Vitamin B12 and Weight Loss
There is lots of different information going around about B12 and whether it can help you lose weight. It’s hard to distinguish between right and wrong information. So what’s the truth? What is B12 and can it help you lose weight?
B12 is a nutrient that we get naturally in our diets. B12 is one of the nutritients that our bodies need for proper functioning. Someone with a B12 deficiency will have serious side effects to their body. Look at it this way, if you are baking a cake you wouldn’t bake it without the flour would you? Obviously not because when you leave one of the most important ingredients out, the cake just doesn’t turn out right. Your body is exactly the same. When your body lacks something as vital as B12 it just won’t work right. This vital nutrient lets your body operate more effectively and efficiently which in the long run allows you to lose weight because it improves your overall health.
Another great thing about B12 is the energy boost it gives your body. This obviously won’t take off the pounds itself, but it gives you the motivation to get up and moving. And when we get up and move we know what the natural reaction to that is – weight loss.
Another weight loss helper is your metabolism and B12 boosts it. What exactly happens when you have a boost in your metabolism? Well you digest food faster and will burn more calories just sitting there. And basic science tells us that the more calories you burn, the fewer calories you store as fat. And when you increase your exercise level that will also give your metabolism an extra boost!
B12 shots tend to be on the pricey shot, about $65 a pop! Our bodies all have B12 from the foods we eat so a shot isn’t necessarily the route to take. In fact you can get more B12 in your system simply by adding it to your diet. Start eating more things like salmon, trout, liver and clams which are high in B12.
As mentioned earlier, there is a lot of information out there regarding B12 and there are scientists that claim it’s not effective. But there are thousands of people out there that say it helped them lose weight. There is no magical pill or cure to losing weight, it’s determined by how hard you work at it. But, B12 if combined with diet and exercise could just be that extra boost that your body needs to shed those extra pounds!
Understanding why Calcium is very important for Women
Calcium is very important for women of all ages and should be taken on a regular basis. You can obtain calcium from vegetables, as well as a multivitamin. Read more
Women: Letting the Fear of Aging Go
Women should let go of their fears of aging as aging varies for all women differently. Some women who are 80 years old look like they are 60 and vice versa. Aging is a natural process that happens to everyone. Wrinkles and fine lines tell stories of a woman’s life and should not be frowned upon. Look at aging as a beautiful process and not like your beauty is fading. Smiling and laughter won’t age you, so remember to do as much of it as you can.
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Noah’s Ark Stuff Animals
Stuffed animals that your child can stuff themselves with cute little outfits to go along with your child’s hobbies.
What’s the Cost: Price Varies
When the postman came to our house my soon to be 4 year old son was so excited. He loves it when mommy gets prizes in the mail. Well little did he know that he would be getting a prize himself today. 
We took the package into the kitchen and opened it up. When he saw the bear that came out of the box he started jumping for joy! He grabbed it out of my hand and opened up the bag that the stuffing was in. I had to make him wait a minute so I could find the little star that comes with the bear for him to make a wish on.
I told him to kiss the star and place it in the bear. He did and then started stuffing the bear so fast I had to stop him long enough to evenly distribute the stuffing lol.
It was so easy for Adam to stuff this bear. A cute shirt came with the bear and Adam proceeded to dress the bear and he immediately walked out of the room, I didn’t know why until he came walking back into the room with a little wool cap that he wanted his bear to wear.Â
And I am not making this up, he would not go to bed without his new bear friend last night. He hasn’t named it yet but once he tells me I will fill out the “birth certificate” that came with the bear.
If you are looking for something that your child will love and can feel it’s all their own, I recommend buying them a Noah’s ark stuffed friend. The look on Adam’s face as he was stuffing the bear and dressing him was priceless.
Where to Buy: Noah’s Ark WorkshopÂ
Submitted by: Rebecca White; Sylvania, OH
Modest Mums Nursing Covers
Beautiful and practical nursing covers to help keep you covered up while your baby nurses. A wide variety of stylish fabrics are available and all styles are reversible.
What’s The Cost: Prices Vary.
If you’ve ever been a nursing mother you know that although it’s natural, beautiful, and necessary, breastfeeding in public isn’t always comfortable. A little blanket or burp cloth can be ok for keeping things under wraps, but that only lasts as long as it takes for your little nursling to grow old enough to start flapping their arms around while they eat.
Modest Mums Nursing Covers are the perfect solution to this dilemma. These lovely, reversible covers are well-made, soft, and come in a wide variety of fabric types and prints in order to suit your personality and wardrobe. Although they easily roll right up into a small bundle that can easily fit in your purse, backpack, and diaper bag, it is wide enough when in use to cover you, your baby, and your post-partum love handles as well.
One of my favorite features about these covers is the neckline that features a flexible-but-firm wire of some sort (I assume plastic because it is nicely lightweight) that holds the fabric away from your body so that you can still make eye contact with your baby and make sure they are latched on correctly. I love it that the baby doesn’t have to have the fabric sitting right on their face, making them hot. They will get plenty of air flow while cozily tented under these covers.
Most mothers know that babies go through a stage when they are easily distractible while eating. When they hit that stage, even the most modest mother can find herself with her breast hanging out for all the world to see when her little 6 month old decides they have to break away from their meal to check out the noise they just heard. This cover is especially great for that time period, even for bottle feeding moms. Just the ability to cover the baby up, and to block out some of the light and visual stimulation can be a big help.
Where to buy: Modest Mums
Submitted by: Erica Johns ; Lancaster, KY
Beauty Lessons
Up until the early 1900’s, foot binding was not only a common practice for Chinese women, but also a necessary one. Mothers would begin binding their daughter’s feet around the age of five. Read more
Women Can Experience Hair Loss
Women can experience hair loss just like men as they age. The same reasons for hair loss apply to women just as they do to men. Losing your hair can be a very difficult time for you and even traumatic. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of reasons such as medication use, thyroid conditions, chronic illness, stress, anemia, inflammatory conditions and more.
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Learning to Talk: Is It Different with Twins?
Studies have shown that toddler and preschool-aged twins are generally about six months behind other children in developing language skills. There are many theories as to why this may occur. It could be due to a higher rate of premature birth among twins, which may delay many milestones, such as the development of speech. Read more
Standing Together
I was getting ready one morning to attend a playgroup I’d never been to before. As I tried on my third outfit I realized that I was stressing more about how I looked for these other moms then I do around men. It is hard to find that perfect medium between too casual (i.e. lazy and unappealing) and too prissy (i.e. “who does she think she is?”). Read more
What I believe
I believe in women. I believe women are worth more than they believe; are stronger and more powerful than they admit. As a writing teacher I am privileged to hear bits and pieces of women’s lives that are often kept secret. Read more
Walking is the Best Exercise for Older Women
Walking is an essential exercise for older women. It is also quite enjoyable to take walks on a Sunday or Saturday morning, admire the nature, and inhale the fresh air. Walking is proven as the best exercise for older women and can improve energy levels and general mental health. It is good to maintain an exercise program and include walking as something you do everyday for at least 20 minutes.
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An Unexpected Diagnosis
After the birth of my first child, I breast fed and considered myself lucky that I only had to get up for one night feed. After the morning feed, and going about the usual morning chores, I found myself tired enough to go back to bed. I put it down to what life was like with a newborn baby. Read more
Fourth of July Craft Ideas For Your Kids
Independence Day is a fun summer holiday, full of festivals, fireworks, and other activities. It is also a tribute to the beginnings of our country. Fourth of July crafts are an entertaining way for kids to commemorate the anniversary of our independence. Here are some ideas….
Who Ever Said Silence was Golden was Never a Mother!
Long awaited and almost never present are those few precious moments that any mother desires, the minutes of complete silence and contentment in our home. But as my own mother would say, “be careful what you wish for.”
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Twins and Hemangiomas
For unknown reasons, twins are more likely than singletons to develop hemangiomas, also known as strawberry birthmarks. Somewhere between 4–10 percent of all infants will develop a hemangioma after birth, particularly if they are Caucasian, female, a twin, born to an older mother, or a preemie. Hemangiomas are created by an abnormal cluster of blood vessels under the skin. They’re often found on the neck or head, but can occur anywhere. Some children develop just one; others get a multitude.
One of my twins developed a small hemangioma on the top of his head within a few weeks after birth. Like many, it showed up as a small red spot within a few weeks of birth, and grew larger. My son’s birthmark stopped growing when it reached the size of a pencil eraser, but many can grow much larger. Once my son’s hair grew in, the birthmark wasn’t noticeable, but for other children, they can be quite visible, especially on the face. Most hemangiomas will grow for a few weeks or months, and then start to flatten out and go away over the next five to ten years.
Parents should always have a child’s birthmark evaluated by a specialist. In many cases, they are nothing to worry about, but it’s best to rule out any possible complications. I took my son to a pediatric dermatologist who specialized in hemangiomas. Oftentimes, the doctor will advise parents to leave the birthmark alone and let it go away on its own. But treatment with steroids, lasers or surgery may be recommended for more severe cases.
[Information obtained from “About Face” by Emily Lapkin, in Parents magazine, July 2007, pp. 44-50.]
Volunteer at a Kids Camp this Summer
Volunteering at a kid’s camp in the summer can be a very rewarding experience. You will help kids have a wonderful camp experience while getting outdoors as well. If you are considering volunteering at a camp here are some steps you need to take to do so.
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Let your Kids Learn and Fly on their Own
There is always that time when your kids will leave the nest and it can be hard on both parents. Parents want their kids to be happy, experience things, be safe, but at the same time they have this strong desire for the kids to stay at home just a tiny bit longer. Let your kids experience the world and let them go! Read more
How Father’s Day Began
Are you wondering where, why and how Father’s Day was created? There are seven different stories about how Father’s Day began and the most common story told is about a young girl by the name of Sonora Louise Smart who lived in Spokane, Washington. Read more
Famous Fathers of Twins
On Father’s Day — and every day — fathers of twins deserve a special round of applause for all their hard work, patience, and love! It’s a very special honor to be the father of twins (and singletons, too!). Let’s make sure our dads and husbands know how much we appreciate them! Read more
Investing in the right Vacuum Cleaner for your Home
Buying the right vacuum for your home can make a huge difference when you are cleaning. It depends on how big your house is and what type of mess you will have to deal with. Do you have pets? A baby? Here are some top recommended vacuums that can help you minimize your cleaning time and keep your house looking spotless. There are many things to consider when buying a vacuum cleaner such as suction, bag size, and the extra attachments involved.
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How to Know if you are at Risk of Developing Osteoporosis
Everyone is at risk of developing Osteoporosis and it is commonly developed when people get older, have severe lack of vitamin D and calcium, and live a life without constant movement. Read more
Bathing Suit Blues
I have to admit I admire men’s indifference to bathing-suit reality. Every man thinks he looks good in his bathing suit – even those with enough back hair to weave a small rug and a beer belly of sufficient size to be a walking Budweiser billboard. I envy that kind of confidence.
Almost every woman, on the other hand, believes she surely resembles a Teletubby in her swimsuit. We can only be persuaded to try on new ones each summer because – as with childbirth – we forget the agony endured during the experience. This seasonal amnesia allows us to set out once again on a search for the sublime suit, the one that will leave us looking like a supermodel.
When I was younger, I too was seeking a supermodel suit. I hoped to be considered bodacious in my bathing attire. Now, having a middle-aged mom midriff untouched by a surgeon’s scalpel, I’m content if my beach body fails to cause vomiting or retinal damage. So with these modest goals in mind, I began my spandex search earlier this spring.
I thought I’d found the ideal answer on the Internet with the Virtual Model. See, you can now re-create yourself online by entering your measurements. Then you can try on computerized bathing suits in the privacy of your home while eating an entire carton of Haagen-Dazs. The virtual you maintains her shape even as the real you adds another 10 pounds. It doesn’t get any better than that.
The virtual me turned out to be quite a hot mamma, I must say, and I eagerly anticipated the arrival of my online bathing suit.
Unfortunately, when I attempted to stuff my veritable skin into my virtual suit, I was sorely disappointed. Not only was I not a hot mamma, I wasn’t even warm. On the virtual me, certain appendages intended to nourish babies had provided a pleasingly perky presentation. On the real me, said appendages seemed to have vanished. Upon further inspection, I found them cowering under my armpits. The spectacle was even scarier in the lower regions, but I will spare you the details.
My high-tech suit solution having shriveled, I was forced to drag myself down to the department store and enter the psyche-smashing chamber of horrors known as the dressing room. Why do retailers insist on equipping their fitting rooms with 200-watt fluorescent lighting and three-way fun house mirrors? Don’t they realize if we could view our bodies, crammed as they are into shrink-wrapped rubber not much wider than dental floss, via candlelight through frosted mirrors (and perhaps after a couple of martinis), we’d likely take out a second mortgage to buy every suit in stock?
Determined to bravely face the task at hand, I began my pilgrimage against pudginess by arming myself with an assortment of the latest in swimwear styles and colors: the tankini, which gives you the illusion of a two-piece but with the promise of greater coverage (a bikini with benefits, so to speak); the maillot, a one-piece that, just by virtue of having a French name, is bound to bestow a certain sexy je-ne-sais-quoi; skirted bathing suits supposedly capable of camouflaging cellulite and sarong swim attire meant to minimize the midsection. For a couple of hours, I stood in front of those blasted mirrors under those blinding lights and tried on suit after suit.
Sadly, none of them met even my humble expectations. The tankini tanked as my flesh oozed out of its assigned areas. The maillot, despite its French connections, was a definite non. I squeezed into suits both black (which conveniently matched my mood) and colored, checked suits and some with polka-dots. Nothing made me happy. I struggled into a skirted floral number that made me look frighteningly like Hyacinth the Hippo. I wrapped myself in a striped sarong that was definitely not right.
In the end, I left empty-handed, dubbing my quest a dismal failure. Now, I’m considering spending the summer in a burlap sack. First, though, I’m going to pay another visit to that vixenish virtual me. Maybe I’ll feed her some Haagen-Dazs.
© Jackie Papandrew 2007
Advice for Raising Twins and Multiples on YouTube
Parents of multiples often don’t have time to read a lot of parenting books, so I recently recorded a series of videos with advice about raising twins and multiples, which are now posted on YouTube. Here are the topics you’ll find:
Breastfeeding Twins (keywords: heim, breastfeeding)
Bottle-Feeding Twins (keywords: heim, bottle)
Joining a Multiples Group (keywords: heim, support)
Planning Twins’ First Birthday Party (keywords: heim, birthday)
Teaching Sign Language to Infant Twins (keywords: heim, sign language)
Airplane Travel with Infant Twins (keywords: heim, airplane)
Getting Infant Twins on a Sleeping Schedule (keywords: heim, sleeping)
Helping Older Siblings Adjust to Twin Siblings (keywords: heim, siblings)
When a Twin Has Developmental Delays or Disabilities (keywords: heim, disabilities)
Differences Between Raising Multiples and Singletons (keywords: heim, singletons)
Resources for Parents of Twins and Multiples (keywords: heim, resources)
Many of these videos are also available at a great new site called NewBaby.com that provides videos from all kinds of experts about raising children.
Susan M. Heim is the author of It’s Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence and Twice the Love: Stories of Inspiration for Families with Twins, Multiples and Singletons.
How to Clean your Ceramic Tiles
Cleaning the ceramic tiles in your bathroom isn’t always a delightful chore. It might be spring cleaning time and you have it on your list to do. It is always easy to procrastinate, but let’s get down and dirty! There are some great ways to clean tiles which can make it easier for you and you can get it done quicker. Read more
Need Stress Relief? Try These Natural Remedies First
It’s no wonder that so many millions of us suffer from stress! In today’s busy society we are always on the go. There are business meetings, kid’s sports, church activities and so on and so forth. Stress is bad for our systems because it causes us to not sleep, leaves us tired, and even makes us look and feel older. Stress is also an open door to various diseases and disorders. It’s very important that we take time each and every day to allow ourselves to unwind for a few minutes. Herbal remedies are a great way to relax. There are many teas or natural supplements available on the market today that will help calm and relax you. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular remedies that seem to be more effective.
* Lavender. I remember learning about the calming effects of lavender right after I had my son. He was a bit colicky sometimes and a friend bought me some baby body wash with lavender and it worked wonders on my son so I tried it on myself and it worked marvelous to help calm my nerves and help me relax.
*Kava kava. This herb offers several different benefits. It’s been known to help cure insomnia and ease anxiety. It also is known for it’s stress relief and relaxation effects. This is a pretty potent herb (similar to the drug Valium) so be cautious what you are doing while taking it.
*Reishi. Sometimes when I’m under a lot of stress I notice that my mind tends to race, feeling like my head will explode if the racing thoughts don’t stop. Reishi is a great supplement if you suffer from a racing mind. It’s a herb that produces a calm, clear mind and will even help cure your anxiety. A great benefit of this herb is that it doesn’t seem to cause you to feel sleepy or sedated. If you have a hard time turning off your mind at night, this is a great herb to help you get the rest you need at night.
Keep in mind that you will not feel instant effects with herbs. For example, most prescription and even over the counter drugs provide some sort of effect almost immediately. A herbal supplement will require a longer period of time before you notice any sort of effects. The benefits of herbal supplements is that they offer an alternative to drugs if you don’t want to take them. Make sure you talk to your doctor before beginning any herbal remedy.
I’ve given you a couple different remedies to try to help calm down and relax. One or some of these remedies should give you some relief to stress and anxiety and help you lead a more relaxed and peaceful life.
Ideas for Younger Kids on Father’s Day
Father’s Day is coming around again and your children are probably trying to think of something unique and something fun to make dad for this special day of appreciation. If you want to help them out, and give them a few extra ideas, there are some stated below for younger kiddies to get started on.
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Calcium Supplements and How to Choose the Right One
We all know that calcium is a vital part to the health of our bones, especially women who are prone to osteoporosis. Not only does calcium play an important part to the health of our bones, it is important for producing a regular heart beat, conducting nerve impulses, stimulating hormone secretions and clotting blood. The chances are very good that you are not getting enough calcium, especially women!
If you don’t feel that you are getting enough calcium through your diet (dairy products & green vegetables) you might want to take a supplement. It’s important that you find a calcium supplement that will best suit your needs.
The first thing you need to decide about a supplement is what compound you want to take. If you don’t like swallowing pills and don’t want to have to worry about taking a bunch of them, calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate have very high concentrations of calcium but calcium phosphate may not be absorbed into your system as well. If you don’t have a problem taking pills and won’t mind taking several calcium citrate is recommended for those that don’t produce a lot of stomach acid. No matter what product you choose, it’s imperative that you read the labels and make sure you’ll be getting enough calcium by itself (elemental calcium).
All brand names are not created equal so here are some tips to help you weed your way through all the different brands of calcium supplements.
*Skip over any supplements that contain natural ingredients but have not been purified. These products could make you sick because of the dangerous metals that are more than likely in these products.
*If you find that a supplement is causing you to be gassy or bloated, simply switch brands and if it still seems to be a problem then switch to a lower dosage and work your way up.
*Look for products that bare the USP seal on them. This will help ensure the purity of the product.
*Do a warm water test on the supplement. Take one calcium pill and drop it into a warm glass of water. Let sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If after 30 minutes you find that the pill hasn’t completely dissolved, it probably won’t be completely absorbed into your body either and you should find a different brand.
It might take a little research and time to find the right supplement but it’s worth it in the long run. Once you find the right one, you’ll be helping keep your body healthy and strong.
Try These Outdoor Activities to Combat Cabin Fever
Your children have been inside all winter long and they are just about ready to burst. Before they do, here are some outdoor ideas that you can use to combat spring fever.
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Coping with Empty Nest Syndrome: 7 Helpful Strategies
If your kids are moving out, going off to college, getting married or traveling half way across the world, you may go through what is called the empty nest syndrome. Empty nest syndrome is when the parents go through a period of loss or mourning after their kids leave the house they were raised in. Empty nest syndrome affects every parent differently and some parents need some help to get through this time. There are numerous ways that a parent can get over this difficult hurdle and move on with their personal lives. Here are 7 different ways a parent can get through the empty nest syndrome.
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Foods and Supplements That Are High in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are vital to any diet. Not only do antioxidants keep us healthy and functioning properly, they may also help prevent cancer and aging. Many people wonder where to find antioxidants and how to get more of them in their diet. Here is a list of foods and supplements that will help you get antioxidants.
There are many supplements out there on the market today that offer a source of antioxidants but the very best and most beneficial way to get them is in food. Here are some of the ones that made the list.
* Fresh fruits. We all know the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. But what about the rest of the fruit like blueberries, plums, cherries, cranberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries? All these fruits are a great source of antioxidants. When eating apples try to stick to the red delicious, gala or granny smith ones because they have a higher amount of antioxidants than others.
*Artichoke. Like me, I’m sure many of you also cringe at the thought of eating an artichoke heart. I was a bit more ‘eager’ to bite into one when I found out they are one of the top ten best sources of antioxidants!
* Beans. Beans have always been known to be good for you but aside from that they also offer another one of the best ways to get antioxidants. When eating beans stick to small red beans, red kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans.
And of course if you don’t eat many of these foods then you can also get your antioxidants from supplements. When purchasing supplements make sure to do your research and only purchase a product that isn’t artificially manufactured. Look for products that come from natural sources. The supplements that provide the best sources of antioxidants are Vitamin E, Vitamin C, carotenes, zinc, copper and selenium.
There is no need to purchase every supplement individually and take them individually. Instead you should be reading the labels, as mentioned above, and looking for something that contains all these vitamins and minerals in one pill. Purchasing only one product will not only save you money but it will also be a safer and more effective way to deliver antioxidants to your system.
Eating foods (making diet changes) or taking supplements that increase your antioxidant intake will improve your overall health and quality of life.
