What Causes Infertility?

Infertility can be caused by many different things, and it can either be temporary or chronic. All women go through an infertile time during their normal moon cycles. For some women, however, this infertile time does not end as it does with other women during ovulation.

There are numerous potential causes of infertility, ranging from something genetic such as a translocation all the way to something like adrenal disease, a thyroid condition or diabetes. Any kind of anti-thyroid antibody can contribute to infertility, as can ordinary toxins found in certain kinds of pesticides, dust particules, solvents and glues. Even causes such as smoking can dramatically reduce a woman’s ability to reproduce.

There are also circumstances which only affect women, such as a problem with her ovulation, advanced age, endometriosis, or even blockage within her fallopian tubes. These issues may all be treatable, but to treat them you have to be able to discuss them openly.

Why is There a Stigma Surrounding It?

The simple fact is that for most women, motherhood is a relatively simple process. You simply go off of any kind of birth control and have sex. Unfortunately, women who cannot have children for some reason may feel that they’ve somehow failed or are inadequate. This is a silly idea, but it hurts to even think of never being able to have children of your own.

How Can it Be Easier to Talk About?

The first thing you have to do before you talk to your doctor is understand that being infertile is not a moral failing on your part. If you do not smoke or ingest other toxins, you are most likely impaired for a reason you have no conscious control over. Once you have put your fears to rest, you will be able to make more rational decisions and speak more confidently about your potential solutions.

Infertility is a terrible thing if you want to have children. But it is not necessarily permanent. In some cases, you can fix the problem if you can identify it. When you speak to your doctor, ask questions and be honest. Remember that all women are infertile sometimes.

About the Author: Marvis Walenta and his wife tried to conceive for 3 years before seeking assistance from their doctor. They’re now the proud parents of twin boys. Marvis and his wife study healthcare and common conditions, like yeast infection issues caused by candida, mental health, and heart disease.

Take up a hobby. Now is the time to do all of those things that you always wished you had the time for when you were so busy taking care of your family. Indulge your fantasies and plant that garden, take those oil painting lessons, or learn to ride a horse. A new hobby or interest is not only a great way to distract yourself from the symptoms of empty nest syndrome, but it will also add some much-needed zest and newness to your life.

Join a club. Search sites like meetup.com to find like-minded people you can congregate and share your life with. There is sure to be a number of clubs in your area that you can join to meet new people and have new experiences that will help you embrace the next phase of your life.

Get a pet. Want something to love and nurture? Then head to your local animal shelter and find a pet that you can care for. Animals make great companions, and they are more than eager for your attention.

Repurpose the kids’ rooms. They are not kids any more, after all. Resist the urge to preserve everything as it once was, purely for the sake of sentimentality. Pack treasures away and get rid of the rest of what you don’t need to keep, in favor of repurposing the bedrooms for things that are important to you. This is a great opportunity for a home office or hobby room.

Accept reality. The truth is, no matter what you do, empty nest syndrome is going to be hard, and even painful, at times. Don’t beat yourself up over not feeling good all the time, and keep in mind that your feelings – whatever they are – are perfectly natural and acceptable. You will inevitably have ups and downs, and your best bet is to just accept that fact, and to keep in mind that this, too, shall pass . . . eventually.

There are things you can do to counter the ill effects of empty nest syndrome. Keep these tips in mind when going through this difficult phase, and remember that the clouds will someday lift, exposing a new, exciting you.

About the Author: Hertha Baldinger raised 4 children and didn’t know what to do with herself when the last one graduated college and left home. She’s now a women’s health advocate and enjoys checking sites like yeastinfection.org by Eric Bakker for regular updates.

The Alaskan Malamute is an ancestor of the Artic Wolf and the name is after the Malamute tribe of Alaska. This breed dates back to 3000 years ago, when this breed was the primary means of transportation. Malamutes worked pulling sleds, to carry heavy loads of food and other supplies that tribe members depended upon.

During the Gold Rush of 1896, Malamutes were a great help to the miners.

The Malamute was part of the south poles expedition and proved to be an intricate part of the excursion, hauling supplies, acting as search, rescue and guard dogs.

Physical Characteristics

Alaskan Malamutes are the largest of the Arctic dogs; their rigid body looks much like the proud wolf. Some have blue eyes that are considered a flaw, according to standards. This breed has a rich, heavy double coat, between one to three inches in length. Their coats will be in a variety of colors, light gray with shades of black, sable with shades of red. White is the only solid color recognized or allowed according to standards. Occasionally this breed will have a dark mask or cap their legs and muzzles are usually white.

Height:  The males are 24 to 26 inches; females are 22 to 24 inches

Weight:  Males are 80 to 95 lbs.; Females are 70 to 85 lbs.

Litter:  The average litter size is 4 to 10 pups.

Average Life Span:  12 to 15 years.

Common Health Concerns

The Alaskan Malamute is prone to hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) and bloating. This breed should be fed 2 to 3 meals a day and be small portions due to their tendency to bloat.

Personality Traits

The Alaskan Malamute is a fantastic, affectionate and loyal companion, they are excellent with children and adults children should be taught to regard this breed with respect. They also enjoy living indoors with their families; this will require a sufficient amount of daily exercise.

When training the Alaskan Malamute it is appropriate to let them know the person is the head of the pack. The Malamute loves pleasing their owners; this people-pleasing aspect makes them eager to learn. The males in this breed tend to be extremely dominating; the owners need to be calm, confident, strong and consistent with their training. Because they are a unusually warm breed, they do not make appropriate guard dogs.

Grooming Requirements

Alaskan Malamutes have unusually, heavy coats and should be brushed with a stiff bristle brush, twice a week. They do shed their undercoats in clumps, twice annually. Bathing this dog with water is not required; their coat sheds dirt easily. If you feel the need to shampoo them, use a dry shampoo instead of a wet bath, this breed is a unusually clean and odorless dog.

Is This the Dog for You?

The Alaskan Malamute is not suitable for an apartment or condo living. They need a home with a large and high-fenced area. The base of the fence should be buried to keep the dogs from digging their way out. They will fare well in extreme cold weather, but may suffer in hot elements unless they have access to sufficient shade and fresh water.

Alaskan Malamutes will require daily exercise they enjoy long daily walks, jogging or running alongside your bike or playing interacting games with their family. They should remain leashed, when they are not in a secure and exclusive area. In hot weather, owners should reduce the dogs, daily exercise.

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A wireless dog fence expert, practicing veterinarian and author; Dr. Wright works tirelessly caring for domestic animals and teaching their owners how to care for them properly.

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David Guetta has been the most popular DJ in the world for years, and is also among the world’s most sought after music producers. However, his origins in the music business were far more humble, and he also has a private life. The following are a few tidbits about David Guetta that a lot of people don’t know. If you already knew them, congratulations on being a true music connoisseur.

He Named His Child Elvis

You know a musician has a lot of love for his art form when he names one of his children after a musician from an entirely different genre. Technically speaking, Guetta’s eldest child is named Tim Elvis Eric. You can only imagine the oddness when the boy’s mother gets upset and calls him by both his first and both his middle names.

He’s First Generation French

Guetta’s father came from Morocco and his mother came from Belgium. This is just more proof that to be great at house music, you need to have an eclectic blend of genes and cultures to start from in life.

2007 Was His Best Year

Guetta had a lot going on for him in 2007. To start with, his first child was born that year. On top of that, he also won three awards: one for the best Ibiza night, one for being the top selling DJ in the world and still another for being the best international DJ at the DJ Awards. As if all of that wasn’t enough, he also released an album called Pop Life.

He Worked on the Most Downloaded Song Ever

The Black-Eyed Peas released a song called I Gotta Feeling, which Guetta produced. This song went on to be downloaded more than 7.5 million times in the US and more than a million times in the UK.

He Started into House Early

Guetta has been a DJ ever since he was 17 years old. Early on, all Guetta played was pop. One night, he heard a Farley master Funk song on the radio and it changed his career, introducing him to the dance beats that would shape his and the world’s music for decades to come.

David Guetta is a big deal in the house music business. From organizing all manner of parties to being instrumental in shaping early 21st century dance trends, he’s gone far from his ordinary Parisian roots. With numerous awards to his credit, a lot of people think they know it all about David Guetta, but most are only scratching the surface of this complex individual.

About the Author: Kenton Laird loves following big names in music and David Guetta is no exception. When he’s not working you can often find him searching for the next hot David Guetta ringtones for his iPhone.

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As a parent, there are a number of things you can do to protect your children. One of the best things you can do, however, is to take a first aid course. Whether you want to patch up small scrapes and bruises at home or want to keep your children safe until help arrives, taking a first aid course just makes sense. Here are five reasons every parent should take a first aid course.

Accidents Happen

It doesn’t matter how much you protect your children, they will get cuts and scrapes. Your son will fall off his bike and your little girl will probably trip and fall at some point. Instead of panicking, you’ll be able to quickly offer the care they need. You’ll also have everything you need on hand because you will have learned to build a first aid kit.

Protection Until Help Arrives

Should a serious accident occur, you need to know how to keep your child safe until help arrives. In a first aid course, you’ll learn how to properly apply pressure to open wounds, perform CPR, and other techniques to keep your child safe.

Learn What Not to Do

Improper care can actually cause more damage than good. This is just one more reason you need to take a first aid course. In the course you’ll learn everything you shouldn’t do when accidents occur. Whether it’s moving your child after a serious accident or improperly doing the Heimlich maneuver, there are actions you can take that could seriously hurt your child.

Prevent a Wasted Trip to the ER

A first aid course can help parents keep their head during an accident. While you may be tempted to rush to the ER with every accident, a first aid course will help you understand that many accidents can be cared for at home. You’ll learn how to treat minor cuts, burns, and other small accidents.

Save a Life

Last, but not least, a first aid course can help you save your child’s life and isn’t that worth a few hours of your day?

There are a number of reasons for parents to take a first aid course. Whether it’s to learn how to treat minor cuts and burns at home or what to do until help arrives, a first aid course can be extremely helpful for parents. And, who knows, it may even save your child’s life.

About the Author: Georgeann Bouten is the mother of 3 children who knows how important basic first aid skills can be. She also requires her phlebotomist training students take a basic first aid course so that they can deal with issues in the workplace as well.

Communication. It is important that your child is comfortable expressing feelings with you. Therefore, you should encourage open communication, even if you don’t like what you are hearing (or are unsure of just how accurate it is). Make it a point to let your child know that you care about the situation, and that you are interested in knowing how it feels to be in school with a “mean” or “bad” teacher.

Be an adult. It may be tempting to come to your child’s emotional rescue by down-talking the teacher in question, but that is not the best route to go. While listening and being empathetic, it is also important that you keep in mind that your child’s opinion may be slanted. Most teachers are thoughtful and kind, and have a genuine love for children . . . and what your child sees as negative behavior on the teacher’s part may just be the teacher’s struggle to maintain order in the classroom. Don’t be quick to jump the gun with backhanded comments about the teacher. Listen and be sympathetic, while maintaining your adult sensibilities.

Get the full story. As the old saying goes, there are two sides to every story. After you get as many details as possible from your child, you need to schedule a time to sit down with the teacher privately. Express your child’s concerns and work with the teacher to identify the classroom teacher/child dynamic that might be causing the bad feelings.

Stay involved. In addition to meetings with the teacher, it is always a good idea to be as present in the school setting as possible. Sign up as a volunteer, chaperone field trips, show up to class parties, and eat lunch with your child on a regular basis. When your child knows you are involved, he feels safe and secure, and when your child’s teacher knows you are involved, she is likely to treat your child with special care.

Being a parent is hard. Trusting your child’s well-being to someone else is even harder. However, if you have school-aged children, that is what you have to do on a daily basis. Help forge the all-important teacher/child relationship by following these suggestions.

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About the Author: Glenna Wiltbank has a 1st grader who insisted he hated his teacher. Turns out he was simply having a hard time adjusting to a new routine, but Glenna realizes not all cases are so simple. When she’s not caring for her children, you can find Glenna sitting by the fire with a cup of the oolong tea blend she loves most from http://www.goldenmoontea.com.

A health information analyst is someone with medical background and technology expertise. Their role is to integrate technology into the workflow process of a medical facility. In non-medical fields, these professionals are known as business analysts. They understand how certain business processes work and how to apply the correct technology to streamline day-to-day procedures. In order to become a Health Informatics Analyst, one need to know computers, have a background on how businesses work, and know about healthcare. Yep, it is not a very easy career to get into. It is not a surprise that health informatics salary is pretty high.

Here are the main duties of information analysts in the medical setting:

The Development Life Cycle

The development life cycle applied to the creation or institution of any computer software solution applies perfectly to the field of informatics. In large organizations, many individuals may share these roles. In smaller operations, a single individual may wear many hats and perform each task.

Requirements Analysis

The first step in implementing a software solution to streamline operations is to gain a clear understanding of the workflow. The informatics specialist will meet with nurses, doctors, administrators and other personnel to understand which information is important to them and which of their current processes are efficient and which ones are not.

This phase helps define the scope and purpose of any computer systems introduced to the workflow. Larger organizations may have numerous workflow patterns that require separate solutions. Requirements also change over time, which requires revisiting certain phases further along in the process.

Design

Once the users’ needs are clear, the informatics analyst researches possible software and hardware solutions to fill these needs. This might include record-keeping software, scheduling systems, external Web services, and specialized hardware.

Most medical software solutions are quite dynamic and can be configured to match the workflow of specific institutions. The informatics analyst will create reports, queries and specialized views, and make other configuration changes to third-party software. In this phase, the gathered knowledge is utilized to create the proper solution.

Testing and User Acceptance

After the system has been built, it needs to be tested and verified by the users. A test group is normally assembled to test out the new processes and make sure they meet the needs of the various parties. The informatics analyst will gather user feedback and adjust the system as needed. It may take several revisions to get the system to the point at which all involved parties are satisfied.

Implementation and Training

The next step is to adjust the workflow and current processes to mesh with the new software solution. This begins with training users on the new system. There are unique challenges to training within a medical environment. Doctors and surgeons have busy schedules and may not be able to dedicate time to learn a new computer program. An informatics analyst has to be flexible and engaging to help a new system get off the ground.

Maintenance and Support

A big part of a health informatics salary is compensation for ongoing support. As with any computer system, there will always be problems. Third-party software might need modification to meet the needs of the workflow. Bugs may manifest themselves as the system is used. Just because the system is fully implemented doesn’t mean the informatics specialist’s work is finished. Keeping the system up-to-date and running smoothly is an important task of the informatics specialist.

Health Informatics is a rapidly growing field and could be a rewarding career for those with the right skill set. If you want to know what it takes to have a career in health informatics, visit www.technology-colleges.info

Guest Author: Marlon Eckler

This coming presidential election has conversation circles, talk shows, newcasts, and gossip magazines abuzz with controversy. Actually, this is no different than any other election year. The only difference is the candidates. One candidate that really has people talking is Texas congressman and Tea Party leader, Ron Paul. But what is all the talk about, and what makes Ron Paul so different from other candidates of the past and present? It seems there is plenty that makes Ron Paul unique. Here are five things you should know about Ron Paul:

Governmental downsizing. Paul is the rare candidate who actually wants to cut taxes by shrinking the government and restricting government reach. He does not feel that government should play a role in dictating things people do that affect them individually, and that are not a threat to others. For example, he believes that the government should keep its hands out of issues like prayer in school and the use of marijuana.

The federal budget. One of Ron Paul’s primary platforms is that of balancing the federal budget. How does he suggest we do this? By eliminating the federal reserve and defunding several different cabinet departments, eliminating the women, infants and children supplemental nutrition program, and bringing all of the American troops based in Afghanistan home right away.

Anti-abortion stance. Ron Paul made a lot of headlines for signing an anti-abortion pledge with the outspoken anti-abortion rights group called Personhood USA, in spite of his espousal of the need for a smaller, more limited government. It seems that Paul’s stance may be a little biased, though: he did deliver over four-thousand babies during his two-decade stint as a gynecologist (back in the 1960′s and 1970′s).

Unions and labor laws. Having been quoted as saying that union power is a form of violence, Ron Paul believes that laborer should never be able to carry legal force over employers, and that labor laws are actually detrimental to the working class. That said, you aren’t likely to find Ron Paul stickers on the bumpers of many union workers.

The fundamental power of liberty. Perhaps one of the most telling aspects of Ron Paul’s political philosophy can be summed up in a well known quote of his: “Liberty built civilization. Liberty can rebuild civilization.”

Ron Paul is not your traditional leader, but he certainly is making some waves and getting people to think . . . even if they don’t like what they are hearing. Before you yes or no this notable presidential candidate, do your research and find out what he’s all about. It’s guaranteed to be interesting, at the very least.

About the Author: Marlon Eckler loves studying politics but tries to keep his own views to himself. That said, he enjoys researching the backgrounds of each and every candidate for President in 2012 and is always amazed at what he is able to dig up!

Providing Service & Rehabilitation

The Prison Pet Partnership Program has been recognized for its pioneering contributions in the field of service dogs training. In 1986, the Ford Foundation and John F Kennedy School of Business at Harvard University bestowed honors on the program.  Additionally, the Washington State Prison System has been recognized and honored for the rehabilitation of inmates responsible for the care and education of the service dogs.

Building Confidence

While training the service dogs, inmates find confidence within themselves. They realize they’re performing a service for the disabled, while developing skills that will lead to a choice profession after leaving the system. The combination of contribution and talent provide the inmates a sense of security and value.

With skills learned while training the dogs, inmates are able to work toward certification levels awarded by the American Boarding Kennels Association. Inmates may also obtain Companion Animal Hygienist Certification awarded by the World Wide Pet Supply Association.

Success Rates

The phenomenal success rate of which program inmates secure employment after being released is 100 percent. Even more surprising is the percentage rate of program inmates returning to prison is zero. These levels of success prove that when given the opportunity to learn new skills, inmates and the dogs have a new and valuable chance at life.

The estimated cost of a fully trained dog is $10,000 dollars. Disability training usually takes eight to twelve months to complete. On average, 2 of 10 dogs will have the knowledge level and attitude required to successfully complete and graduate service dog training.

Funding for these programs comes from the Department of Corrections, foundations, animal welfare organizations and individual donors.

Rescue & Save Lives

All the animals used in these programs are taken from a rescue organization, which provides an even deeper purpose for these amazing programs.

Service dogs spend considerable amounts of time with their trainers as well as other inmates throughout the prison community. Most who encounter the animals benefit from the warmth and fierce loyalty shared with them by the dogs.

The training for these dogs includes teaching them how to function in their masters’ home, in public places such as restaurants, doctor’s office and grocery stores.

Blessings Far & Wide

If you ever have the good fortune to encounter a disabled person and their dog, take a moment to pause and observe the relationship of the two. What you will observe is something that’s not easily described with words; it’s something one must see with their eyes, and feel with their heart.

Dr. Susan Wright, DVM, has been providing quality care for family pets as a veterinarian for more than 10 years. Dr. Wright is a dog bark collar expert and author. In her free time, Susan enjoys writing articles, giving helpful tips and proper care advice to dog owners.

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A fifteen-month-old Goldendoodle pup, that almost never barks found his voice and saved his family’s life during the Christmas season.

As a holiday treat, Evelyn Janes decided to campout on the floor with her six-year-old twins in front of the Christmas tree, while her oldest daughter Brainna was spending the night with a friend, and their father was working a late shift. Evelyn Janes of Haverhill stated she woke at 4 a.m. to the loud barking of their dog Bear, who was making enough racket to shake the heavens, which was highly unusual for him.

After sitting and looking around toward the area in which Bear was barking, Evelyn saw a bright light coming from the dining room, while looking out the door she could see flames shooting up the outside wall of her home.

As Evelyn gathered the twins up to race out the door, she was surprised to see two newspaper carriers about to pound on her door. Handing the twins over to them, she rushed back into the burning house to rescue Bear, who was still standing guard over his home.

The decision to campout with the twins and Bear in front of the Christmas tree probably saved their lives. The children’s bedroom was located in the portion of the house, which received the most fire damage.

As Evelyn exited her house with Bear, two of her neighbors that are also local firefighters came running barefoot into her yard wearing their pajamas to aid the family.

The two firefighters ran into the house without shoes, to check and make sure no one was still in any danger.  As they returned through the door it became obvious they were thinking of the children, their arms were loaded with gifts from under the tree.

Evelyn described Bear and the two neighbors as her hero’s. The neighbors fought alongside the other firefighters without any shoes or gear; dragging the hoses and helping out in every way they could.

The Janes family along with Bear plans to come back to the neighborhood where they have lived for 11 years, to rebuild. Evelyn stated the family could never leave all their wonderful friends and the most remarkable neighborhood in the world.

Needless to say, Bear is not only a family pet, but he’s their hero too.

This story is truly a Christmas miracle, for the Jane family.

Dr. Susan Wright DMV has been a practicing veterinarian more than 10 years. Susan is the staff dog bark collar expert for Dog Fence DIY. When she’s not caring for dogs in her professional life, Susan enjoys bringing them into her personal life through books and movies.