Women should do a self-breast examination at regular intervals to locate issues that can help their doctor in quick diagnosis and treatment. A simple 4 step process is all you need before and during taking a shower:

1: While standing keep your shoulders straight and arms on your hips (moving upper body side by side).

Check breasts for:
- Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
- Change in size, shape, and color
- Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
- Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
- Inverted nipple or difference in shape as compared with the other.
- Any liquid discharge (watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood) from either or both nipples.
- New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

2: Still standing, raise both your arms and check for the same changes as step one (moving upper body side by side).

3: Lie down on you back on a mat or bed.
- Using your right hand, feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast.
- Keep fingers together and use the top pads of the fingers to firmly feel the breasts.
- Use a circular motion while pressing, about the size of a quarter. Start from the nipple and move outwards in concentric circles. You can also choose to do it vertically.
- Ensure that you cover the entire breast by following a proper pattern from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.
- Use pressure accordingly to check the top tissue, middle tissue and deep tissue (you will feel your ribcage).

4: Get into a shower and moisten your hands with soap. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 3 above.

Right or wrong, sex is often at the very center of how a man defines himself. When a man suffers from impotence, premature ejaculation, or infertility, feelings of inadequacy swell and he no longer “feels like a man.”  The mere mention of the word impotence is enough to send a shiver down the spine. The thought of being unable to perform is simply at direct odds with our image of what is “manly.”

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

The first step in solving the problem, of course, is to discover its source. Some of the most common causes for ED are atherosclerosis, diabetes, low testosterone, and prescription drugs such as those taken for high blood pressure, depression, and allergies. Atherosclerosis of the penile artery is the primary cause of ED in more than half of men over 50, and is a major red flag for impending heart attack or stroke. Drugs such as Viagra and Cialis temporarily mask the symptoms because they improve blood flow to erectile tissue, but the long-term solution is to improve the health of the arteries through diet, lifestyle changes, and proper supplementation.

Are There Any Nutritional or Natural Remedies For Erectile Dysfunction?

For optimal sexual function, we need optimal nutrition. A diet rich in whole foods—particularly vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds—is extremely important. So are some basic supplements including high-potency multivitamin/multimineral formulas, greens drinks, and pharmaceutical-grade fish oils. Beyond these basics, there are some key natural remedies for erectile dysfunction  that also deserve special mention:

Zinc is concentrated in semen, and frequent ejaculation can diminish the body’s stores. In response to a zinc deficiency, the body may reduce sexual drive in order to retain this important trace mineral.

L-arginine increases the formation of nitric oxide within blood vessels. As it relates to ED, L-arginine may improve blood flow to erectile tissue—the same net effect as the one produced by Viagra. In one study, 31 percent of those who took L-arginine reported improvement in sexual function compared to only 11 percent of control subjects.

Grape seed and pine bark extracts were shown to increase the benefits of L-arginine in one double-blind study, presumably by enhancing production of nitric oxide to an even greater degree than L-arginine alone.

Herbal treatments for ED include longjack (Eurycoma longifolia Jack), Tribulus terrestris, and Testofen, an extract of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum).

In Asia, longjack has been traditionally used to enhance virility. Tribulus terrestris has also been used traditionally to improve sexual function in men. Animal studies indicate that tribulus may affect testosterone levels, but human studies haven’t produced consistent results. Testofen, on the other hand, has shown impressive results in improving libido and testosterone levels in human clinical trials.

On an average most women will have between 11 and 13 menstrual periods each year. You might be amongst the many who end up on the lower end of the scale. A “missed” or irregular period is very subjective as it needs to be looked at in terms of what is normal for the individual. Menstrual periods are often irregular during the first few years after menstruation starts. It may take several years for the hormones that control menstruation to reach a balance.

Common Causes For Irregular Menstrual Periods

Irregular menstrual periods could be due to numerous reasons such as:

• Unevenness of the female hormones estrogens and progesterone for some years after sexual maturity.
• Hormonal discrepancy prior to the stoppage of menstruation.
• Poor nutrition especially a diet deficient in the mineral zinc and vitamin B6.
• A diet rich in carbohydrates.
• Anemia due to Iron deficiency.
• Excessive weight loss or gain (obesity).
• Too much exercise.
• Excessive intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, colas, etc.
• Constant worry and nervous tension due to psychological, emotive or bodily stress, leading to production of the hormone cortisol which in turn affects the production of the female hormones estrogen, progesterone and DHEA. The imbalance of all the aforementioned hormones serves to induce irregular menstrual cycles.
• Usage of a device or agent meant to prevent conception(contraceptive device).
• Miscarriage.
• D and C (dilatation and curettage).
• Recent delivery of a baby.
• Breastfeeding.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (development of fluid filled pouches in the ovaries).
• An unplanned pregnancy.
• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• An early still birth.
• Other problems within the uterus or ovaries.
• An abnormally active or an inadequately active thyroid.
• Usage of certain medications (prescribed or over the counter).
• Inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, liver disease, and diabetes can also lead to irregular periods.
• Illegal drug (medications and banned substances) use.

Natural Ways To Maintain A Regular Menstrual Cycle

Do not get stressed out if you miss a period once in a while. Unless pregnant, your body will get your cycles back on track within the next month. Most important is to get your physical and psychological strength and balance right to support the body in this endeavor.

Nature has provided many natural herbs, seeds, and other alternatives that can help regularize menstrual cycles. Some of these are listed below:

• Fresh raw carrots or grapes juice is one of the most potent yet low-cost remedies for irregular menstrual cycles.
• Drinking ginger tea with honey on a daily basis serves to regularize the menstrual cycles.
• Add two teaspoonfuls of Parsley leaves in boiling water, let it stand for thirty minutes, filter through a sieve and enjoy this rich tea.
• Turmeric, the amazing herb is very beneficial for treatment of this malady.
• A juice mix prepared from fresh parsley, beet, carrot and cucumber.
• Recurrent intake of decoction prepared from leaves of bamboo tree is an ancient remedy for this ailment.
• Consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, yogurt and lean protein on a daily basis is recommended for regularization of menstrual cycles.
• Mint in powdered form, integrated with honey needs to be taken several times throughout the day is a tried and tested home remedy.
• Fennel seeds in water, works wonders.
• Concoction of Radish seeds blended with buttermilk can be taken daily.
• The distillate or essence from the bark of Ashoka tree not only incites the uterine walls but assists in stabilizing the menstrual cycles.
• The Chinese herb  Dong Quai or female ginseng regulates the menstrual current

The aforementioned herbs can assist in stabilizing hormones which is the most common cause for an irregular menstrual cycle. Usually, the herbs are taken two weeks prior to the start of your monthly cycle.

Apart from all this, reducing the consumption of refined carbohydrates, indulging in moderate regular exercise /yoga/meditation etc. goes a long way in getting the body, mind and soul all synced up to help overcome this condition.

To prevent kidney damage avoid long term use of non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, smoking, excessive consumption of sugar, contrast dyes, high blood pressure, foods high in sodium, artificial sweeteners, carbonated beverages, dairy products, genetically modified foods, drug allergies, caffeine, vitamin D deficiency, sepsis and multiple myeloma. the following are the reasons for your kidney damage.

1. Medications: Long-term use of high doses of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) -prescription painkillers, that contain ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®), or acetaminophen (Tylenol®), has a harmful effect on kidney tissue and structures, causing shrinkage of blood vessels in the kidneys. Diuretics (urine enhancers) medications may also cause excessive water loss, straining the kidneys.
2. Cigarettes: Smoking has a direct relation to increased protein detected in the urine, affecting kidneys adversely. Diabetes and high blood pressure, diseases having an aggravating impact on kidney damage, are also exacerbated by smoking.
3. Sugar: Sugar laden sweets do not impact kidneys directly but trigger and worsen other health problems like diabetes. Diabetes and obesity are two of the most common causes of kidney damage.
4. Contrast Dyes: Dyes used in diagnostic radiology procedures like CT scans, X-rays and angiograms, have serious implications on the kidney, including Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), an abrupt decrease in kidney function. Insist onless toxic or diluted dyes, fluids to out toxins, or drugs to help protect the kidneys from the dye.
5. High-Sodium foods: Very little Sodium is required to maintain proper fluid balance in our body. Excessive salt intake triggers an avalanche in the body, increasing blood pressure, damaging the kidney’s filters- nephrons, accelerating kidney failure. Kidneys tend to retain water, needed for proper heart function, in order to dilute this excess electrolyte in the bloodstream.
6. High Blood Pressure: Weight control, exercise, and proper diet can control blood pressure—which puts lot of stress on your kidneys and causes loss of protein. So treating your blood pressure will help protect your kidneys.
7. Meat: Animal protein metabolism’s acidic residue triggers our body to pull calcium and other mineral salts from the bones, in order to return you to the preferred alkaline state, overstraining kidney functions. Uric acid –a byproduct of high purine foods such as meat, seafood and fish; causes kidney stones and calcium oxalate stones, due to increase in the amount of calcium excreted in urine.
8. Drug allergies: Allergic reactions put unprecedented load on the kidneys. Avoid medicines that you are allergic to, and ask about a drug’s effects on the kidneys any time you take a newmedication, to avoid kidney damage.
9. Genetically Modified (GM) foods: Processed foods contain genetically modified ingredients to increase plant’s pest resistance, immunity to herbicides, or improve crop yields. Studies have shown that these foods create a state of hepatorenal (liver and kidney) toxicity. Opt for organically grown produce and avoid common sources of GM ingredients such as processed and prepackaged foods.
10. Artificial Sweeteners: Though sweeteners assert that they are non-caloric, studies have shown a decline in kidney function with an intake of just two diet sodas per day.
11. Carbonated Beverages: Foods, like carbonated beverages (with or without artificial sweetener), and energy drinks that are high in phosphates, are known to have a damaging effect on blood vessels in the kidneys, and increase the chances of kidney stone formation.
12. Dairy Products: Over consumption of dairy products (contain animal proteins), increases the excretion of calcium in the urine, which has been associated with a higher risk of developing kidney stones.
13. Caffeine: Caffeine in coffee, tea, soda, and foods can stimulate blood flow, increasing blood pressure and stress on the kidneys. If substantially raises the kidney failure prospects of obese and diabetic consumers. Caffeine consumption has also been linked to kidney stone formation by increasing calcium excretion in urine.
14. High-oxalate Foods: Oxalates, which form oxalate stones, obstruct the flow of urine and damage kidneys. If you are prone to oxalate stones, stay away or moderate foods like nuts, chocolates and spinach.
15. Gluten induced: Gluten intolerant people have shown a higher tendency of gluten-induced kidney damage. So do check your levels regularly.
16. Vitamin D deficiency:  Vitamin D is not just a vitamin but a steroid hormone that is critical to the health of kidneys and the body in general.  So get out and get a piece of your sun.
17. Pre-Renal Causes: Lead to decrease in blood supply to the kidney through: (1) hypovolemia- low blood volume due to blood loss;   (2) dehydration- through vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, fever; (3) poor intake of fluids; (4) abnormal blood flow-due to obstruction of the renal artery or vein.
18. Sepsis: Any bout of infection sends the body’s immune system for a toss. The overwhelming effect causes inflammation, damage and fatal shutdown of the kidneys. So do not ignore common ailment symptoms and get the right treatment early.
19. Rhabdomyolysis: Muscle fibers, resulting from significant muscle damage due to trauma, crush injuries, and burns, clog the filtering system of the kidneys. Some medications used to treat high cholesterol can also cause rhabdomyolysis.
20. Multiple Myeloma: Multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer arising from plasma cells, which are normally found in the bone marrow, puts immense strain on the kidney’s filtration and waste disposal functions.
21. Diseases: Diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, Wegener’s granulomatosis, and Goodpasture syndrome, lead to inflammation of glomeruli, the filtering system of the kidneys, severely impacting its efficiency.
22. Post Renal Causes: Affect outflow of the urine through: (1) Obstruction of the bladder or the ureters – creates back pressure on the kidneys leading to damage and eventual shut down; (2) Prostatic hypertrophy or prostate cancer- blocks the urethra and prevents the bladder from emptying; (3) Tumors in the abdomen- surround and obstruct the ureters; (4) Kidney stones-For patients with only one kidney present, a sizeable kidney stone may cause the lone kidney to fail.

Get Yourself Tested

Whatever stage you are, being aware what signs and symptoms to look out for is of paramount importance to fight, delay, or heal CKD. A family history of kidney disease can also put you at risk. Suffering from other ailments like obesity, autoimmune diseases, and urinary tract infections also enhance your risk of developing kidney disease. The only way to know the cause of YOUR symptoms is to see your doctor.

Oral cancer strikes thousands each year, with several thousand succumbing to the illness. A little care can help you spot oral cancer early and get treated. But can you also prevent the cancer from striking you in the first place? While there’s no foolproof formula, some changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.In spite of the high number of people being diagnosed with oral cancer every year, dodging the oral cancer bullet isn’t that complicated. You can do plenty to puts the odds in your favor. Here’s a look at some simple ways to prevent oral cancer or lower your risk of developing it.

Quit Smoking

Smoking and tobacco use have long been implicated in oral cancer. One study in Spain reflects what researchers around the world have now concluded without any doubt. According to the study, tobacco consumption was the single most important risk factor when it came to oral cancer.

Skip The Tipple: Why Alcohol Is A No-No

With alcohol consumption identified as a key risk factor in increasing your chance of contracting oral cancer, staying within the recommended weekly limits is important. According to the NHS in the UK, men should avoid exceeding 21 units per week and women should keep their intake to under 14 units (1 unit = 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol). Alcohol can be an irritant to the tissue in your mouth and throat. And when used in conjunction with tobacco, it can be even worse. That’s because the alcohol facilitates the absorption of carcinogenic chemicals present in tobacco into the throat and mouth.

Prevent HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for cervical cancer but is now gaining infamy for its link to cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx. With studies finding that it has a causative role in these cancers, preventing the contraction of HPV can be your first line of defense.5 You can protect yourself against certain kinds of HPV through vaccinations at the right age (ideally when a person is young, free of HPV, and not sexually active).

Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure

As far as possible, avoid spending too much time in direct sunlight since this is a risk factor for contracting oral cancer. The worst time of day is mid-day when the UV radiation from the sun is at its highest. If you are forced to go out, cover up with clothes that protect your arms and legs and use sunscreen on exposed body parts.⁷

Use Lip Balm With SPF

If prolonged sun exposure is unavoidable due to the nature of your job, where you live, or your lifestyle, protect yourself against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Always use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 on your face and body, but don’t forget to invest in a lip balm that offers similar protection for the mouth and lip area.

Eat Fresh

Stock up on plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables rich in antioxidants. As with any cancer, researchers have found that antioxidants can help counter the effects of oxidative stress that can bring on cancers. In addition to vitamins and antioxidants that have chemopreventive properties, fresh produce also has phytochemicals like beta-carotene which can stimulate molecules that boost the immune system and help attack cancer cells.

Know Your Risk Level

Some people are more susceptible to getting oral cancer. For instance, men tend to be more prone to developing this form of cancer. You need to check if you fall into one of the following categories, in which case you should make routine oral cancer screening part of your overall healthcare regimen.¹

+Over 55 years old
+Have contracted HPV, graft-versus-host disease, or lichen planus disease
+Drink large amounts of alcohol
+Smoke or chew tobacco
+Are in direct sunlight for lengths of time
+Have low immunity (usually as a result of certain medicines or illness)

Screen Yourself

You can have yourself screened at the dentist with little to no effort. But even before you do that, there are some simple checks you can do at home with just a handy mirror. Look out for red or white patches in your mouth, gums, lips, or tongue; lumps in the neck or mouth; sores or bleeding in the mouth that don’t heal. Also be wary of persisting hoarseness of the voice, trouble swallowing, swelling, loosening of the teeth, or an earache that refuses to go away.¹¹ This screening is well worth it and could save your life.

Researchers assessing the impact of screening on oral cancer-linked mortality found that this timely intervention could help cut the risk of death among high-risk individuals. With at least 37,000 lives that could be saved around the world through screening each year, this may be one of the best ways to improve your odds.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known as the common cold of sexual activity! It’s as easy to catch and doesn’t have a real cure – and that’s a scary thought. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection with no real symptoms except for warts in some cases. It generally goes away by itself, but certain types of HPV can cause severe illness, including cancer. All adolescent girls and boys aged 11-12 yrs should get the 3 dose series of HPV vaccine, preferably before they become sexually active to protect against HPV.

High-Risk HPV

Many sexually active people carry the low-risk HPV without even knowing it. Genital warts, the only visible symptom in some cases, are caused by low-risk types of HPV, which do not cause cancer.

The high-risk HPV is the dangerous variant. About 70% of cancers of the cervix, vagina, and anus are caused by HPV-16 or -18 variant and so are 30–40% of cancers of the vulva, penis, and oropharynx. Other cancers such as non-melanoma skin cancer and cancer of the conjunctiva have also been linked to HPV. Thankfully, just the presence of HPV is not enough to cause cancer. For the cervical infection to progress to cancer, a co-factor such as long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, tobacco smoking, or co-infection with a virus like HIV or herpes must be present. Studies have determined that the presence of the virus combined with the effect of such powerful compounds on the body can cause cancerous cells to be formed.1
Safety Shot

Help is at hand in the form of the HPV vaccine. It protects against the two high-risk HPV types (HPV-16 and -18), which cause 70% of cervical cancers in women and 90% of all HPV-related cancers in men. It also protects against two low-risk HPV types, which cause 90% of genital warts. The vaccine has been available since 2006 and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as a routine vaccine for all adolescent girls aged 11 to 12 years. The vaccine is most effective at this stage, before sexual activity has commenced and when the body produces more antibodies.2

What About the Boys?

In 2011, the ACIP also recommended that the vaccine form a part of the routine vaccination for adolescent boys aged 11 or 12 years. Unfortunately only 22% of young boys in the United States are getting the three-dose shot in their adolescent years. The main reason – they don’t know that they should get it! A study on HPV vaccination initiation among males also highlights this. Only 14% of all males are getting this easy cancer prevention shot, which is way below state and national averages.³

Parting Shot

From all angles, this is a no-brainer. Simple shots that can prevent one of the most common sexually transmitted infections leading to cancer, and yet the uptake is low. Since the official push in 2006, women have been more diligent about exercising this option. The numbers also show that, compared to the pre-vaccine years, the prevalence of HPV in women has definitely dropped.⁴

Time to spread the word that an effective HPV vaccine exists for young girls and boys and can help counter infections and cancers caused by HPV.

Broccoli is often the cruciferous outcast at dinner time. Many of us are guilty of pushing it around on the plate, hoping it would miraculously disappear! But it turns out that there are many things to love about broccoli. A good source of fiber and chock-a-block full of vitamins and minerals, this superhero of vegetables belonging to the cruciferous family may hold within it the power to strike at the very roots of cancer and prevent its recurrence.

The Root Of Cancer

“Relapse” is one of the most disheartening things someone who has fought and won over cancer could hear. Cancer is essentially a cell mutation that allows cells to multiply uncontrollably. When cells with this mutation are destroyed or removed either through chemotherapy or surgery, the patient is free of cancer. For a long time, biologists thought that relapse occurred because some cancer cells were genetically resistant – or had evolved to become resistant – to the drug used to treat them. But in 1994, John Dick, a researcher from the University of Toronto, discovered the presence of cancer stem cells in leukemia – cells that were capable of not just rapid growth but indefinite growth. These cells were thought to initiate cancer and cause its growth and relapse, by giving rise to new tumors through continuous self-renewal and differentiation.² Since then, cancer stem cells have been discovered in many kinds of cancer. And this is where broccoli has a role to play. Studies indicate that sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts, may target cancer stem cells in different types of cancer.³

Sulforaphane can protect against cancer through both “blocking” and “suppressing” effects. It blocks the formation of cancer cells by inhibiting enzymes that convert procarcinogens (precursors of carcinogens) into carcinogens (substances that cause cancer). It also helps produce enzymes that push out carcinogens. Sulforaphane also suppresses cancer cells by modulating diverse cellular activities to inhibit their growth.

Broccoli can prevent the recurrence of certain cancers.

Pancreatic Cancer: Research has found that quercetin, a polyphenol and flavonoid found in broccoli, reduced the self-renewal of pancreatic cancer stem cells. Interestingly, the combination of quercetin and sulforaphane worked better together, making broccoli a potent anticarcinogen.⁵

Breast Cancer: Research shows that sulforaphane inhibits breast cancer stem cells and down-regulates their self-renewal pathway.⁶

Oral Cancer: Broccoli sprout extract has been found to activate a “detoxification” gene and may help prevent the recurrence of cancer in people who have survived head and neck cancer. Sulforaphane prompts both normal and cancer cells to increase their levels of a protein which activates certain genes that can detoxify carcinogens, like those found in tobacco.⁷

Get On Team Broccoli!

Broccoli shows a lot of promise in preventing the relapse of certain kinds of cancer, but researchers are yet to fix up a golden number or quantity that will be effective. But while research on the areas gets more extensive, you can get broccoli to work for you. The USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion recommends that you have 1.5 to 2 cups of dark green vegetables in a week as part of a balanced diet. And given the many health benefits of broccoli, it’s a good idea to include it in there.⁸ If you’re put off by the bitterness of broccoli, try broccoli sprouts – not only are they sweet tasting, they also have between 30 to 50 times more sulforaphane than broccoli itself

A Buruli ulcer is a debilitating infection of the skin and soft tissue that, when left untreated, can progress to ulcers, bone infections, and even deformities. A huge cause for concern in tropical and sub-tropical countries, a Buruli ulcer is tricky to identify – it appears as a painless nodule on the surface, doing its damage beneath the surface until the local tissue is completely necrotized. Over 5000–6000 cases are reported every year in a good majority of the countries Buruli ulcers have ravaged.1

What Causes A Buruli Ulcer?

The Mycobacterium ulcerans is responsible for the infection, spreading through water or skin-to-skin contact. It develops rapidly in a sub-tropical or tropical, humid environment. Bacteria of the Mycobacterium family are also responsible for other illnesses such as tuberculosis and leprosy. One common thread through these three diseases is that they can drastically impact a person’s quality of life and functional ability if not caught and treated in time.

A toxic chemical called mycolactone released by the Mycobacterium ulcerans is responsible for the tissue death associated with a Buruli ulcer. Mycolactone causes the tissue in the area to lose immune function, making it prone to secondary infection and tissue death.2

Although it isn’t clear how exactly this infection spreads, aquatic bugs of the Naucobris and Diplonychus family are thought to act as hosts for the bacterium that causes the ulcers. The bacteria live and multiply in the salivary glands of these insects without harming them in any way. Even a small cut or wound can become a window for these insects to inject the human body with the bacterium, where it grows and causes ulcers.3 Animals such as horses, dogs, alpacas, and koalas have been found to be infected in Australia, but it’s not clear whether these animals actually transmit the infection to humans.4

Initial Signs And Symptoms

A Buruli ulcer starts out as a painless nodule that is often mistaken for a boil or a swelling of a lymph node. This nodule, usually seen in the limbs, then proceeds to grow in size, destroying the tissue in its path. Due to the release of mycolactone in the infected area, there is no pain or fever, typical immune-system reactions to an infection.5 This perhaps explains why people don’t approach a doctor until the nodule turns into an ulcer and secondary infections set in. However, if caught in time and treated with antibiotics, the condition can be cured completely.

The Implications Of Buruli Ulcers

Buruli ulcers are endemic in Africa, some parts of South America, and Australia. Children and adults alike can develop this infection though a good majority of cases are reported among children under the age of 15 years.6 If adequate medical care is not provided in time, a Buruli ulcer can soon become more than just a cosmetic issue. Back in the late 90s in Ghana, about 25% of all people who reported a Buruli ulcer faced life-long deformities, amputations, disabilities, and even death.7 In Africa, the condition has improved only slightly since. This has huge socioeconomic implications, with people who’re already fighting poverty and food scarcity often losing working family members to the illness.

Only a handful of cases have been reported in the United States, mainly among people returning from Africa or Australia.8

Treating Buruli Ulcers

Earlier, most patients and doctors working in disease-prone places often proceeded to cut out the tissue or amputate the bone in the infected area. More recently, antibiotics such as streptomycin have been used to treat milder cases.9 Surgery, mainly to debride the wound, remove dead skin, and graft skin, is necessary in some cases.11 In severe cases where infection has spread to the bone and may cause sepsis, amputation is necessary to save the patient’s life.

Considering the cost of medication which many can’t afford, locals often use a variety of herbal medicines to treat Buruli ulcers. In 2015, studies were able to prove the efficacy of some of these plant products. For example, aloe vera was found to be an effective ally in managing the condition thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It also helped the repair of infected tissue. Extracts from the trees of the Alstonia family and the medicinal plant forest burr (Pupalia lappacea) have been shown to help heal the wounds and inhibit the infection. Even compounds derived from guava trees and garlic plants, when consumed orally, have antimicrobial properties that can help mend the wounds.10 If proven to be 100% effective, these alternative therapies can go a long way in treating this endemic disease, apart from providing relief to people who can’t always afford mainstream medicine.

There are three major pregnancy stages – the first trimester, the second trimester and the third trimester. Each of these stages are completely different and present a unique set of challenges, but also magical moments too.

Pregnancy Stage 1- The First Trimester

Week 1 – Week 12: During the first two weeks of pregnancy, you’re not even pregnant. The pregnancy begins on the first day of your last menstrual period, although you won’t conceive until ovulation occurs around week 3. This is where it all begins. Around week 4 is when most women discover their pregnancy in relation to their missed period. Tests have confirmed you may not feel pregnant until week 6, when your hormone production amps up, causing changes to occur. Tender, swollen breasts and the need for more sleep than usual (exhaustion) are a result of the rapidly growing fetus.

You may also begin to experience the dreaded nausea associated with the first trimester. As your hormones fluctuate during the first trimester, you may experience mood swings and headaches. Your uterus has already increased in size, and you may be visiting the bathroom more often as a result.
Make sure you are taking 400 mcg of folic acid each day, this can help to prevent your baby developing neural tube defects.

By the end of the first trimester, you are likely to be feeling very pregnant (that’s a nice way of saying completely exhausted, hormonal, emotional and fed up having your head in the toilet), although to your dismay, you might not look much different to the outside world. You probably won’t have a bump yet, but your clothes may be starting to look a little tight. Most women get their first ultrasound towards to the end of the first trimester.

Pregnancy Stage 2- The Second Trimester

Week 13 – Week 28: you may have felt like you’ve come out of a v=war victorious by the end of the first trimester and now you’re likely to start feeling much better. By week 16, for most women the nausea disappears leaving you free to enjoy your favorite foods again. By week 13 the risk of miscarriage reduces, meaning you may feel more relaxed sharing your good news.

Your bump might be making its grand debut during week 14- 16 and it will soon be time to invest in maternity clothes. Make the most of your renewed energy and engage in some light exercise at least three times a week. Swimming, yoga and walking are all great exercises during pregnancy and will help you stay fit for the birth. If you can manage a 30 minute each day, this will be extremely beneficial for the both of you, emotionally and physically.

By week 19, you may have felt you baby’s first movements in the womb. These delicate flutters will only be noticeable to you at first but within a few weeks, your partner will be able to feel them too. Over the course of the trimester, the fluttering will turn into definite kicks as your baby grows bigger and stronger. Encourage your partner to start bonding with the bump by engaging in conversations with the bump each day and by feeling the kicks. Your baby is already able to recognize your voice.

By the end of the second trimester, you may find the odd stretch marks making an appearance on your bump. Stretch marks are hereditary and there’s not much you can do to avoid this from happening. Using natural moisturizers, such as organic extra virgin coconut oil, has the added benefit of being free from chemicals and irritants while keeping your skin hydrated and reducing discomfort.

Pregnancy Stage 3- The Third Trimester

Week 29 – Week 40 (and beyond): This is the home stretch, and for many, the hardest part of pregnancy. While the nausea and fatigue of the first trimester far behind you, you may now be experiencing the aches and pains of late pregnancy. During this final trimester, your baby is piling on the pounds ready for the birth. You may find sleep elusive now, as you battle with your bump, and frequently wake for bathroom breaks. Use extra pillows to support your bump in bed, and try to limit your fluid intake in the hours leading up to bedtime. Light exercise, such as swimming, yoga and walking, can do wonders for pregnancy aches and pains, so try to stay active. Hemorrhoids are a common complaint by this stage, simply increasing your daily fiber intake can make a huge difference.

During the third trimester, you will probably be tying up loose ends. Painting the nursery, buying last minute baby items and making sure you’ve finished all your big projects at work, will be one of the tasks taking priority. As the big day draws near, you should think about the type of birth you want. Of course, there are no guarantees, but it’s also worth writing a birth plan to share with your healthcare provider. Having your hospital bag packed and keep it with you in the weeks leading up to your due date.

Heartburn and indigestion are common complaints of this trimester. Try to avoid eating spicy foods, and be sure to stay upright immediately after eating to reduce symptoms. Your growing uterus will reach up to your rib-cage this trimester, and you may notice little feet sticking into your ribs throughout the day. Your enlarged uterus may be putting pressure on your already-squeezed-in-bladder, and you may spend half of your day walking to and from the toilet. Your weight gain may slow during the last month of pregnancy, as your baby’s weight gain reduces slightly. Sometime around week 36, your baby will ‘drop’ in preparation for the birth, this is known as ‘lightening’, and you should find yourself better able to breathe from now on. You may also notice a reduction in the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion too, although to counter this, you may find yourself making extra trips to the bathroom.

As you crawl towards the finish line, it may feel that the pregnancy will never end. But, eventually, it will, and then all of your pregnancy complaints will be a distant memory as you gaze at the newborn baby in your arms.

During pregnancy, your baby does much more than just grow and develop. Here are five impressive things your unborn baby is doing inside your tummy to prepare for life on the outside.

1. Swallowing
During the second trimester, babies inside the womb start to swallow. The reason for this is two-fold: firstly, they need to know how to swallow when they first drink mum’s milk, and their digestive system also needs to know how to function; secondly, and very importantly, the swallowing initiates a process that helps balance amniotic fluid.
“By the end of the pregnancy the foetus swallows up to 500ml a day,” Kathy says. “And then it wees, and the baby wee is actually what makes up a big component of the amniotic fluid. So it’s an essential fluid balance.”
It’s also worth mentioning that foetuses develop tastebuds during the second trimester, and can taste foods their mother eats through the amniotic fluid. Researchers have even indicated that a baby may be more inclined to eat a certain food if they were exposed to it during pregnancy … perhaps this is the time to eat lots of broccoli, beans and pumpkin!

2. Breathing in and out
Breathing is essential to survival, so of course it’s important that a foetus practices its breathing ready for the world.
“The breathing exercises start after the 20-week mark,” Kathy says. “When you watch the foetus on ultrasound you can see the diaphragm contracting.”
She also explains how there is no other reason for your foetus to breathe in amniotic fluid, except to practice her breathing and to strengthen the muscles in the diaphragm and chest.

3. Learning to suck
Another essential skill for survival is knowing how to suck, whether it be from the baby’s mother’s nipple or the teat of a bottle.
One of the ways your foetus practices suckling movements is by sucking her thumb and fingers; another is by simply placing her tongue on the roof of her mouth and practicing the movement. Kathy says she can sometimes see a foetus doing this during an ultrasound.
Another movement worth mentioning is the foetus opening and closing her fist. Dr Evelyn Chia, who is an obstetrician gynecologist, explains how from very early on, foetuses start making a fist movement in utero – and sometimes the umbilical cord gets in the way.
“Sometimes the umbilical cord is right in front of them, so sometimes they actually grab hold of [it],” Evelyn explains. “It stops the blood flow to themselves and because oxygen comes through the umbilical cord they cut off their oxygen supply – which causes the hand to relax and them to let go.”
So there you have it: babies do so much more than just grow and develop in utero – it’s almost like a survival boot camp, where they learn all the necessary skills to ensure they’re equipped to survive from the moment they make their grand entrance into this world.

4. Pulling cranky faces

Given that crying and facial expressions are a baby’s main form of communication, it’s thought that little bubs may practice crying and frowning during the later stages of pregnancy. These were the findings of research released earlier this year, but researchers admit it’s still only a hypothesis.
“Definitely by third trimester [foetuses] do this deep frown and they look like they have a very cranky face,” Kathy explains. “And then the next minute the face relaxes and they do this mouth stretching – it’s not really a smile, they’re just stretching their mouth.”
Another explanation for the facial expressions is that it could be part of the brain developing and sending signals via the central nervous system.

5 Working out
It’s not like she’s going to the gym and lifting weights, but Kathy Hansen, a sonographer at Ultrasound Care, explains how your little bub is regularly exercising all the different parts of her body to strengthen the muscle, joints and tendons for when she’s born.
“It is like the baby has its own little gym program in there,” Kathy explains. “So everything is exercised, [and] when the baby is born the muscles are strong and can already do things.”

She explains how a foetus is doing lots of things in terms of movement – so much so that Kathy says in the early stages of pregnancy, a foetus exercises and moves around for half an hour and then rests for half an hour. Your baby repeats this cycle for 24 hours a day – no wonder why expectant mums are so tired, with all that work happening inside.