Monthly Archives: July 2012

Advantages of Breast Feeding: Feed Now to Stay Thinner Later

Practically everyone knows that breast feeding is optimal for a baby’s health, and many researchers have suggested that there are some advantages of breast feeding for mom, too. For example, some research indicates that breastfeeding mothers could have a lower risk of ovarian cancer, breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. One of the most immediate benefits of breast feeding for mothers includes post-natal weight loss, which experts suggest is due to the additional calories required for a woman to produce breast milk. However, a new study is indicating that these benefits extend even further than post-pregnancy weight loss. In fact, the study shows that women who breast feed during motherhood are more likely to have a healthier body weight decades later, even into their 50s and 60s.

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Posted in Diet, Health, Health Facts, Medical, News, Parenting, Studies, Weight Loss, Women | 6 Comments

Coffee During IVF: Excessive Consumption Could Reduce Fertility

It will likely come as no surprise that over-consumption of coffee can lead to insomnia, upset stomach, irritability and even muscle tremors. However, the risks may be even worse for specific groups of people. For example, researchers from Denmark recently conducted a study finding that drinking excess coffee during IVF may reduce fertility in women who seek to become pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The study found that women who drink six or more cups of coffee daily reduce their chances of becoming pregnant through IVF by up to 50%. If you’re a typical coffee drinker, or even a serious coffee lover, there’s probably no need to worry as the study found no fertility loss in women who drank between 1 and 5 cups of coffee per day. For women who drink more than five cups daily, however, the reduction in fertility is equivalent to smoking cigarettes.

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Posted in Diet, Food, News, Parenting, Women | 3,112 Comments

Do People Gain Weight When They Quit Smoking? Yes, Says Study

The benefits of quitting smoking are nearly endless. Breaking the habit can lower your risk for lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. It can also reduce respiratory problems such as wheezing, shortness of breath and chronic cough. The risk for developing one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, can also be greatly reduced by quitting. However, if you’re thinking about quitting smoking, you may be hesitant due to the notion that quitting will cause you to gain weight. Unfortunately, a new study reveals that post-smoking cessation weight gain is real, and perhaps even more pronounced than previously thought. At the same time, the researchers behind the study remind us that quitting smoking is an excellent step to take toward achieving better health, even if you have to deal with some unwanted weight gain along the way.

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Spanking Linked to Increased Risk of Mental Disorders in Children

Spanking or otherwise physically disciplining children when they’re young may increase their risk of developing not only one of the mental disorders in children, but also mental disorders when they’re older, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Manitoba. The researchers believe that between 2% and 7% of adult mental disorder cases are a direct result of physical punishment during childhood years. Some of the disorders the researchers said could be attributable to spanking include paranoia, anxiety disorder and major depression. Spanking may contribute to the relatively high rate of depression in children. It’s estimated that as many as 1 in every 33 children suffers from the condition, symptoms of which can include prolonged sad mood that disrupts daily activities, as well as strong feelings of guilt or worthlessness..

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