, but it does have some shortfalls.

According to the FDA, these newer devices should not replace the traditional daily finger pricks.

Source:http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/how-test-blood-glucose