Author: healthtost

Worrying about a dwindling milk supply is something that all nursing mothers experience. When our babies can’t articulate what they want—and their fussiness won’t go away after ticking off the standard annoyance checklist—it’s natural to wonder if they’re just hungry. How do you know if you are producing enough milk? And can you increase milk production quickly? To understand that we need to take a closer look at the causes and solutions for reduced milk supply. How do I know if my milk supply is low? Babies have had enough typical set of hunger cues which vary in severity as…

Sodium chloride, also known as salt, is found naturally in food and is often added to improve taste, but too much can be harmful to the body. The body needs sodium in small amounts to conduct nerve impulses, maintain proper mineral and water balance, and contract and relax muscles. The recommended average daily nutrient intake level for sodium is 1,500 mg/day, although most Canadians eat much more than that! Eating too much salt can lead to high blood pressure which contributes to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Therefore, it is important to limit your salt…

The feeling of the post-Thanksgiving feast is a universal experience. The turkey was perfectly cooked, the stuffing was heavenly and the pies were a slice of heaven. You couldn’t resist the extra helping of mashed potatoes or the third slice of pumpkin pie. As you sit there, satisfied and slightly numb from the sumptuous meal, you can’t help but feel a little guilty about the indulgence. If you can relate to this feeling, know that post-holiday bloating is real and you’re not alone! You may feel uncomfortable right now, but the good news is that there are plenty of ways…

Sales of emergency contraception are estimated to increase by about 10% in the US in the week after the New Year holiday, suggesting that this period is associated with increased risks of unprotected sex compared to other holidays, a study published in the Christmas issue of The BMJ. Other holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Independence Day were also associated with increased sales, but to a lesser extent. While this year-over-year increase in sales may seem humorous, the researchers point out that just as many US states have increased abortion restrictions “is indicative of an unmet need for contraception that…

As we come to the end of this year, I wanted to share some thoughts and express my deepest gratitude for each of you who are part of our community. Reflecting on 2023, some of us may describe it as a challenging year, while others may have found it really rewarding – or more likely, a mixture of everything! No matter where you are, take a moment to recognize and be proud of how resiliently you navigated this. You have become wiser and stronger. I wish you could feel my gratitude for all of you through these screens. Maybe you…

Holiday skin care can be tricky. You want to look your best, but it’s a stressful time. Your skin may react with acne, dryness, dullness and red spots. What can you do? We have some tips to help! Holiday stress can cause skin problems First, a general warning: holiday stress can cause skin problems. Scientists have been skeptical about this, but recent studies have shown that psychological stress can worsen skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. It can also lead to unexpected breakouts and redness. So the first thing you can do to keep your skin glowing is…

When they think of the clitoris, most people think of sex, and specifically sexual pleasure. It is, after all, the most sexually sensitive part of the genital anatomy in people with a vulva. the clitoris contains more than 10,000 nerve fibers that convey sensation to the brain when stimulated (Uloko et al., 2023). Indeed, the clitoris plays a critical role in sexual arousal and orgasm in vulvar individuals (Pauls, 2015). The clitoris, however, has been chronically understudied—its anatomy has only recently been thoroughly explored (Pauls, 2015). The newly discovered anatomy of the clitoris gives new meaning to the phrase “the…

Looking to feel more joy and happiness during your pregnancy, today I’m going to share some habits of pregnant women that make them happier, more resilient and have easier pregnancies. They are also likely to have better births, so that sounds pretty cool! How do I know so much about happy pregnant women? Hi, I’m Hilary — many people know me as The Pregnancy Nurse 👩‍⚕️. I have been a nurse since 1997 and have 20 years of OB nursing experience, I am also the curl head behind this website Pulling Curls. I’ve seen a LOT of pregnant women through…

Black Friday is this week, which is generally my reminder to bundle it up and start gift planning. Maybe you organized people are done or even starting, but for the rest of us slowpokes, it’s time! So to help you out with the cooks in your life, here are 10 of my favorite kitchen tools, toys and other gift ideas, from small and practical to big figures. Nothing on this blog is sponsoredby the way, just my opinion. (Note: I first published this in November 2016 and have updated it every year since. Last year I disassociated from Amazon when…

The holiday season, with its festive feasts and sweet treats, can be challenging for anyone on a weight loss journey. The abundance of delicious but often calorie-dense foods can certainly test your commitment. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can navigate the holidays without derailing your progress. Let’s explore some practical tips to keep your mind and body motivated to lose weight during this joyful but potentially difficult time. 1. Practice mindful eating techniques Immerse yourself in the festivities by fully connecting with your meals, enjoying the colors, textures and flavors of every wintry bite. This practice…