PLEASE HELP THIS IS NOT JUST MORNING SICKNESS

MORNING SICKNESS IS only  MORNING SICKNESS--- How many times have you heard that?  Normally,  If nausea and vomiting is to occur it normally will start in the early stages of pregnancy. For many women the symptoms of morning sickness are their first signs of pregnancy. Most pregnant women find that the morning sickness improves after the 12th week of pregnancy. Unfortunately, for some women symptoms persist throughout their pregnancy.   What causes morning sickness?   Is the question asked by many.  Doctors still aren't  exactly sure  what causes morning sickness, but the most popular theory is that morning sickness is the body's reaction to the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG),   info HCG human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the embryo following implantation.^[1][2] The presence of hCG is detected in pregnancy tests.   which is produced at higher levels during the first trimester than at any other time during pregnancy,

Hey it's your girl  JA Nursing here, with all the excitement  surrounding  the New Year, lets not forget  that we are in the official love zone.Within the next 7-9  months many hospitals will get a influx of gorgeous babies.  Couples have more sex when it’s chilly outside in general, says Glamour contributor Katharine O’Connell White, M.D., chief of the division of general obstetrics and gynecology at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.   My first thought,  when I hear the word pregnant, is that one not so nice component called morning Sickness.  

 The reason for this blog, is because a special lady told me her story, and I felt that it was something to discuss with you all. So let the debate begin morning sickness vs hyperemesis gravidum?  I know that symptoms can mimic each other to the point that even Doctors, think that your symptoms are of the lesser.  With any encounter in the health care system it is always important to understand  what  symptoms need to be seen before a diagnosis can me made.  So grab a pen and let's get to the point

However their is a fine line between morning sickness and HG (hyperemesis gravidarum). Now if you are Kate Middleton, your symptoms will be investigated to the point of no return to find a explanation for your continuous vomiting. For this reason I know that it can be quite a challenge for the average Women to convince their  Doctor what they are going through is not a normal part of being preganant.

 http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/she-said/2014/sep/27/hyperemesis-gravidarum-kate-middletons-ongoing-condition-is-much-worse-than-just-morning-sickness

 When Kate Middleton was hospitalized during her last pregnancy. It was noted that hyperemesis gravidarum (severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy),  was the reason, which brought  attention to the fact that “morning sickness” can be a serious matter.

Research shows that 50 to 90 percent of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting (NVP), while approximately one percent (or 4,000) experience the more severe HG.  which is defined as persistent and excessive vomiting starting before the end of the 22nd week of pregnancy. Approximately 50% of these women require inpatient treatment  

Navigating the health care system can be especially complicated especially when you are pregnant, you can be  overly emotional and unable to communicate the facts. Wouldn't it  be great if every one had a  Health Care advocate  like me to set the Doctors and Nurses straight? Great news I am always a phone call away. But for now, here are some simple steps to follow. If you are from a  cultural background that is prided on home remedies,  my advice is  that Morning sickness normally responds to home remedies while HG will not.

Follow theses signs to recognize when you are not just having morning sickness. Initial signs include:

 If you can't keep fluids down, contact your doctor as soon as possible to prevent dehydration. Signs of dehydration include producing very little urine, not peeing  for eight hours, or producing very dark urine. Some of the most common symptoms of HG are:

• vomiting more than three or four times per day.
• becoming dehydrated.
• feeling light-headed or dizzy.
• losing more than 10 pounds or 5 percent of your body weight due to vomiting.
• feeling nearly constant nausea.

 

If your nausea interferes with your daily living, you need to seek treatment. When you have to call in sick and stay home from work; when you can’t cook because it nauseates or exhausts you; when you can’t have sex; when you can’t take care of your family, this is not normal which means it's time to get medical help.

Try these tips:

• Eating soda crackers 15 minutes before getting up
• Trying foods that are thought to reduce nausea, like lemonade, ginger ale or watermelon, and avoiding spicy or greasy food
• Eating small meals every two hours, eating when hungry and not skipping meals
• Eating cold foods, which are thought to be easier to tolerate than hot foods
• Drinking enough fluid every day, perhaps a small amount at a time and never during meals
• Getting up slowly and not lying down after a meal
• Avoiding getting too warm or being near strong odours
• Trying complementary therapies such as ginger tea or tablets, acupuncture and acupressure

If you enjoyed  this blog please share it with your friends.  Leave a comment !

This has been watching out for you health with Michelle Smith your health and Social advocate.

 This year I will be doing more blogs based on your questions. Stay connected lets start the NEW YEAR  with knowledge    Find out more about How I can help   YOU

http://www.helpher.org/
http://www.motherisk.org/index.jsp

http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/health-centres/health-information/resources/feature-article/morning-sickness,-or-something-more-(womens-health-matters-article) http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2013/10/when-youre-most-likely-to-get

http://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/when-its-not-just-morning-sickness/

HEALTH VS FITNESS IS IT THE SAME THING? GET THE FACTS

Hello, all it's your Your Health and Social  Advocate here,  I would like to have a candid discussion  about fitness vs Health. I  appreciate all of  my readers and I wanted to say thank you  for reading my blog.  

Health literacy has been defined as:

“The ability to access, understand, evaluate and communicate information as a way to promote, maintain and improve health in a variety of settings across the life-course” (Rootman & Gordon-El-Bihbety, 2008, p. 11).

Lower health literacy leads to the ineffective use of services, poorer health due to lack of understanding of health problems and treatment, and increased frequency of hospitalization 


As your health care advocate, it is important for me to take the lead in providing health information,   Family Health and Literacy is emerging as a growing concern throughout the world, but of course with my 15 years of Nursing experience, this is becoming more evident than ever.

For many, accessing and understanding health information and services can be difficult. It can be especially difficult for someone feeling ill, anxious or in pain. Being able to access and understand information can make a difference to your health and well-being.

Health is relevant  to everyone, but even more so for families with young children, and aging parents, because they are constantly faced with scheduling doctor’s visits, managing illness and trying to keep their family healthy.

Fitness  is always a great wellness initiative,  but how can that help your sick family members or even a sick child? Ask yourself that question. Navigating this maze is what I am here to teach you.

Many people keep interchanging the notion that fitness, wellness, and health mean the  same thing. Contrary to popular belief, fitness does not imply health. We often consider  the two to be synonymous; if we become fit, we become healthier. Actually, while fitness certainly contributes to a person’s overall health, it does not guarantee that that person will be healthy. In a  perfect world,  if  fitness and wellness enthusiasts  decided to give their clients the opportunity to be more knowledgeable about their real healthcare,  my life would be a lot easier.  In a perfect world everyone, I came across would eventually learn how to navigate this health care system, giving individuals the opportunity to the richness of knowledge.  Until then I will continue to my  mission for a community that receives the right information needed to be in total control of their health. 

Fitness refers to a person’s ability to perform physical activity. This can be any physical activity from walking, running, lifting weights or simply playing a game of  basketball.  The common question patients ask me is WHY  AM I IN THE HOSPITAL when all I do is go to the GYM?   One can exercise regularly and be incredibly fit, yet he can still have problems with his heart, lungs, or other parts of his or her  body that can  keep them  from being healthy.
As your health care advocate my goal is to make sure that you are health literate. Sounds fancy!  but it is the one thing  that causes our healthcare system to fail. The literacy of the individuals that use it.

 When using a healthcare advocate, it increases your ability to understand your care; become just a knowledgeable as your health care provider.   Somehow we  have concluded that activity equaled being healthy, and inactivity equaled not being healthy. Unfortunately, this concept is not only false, it is dangerously misleading.  

Let me give you a scenario: If you hurt your back at work and needed to be inactive due to injury, but was health literate and understood that your overall health would include regular visits to the right doctors, eating the right intake comparable to your inactivity would you say this person is healthy?

I have often stated that  health involves a way of life which also could include the barriers to knowledge  Health, on the other hand, involves EVERY system of your body,  along with a  lifestyle that supports your  health. 

For instance, if a patient of mine tells me that they have neglected to  eat properly, ignoring the fat and sugar  content of food  and hasn't made many efforts to be seen by a Doctor, all the exercise in the world couldn't possibly correct the damage done from such a lifestyle. Exercise can't replace  the RIGHT medical information.  Only sound knowledge can support good health.  Our health is mainly the result  of knowledge towards what it means as individuals to be healthy.

We make our future with what we do every day of our lives with the right knowledge, and the desire to see it through, you can certainly accomplish a great deal. 

 
Health and fitness research  is growing by day. For those who have access to the Internet, you can find loads of information in the area of health. If you have a web browser, you can use one of the search engines to isolate specific topics you are interested in. While  on the net go to www.janursingservices.com  learn more about  fitness vs healthcare vs wellness We are living in the best era for achieving health and fitness  literacy.  By simply educating yourself, you provide yourself with the POWER to make significant changes in your health and life.

Great news, I can help you because I believe that knowledge is the best medicine.

Health literacy is not just about individuals and communities. Health professionals who provide clear, reliable information are essential to helping people manage their health and play an essential role in improving health literacy skills.   The next time you are curious about your health  take a moment  to  visit my   Ask The Expert page. Lack of knowledge is a disease that I am here to help cure.

Where do you fit in ?

How health literate are you?

This has been watching out for your health with Michelle Smith your Health and Social advocate  Remember it's time to let your friends know about what you're reading. Thanks for sharing Please feel free to leave a comment 

CHARLIE SHEEN ADMITS TO HAVING HIV

Hey it's your girl JA Nursing here,  As your health care advocate I certainly had to weigh in on this topic  Especially with  World Aids Day Coming up December 1 2015 . Last week  The former star of sitcom Two And A Half Men appeared on NBC's Today show, ending days of intense media speculation. 

 

"I have to put a stop to this onslaught, this barrage of attacks and of sub-truths," he said, adding he was diagnosed four years ago.  Lets not forget the many other celebrities  who came out but have since passed. Like Easy E. Freddie Mercury. Sheen has now joined the ranks of Magic  Johnson    who   confirmed  his diagnosis publicly back in 1991,  then  a 32 year old Johnson , shocked the world when he announced that he was HIV-positive,

  

We know now that Anyone can be infected with HIV, no matter...

• your age
• your sex
• your race or ethnic origin
• who you have sex with 

.  In August Basketball legend and business mogul Magic Johnson turned  56, Giving hope that you can live longer  with the right treatment.
In a  article cited by writer  @jamilahking

 It's a message that Johnson himself has helped promote in the black community since his diagnosis. "I'm the blessing because people were talking about it, they ran out and got tested at that time," Johnson told CNN in 2013. "Then I'm the curse, because people now say, 'Oh well, HIV is nothing, because if I get it, I can be like Magic. He's doing good, and I can do the same thing he's doing or take the same medicine he's taking and I'll be okay.' But what they don't understand, in 22 years, millions of people have died."
 

DID YOU KNOW That  more than   75%  of HIV  diagnoses  in  Ontario's  Black Community are  attributed to heterosexual transmission? from our friends over at Black C.A.P

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008. According to 2011 national HIV estimates, 34% of HIV-positive people whose infection is attributable to a heterosexual exposure remain undiagnosed. That is why it is so important that you get tested, know your status and always use protection – even for heterosexual sex. - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008 - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008. According to 2011 national HIV estimates, 34% of HIV-positive people whose infection is attributable to a heterosexual exposure remain undiagnosed. That is why it is so important that you get tested, know your status and always use protection – even for heterosexual sex. - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008. According to 2011 national HIV estimates, 34% of HIV-positive people whose infection is attributable to a heterosexual exposure remain undiagnosed. That is why it is so important that you get tested, know your status and always use protection – even for heterosexual sex. - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

It  has been  a little over a week since Charlie Sheen has admitted to being HIV positive new headlines state that

Charlie Sheen could be sued by 700 ex-lovers over 'HIV sex' as his confession sparks Hollywood panic.

'Bad decision'

"I think I release myself from this prison today," he said.
He admitted that his use of drink and drugs was a "bad decision" but said it was "impossible" that he would have passed HIV on to anyone else.
The actor said he does not know how he contracted the virus but stressed he does not feel any stigma attached to the illness.

 It's a hard three letters to absorb."
Sheen appeared with his doctor, Robert Huizenga, who said his daily medication has suppressed the virus and he is "absolutely healthy".
"Charlie has an undetectable level of the virus in his blood," he said.
When asked to respond to rumours Sheen has Aids, Dr Huizenga said: "Charlie does not have Aids - that's when the virus suppresses the immune system. He is healthy."

Like many........

Sheen said his "personal disbelief and shame and anger" at the initial diagnosis "led to a descent into substance abuse and fathomless drinking".
But now he feels he has "the responsibility to better myself and help a lot of other people. With what we're doing today, others may come up and say, 'Thanks Charlie, thanks for kicking the door open'."


Now lets get back to the reality in our city. The 6ix. Tdot,  With World Aids day approaching  on  December 1 I had to resurrect this blog ordinarily posted  Dec 1 2014- with updated information.  The news and blogs  can be quite entertaining to the issues that he is facing. But the bigger reality is that right here in my city their is someone going through this health crisis as I am writing this blog.

---

Thank you to our friends over at Catie for this Information.  As your  Health care advocate my Mission is to help you navigate to the right information.Working in health care for the last 15 years has brought about a reality that  common  reasons for re  admissions  patients is due to lack of knowledge and lack of  complete literacy regarding their current health conditions.

HIV is a virus that can make you sick.
HIV (or Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens your immune system, your body’s built-in defence against disease and illness.
Anyone can be infected with HIV. You can have HIV without knowing it. You may not look or feel sick for years, but you can still pass the virus on to other people.
Without HIV treatment, your immune system can become too weak to fight off serious illnesses. HIV can also damage other parts of your body. Eventually, you can become sick with life-threatening infections. This is the most serious stage of HIV infection, called AIDS (or Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome).
There is no vaccine to prevent HIV.
There is no cure for HIV… but there is treatment.
There is no cure for HIV, but with proper care and treatment, most people with HIV can avoid getting AIDS and can stay healthy for a long time.
Anti-HIV drugs have to be taken every day. They cannot get rid of HIV but they can keep it under control.

DID YOU KNOW? That Only five body fluids can contain enough HIV to infect someone: blood, semen (including pre-cum), rectal fluid, vaginal fluid and breast milk.
HIV can only get passed when one of these fluids from a person with HIV gets into the bloodstream of another person—through broken skin, the opening of the penis or the wet linings of the body, such as the vagina, rectum or foreskin.
HIV cannot pass through healthy, unbroken skin.
The two main ways that HIV can get passed between you and someone else are:

• through unprotected sex (anal or vaginal sex without a condom)
• by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs (including steroids)

HIV can also be passed:

• by sharing needles or ink to get a tattoo
• by sharing needles or jewellery to get a body piercing
• by sharing acupuncture needles
• to a fetus or baby during pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding

HIV cannot be passed by:

• talking, shaking hands, working or eating with someone who has HIV
• hugs or kisses
• coughs or sneezes
• swimming pools
• toilet seats or water fountains
• bed sheets or towels
• forks, spoons, cups or food
• insects or animals

For more on how HIV is transmitted, please visit CATIE’s How transmission occurs page.

HIV can be passed during unprotected sex.
This means:

• vaginal or anal sex without a condom
• oral sex without a condom or dental dam (a piece of latex used to cover the vulva or anus)
• sharing sex toys

Oral sex is not as risky as vaginal or anal sex, but it’s not completely safe.

Protect yourself and your partner(s) from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You can have sex with little or no risk of passing on or getting HIV. This is called safer sex.
Safer sex also helps protect you and your partner(s) from other STIs, such as gonorrhea and syphilis.
People can have HIV or other STIs without knowing it because these infections often do not cause symptoms. You could have HIV or another STI and not know it. Also, don’t assume that your partner know(s) whether they have HIV or any other STI. The only way to know for sure is to be tested.

To practise safer sex…

• Use a latex or polyurethane condom correctly every time you have vaginal or anal sex.
• Use only water-based or silicone-based lubricants. (Oil-based lubricants can make latex condoms break.)
• Get tested for STIs regularly. Having an STI increases your risk of getting and passing on HIV.
• Avoid sharing sex toys, and if you do, cover each one with a new condom before each use. It is also important to clean your toys between vaginal and anal use.
• Use a condom or dental dam every time you have oral sex.
• Choose forms of sexual stimulation that pose little or no risk for HIV, like masturbation or sensual massage.

Thank you to our Friends at Casey House for this snap shot of Toronto.

A Snapshot Of HIV/AIDS In Toronto

• Every day, two Torontonians are newly infected with HIV
• More than 1 in 4 new HIV diagnoses in Toronto are among young people under 30
• 65% of new infections in Toronto occur in men who have sex with men
• Women represent 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses in Toronto

More people live with HIV today than ever before—not just around the world but right here in #Toronto.

The message is clear 

With the  winter months bringing about loneliness and poor choices for some, we must remember that theses facts are real. This has been watching out for Health with Michelle Smith Your Health and Social Advocate. This is a message for all Wrap it Up, Get Tested and be knowledgeable about your risks and your health. If you are reading this blog and would like more information on how you can help some one today We want to hear from you becasue WE CARE

http://www.blackcap.ca/

Buy a ticket here

http://www.black-cap.com/page.php?u=/about/2015-joyful-giving-tickets

https://aso411.ca/
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Resources 

 http://www.blackcap.ca/


http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/celebrities-hiv-positive-aids-article-1.2436964

https://aso411.ca/

• Entertainment Live: Charlie Sheen reaction

 http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34845630

 http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/charlie-sheen-could-sued-700-6877314

http://mic.com/articles/123904/magic-johnson-turns-55-after-23-years-with-hiv#.71iimvIth

 http://www.actoronto.ca/home.nsf/pages/services


 http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34845630


 http://www.worldaidsday.org/about