When & How To Do Your Pregnancy Test!

What is a pregnancy test and how does it work?

Pregnancy tests are designed to tell if your urine or blood contains a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is produced right after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. This usually happens but not always about six days after fertilization. If you're pregnant, levels of hCG continue to increase rapidly, doubling every two to three days.


What types of pregnancy tests are available?

Two main types of pregnancy tests can let you know if you're pregnant: urine tests and blood tests.

Urine tests can be done at home or in a doctor's office. Many women first choose a home pregnancy test (HPT), about a week after a missed period. Home pregnancy tests are private and convenient.

These products come with instructions. Follow them closely for the most accurate results. After testing, you can confirm results by seeing your doctor, who can perform even more sensitive pregnancy tests.

Blood tests are done at your doctor's office, but are used less often than urine tests. These tests can detect pregnancy earlier than a home pregnancy test, or about six to eight days after ovulation. But with these tests, it takes longer to get the results than with a home pregnancy test.

Two types of blood pregnancy tests are available:

A quantitative HCG test (beta hCG) measures the exact amount of hCG in your blood. It can find even very low levels of hCG. Because these pregnancy tests can measure the concentration of hCG, they may be helpful in tracking any problems during pregnancy. They may also be used to rule out a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy or to monitor a woman after a miscarriage when hCG levels fall rapidly.

A qualitative HCG test simply checks to see if hCG is present. It gives a "yes" or "no" answer to the question, "Are you pregnant?" Doctors often order these tests to confirm pregnancy as early as 10 days after a missed period. However, some of these tests can detect hCG much earlier.

8 Uses Of Banana You Might Never Have Imagined

Banana is a delicious, nutritious, and filling fruit, rich in potassium, iron, vitamin C and more – we all know that. But here are some amazing facts and uses of banana and its peel you might have never have known or imagined before.

1. Banana can be used as a good face pack

Does it seem like the so-called “natural” products you buy don’t feel very natural? Try banana crush as a face pack and experience a really natural way to treat your skin, making it super supple and soft. Leaving banana pulp on your face and skin for ten to twenty minutes before washing it off can help your skin to be well moisturized and can fight off the tiny wrinkles that may appear in the later years. You can also try making a mask with 1/4 cup of yoghurt, two tablespoons of honey and a medium sized banana to have a natural skin care mask.

2. Freshen your plants

Is your plants looking dull and dusty lately? Maybe the leaves need a good wiping. Don’t throw away the peel of banana after you eat the fruit, because here is an amazing use of banana peel – you can rub off the dust on the leaves with the banana skin to make your plants look good, clean and fresh.

3. Use the banana to fight aphids

Dried or cut up banana peels buried deep in soil can make the aphids attacking your garden to run off. Remember not to bury a full banana or a whole, intact banana peel as this aphid repellent could backfire by attracting other pests like raccoons and squirrels who would love to dig it up for a treat.

4. Polish with Banana Peel

Believe it or not, there is a natural alternative to regular, foul-smelling shoe polish. Banana peels can impart the best shine to your dusty shoes as well as your silverware. Banana peels do work magic in cleaning off the dust and giving your leather and metals an extra shine without using any chemicals. Just rub it on and wipe it off with a clean cloth.

5. Banana fertilizer

Banana peels, just like the fruit, have loads of potassium in them. So swap your store-bought “potassium-rich” garden fertilizer with a natural potassium mulch made from banana peels. Dry out your peels in the sun or indoors during winter and powder those to get one of the best natural treats for your garden plants without harming the soil.

6. Banana composting

If I have more bananas than I know our family can eat, I cut them into inch-size chunks, freeze them, and then add them to smoothies as needed. What to do with all the peels, though? They can go directly into your compost pile and contribute to the natural compost formation. Drop them deep in the pile and be patient. The thicker parts may take a year or two to disappear.

7. Tenderize your roast

Banana leaves or peel can be used while roasting meat so as to tenderize the morsel and allow it to cook well. You can also add a ripe peeled banana to the roasting pan the next time you are finding it hard to roast a meat, to get a well cooked but juicy meat roast.

8. Have more birds and butterflies in your garden

Who does not like the garden to be full of fluttering and colorful life? Place a good ripe banana with a few holes poked through it in your backyard to attract birds and butterflies. Feel the lovely life all around your house and give a warm feel to your garden with the banana treat. But hey, don’t forget to bury it in the compost pile before sunset as it can also attract nocturnal creatures like bats and raccoons if left to stay.

Cinnamon As A Natural Health Remedy

Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices in the world, and medicinal properties that have found in essential oils of its bark have unique healing qualities.

Cinnamon is a small tree found in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam and Egypt. The two most popular types of cinnamon are the Ceylonese and Cassia. Ceylonese cinnamon is sweeter and softer than Cassia, and can be easily ground into powder.

Processing cinnamon is done by drying the bark of the tree and rolling it into cinnamon sticks called quills. The extremely high anti-oxidant activity in Cinnamon is the reason for it being capable of providing numerous health benefits.

The various health benefits of cinnamon are:

Lowers Cholesterol: Studies have found that ½ teaspoonful of cinnamon every day lowers cholesterol levels. It also reduces the “LDL” (bad) form of cholesterol and fights fatty acids in the blood.

Reduces Blood Sugar Levels: Several studies have pointed towards cinnamon being responsible for increasing insulin resistance, thus reducing body weight and arresting risk of heart disease.

Preliminary results from studies have indicated that cinnamon has anti fungal, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic properties

, which makes it an effective agent for fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.

Fights Cancer: In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of Leukemia and Lymphoma cancer cells.

Excellent source of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium: The combination of calcium and fibre can help to remove bile, which prevents damage to colon cells, which in turn prevents colon cancer. Fiber can also help with the relief of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Eases menstruation cycles: Cinnamon has also been found useful for women’s health, as it helps in providing relief from menstrual cramping and other feminine discomforts.

Breastfeeding: It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of breast milk.

Headaches and migraines: Headache due to exposure to cold can be cured by applying a thin paste of powdered cinnamon mixed in water.

Pimples and Blackheads: Cinnamon helps in removing blood impurities and it is often recommended for pimples.

Immune System: Honey and cinnamon paste is good for boosting the immune system and increasing the longevity of an individual.

Essential Oils For Acne And Oily Skin

Many of us suffer from acne or oily skin problems, and often we use cleansers or moisturizers to get rid of them. Most of the times, these cleansers or moisturizers contain artificial compounds which give temporary relief, but in a long run damage our skin. Contrary to popular belief, however, good quality essential oils or fatty oils could be a perfect alternative for these types of problems.

treatment of acne or oily skin, special attention must be given when choosing moisturizers or creams. Most moisturizers cause a severe drying effect on the skin, which can actually increase problems. Due to the popular belief that one should not use oils in case of acne or oily skins, most people tend to stay away from oils. The truth is, that the skin need oils and wax, especially when it comes to treating our skin with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Some essential oils like those listed below, could help solve your acne and oily skin problems.

Essential oils for skin problems: Acne is generally caused by excessive production of skin’s natural oils. Cosmetics and skin care products which damages and dehydrate your skin should be avoided. Using a blend of extra virgin oil and any other organic oil could be very helpful for the skin. Blending may require some time, as different people have different skins.

Essential oils for oily skins: The best essential oils for oily skin are bergamot, cedar wood, cypress, frankincense, lavender, lemon and sage. Ylang-ylang, lemon, peppermint and cypress are also very helpful in combating oily skin.

Lavender oil can be used directly on the skin, while the rest should be used in a blend with other carrier oils.

Essential oils for Acne: Geranium, lavender, chamomile, rosewood, sandalwood, eucalyptus, and frankincense oils have been found to be very effective in treating acne. These oils must be blended with carrier oil before being applied to skin. Facial steam baths are also a great way to combat problems like acne.

10 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Common kitchen items like herbs, spices, vinegar etc., can easily relieve some common ailments in a natural way. Apple cider vinegar is one such item which has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has many uses and treats several disorders of the body. You can find some of it uses below.

Bladder infection and burning sensation- Make a mixture of one half teaspoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey in a glass of warm water. It helps to acidify the urine and prevent bacterial growth.

2. If you want to improve your memory, consume a teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar in a cup of water, 3 times a day before meals.

3. For insect stings or mosquito bites -Make a paste with equal amounts of baking soda and apple cider vinegar, and apply it on the stings.

4. Using a mixture of apple cider vinegar with sea salt can be effective in treating sprains.

5. To ease the pain of varicose veins you should apply apple cider vinegar directly to the affected area.

hair spray with apple cider vinegar and rosemary oil or lavender oil. This spray also works like a repellent for bed bugs.

7. Apple cider vinegar is effective in treating Heartburns. Drink a cup of warm water mixed with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

8. Add ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar to the final rinsing water while laundering your baby’s cloth diapers. This makes them soft and can help preventing diaper rash.

9. To cure bloody nose- Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to one cup of cool water and apply this compress to the base of the neck and to the top of the nose.

sore muscles, sun burn and itchy skin- Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to your bathing water .

10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Garlic

Throughout history, Garlic has not just been used for cooking, but it also has been used for medicinal purposes . It can be used as a natural remedy as it has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Let’s look at 10 of them.

1. The limited consumption of garlic during pregnancy may encourage weight-gain for babies.

2. Garlic is widely used in folklore for impotency. Researchers claim that garlic helps blood circulation and maintains the health of arteries and veins, and thus may be effective for erection problems. It also boosts the levels of testosterone, the main male hormone.

3. It is effective for cough, cold and chest congestion. It fights against the infections of the gastro-intestinal tract and strengthens the immune system.

4. People who suffer from hyperthyroid can get benefit from garlic since it is a rich source of iodine.

5. The vitamin C in garlic is effective in treating scurvy. It enhances the absorption of thiamine and reduces the risk of beriberi.

6. Many studies have shown that garlic effectively reduces the accumulation of LDL cholesterol and aortic plaque deposits on the vascular walls. Thus, it protects the health of the heart and prevents many types of cardiovascular diseases.

7. Garlic effectively combats against fungal and bacterial vaginal infections.

8. Garlic aids in the prevention of breast, stomach, prostate, bladder and colon cancers. Being rich in sulfur and selenium, it is powerful against the formation of tumors as well as reduces the size of already formed tumors.

9. Clinical trials have shown that garlic is effectively used in AIDS patients to treat cryptosporidium and toxoplasmosis that are caused by protozoans.

10. Garlic’s analgesic and anesthetizing properties treat toothaches. It also regulates blood sugar by enhancing the insulin levels.

Note: Garlic can be taken fresh or cooked. The recommended dosage of garlic for adults is one clove, two to three times a day, and children ¼ to ½ clove, one or two times a day. Excessive use of garlic may lead to potential harmful effects. In some countries, chewing a sprig of parsley after consuming garlic is regularly practiced to reduce garlic odors on the breath.

Genetically Modified Cows To Make Human Milk

According to a Chinese news outlet, genetically modified cows may be producing milk similar to human milk soon. If everything goes according to plan, cow-generated human milk will be available in the Chinese super-markets in two to ten years.

Li Ning, a scientist from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, along with fellow researchers created a herd of cows that can produce milk that has characteristics of human milk.

The researchers explain that human milk has two kinds of nutritional components that are not available in the milk produced by cows or goats. These components aid in improving the central nervous system of children and boost immunity. This milk tastes stronger than normal cow’s milk.

New York chef Daniel Angerer made cheese from his wife’s leftover breast milk last year and it created a lot of stir on the web. Very recently, a London based restaurant tried to sell ice cream made from breast milk and called it

Baby Gaga. It was banned since it contains the body fluids of humans and enhances the risk of getting several viral and other infections.

Li also said that in ancient China, the drinking of human milk throughout adulthood was believed to be the “height of opulence” and that with the new herd of cows they make this available even to ordinary people.

Though the researchers state that this milk is as safe as the normal cow milk, the Ministry of Agriculture issued a bio-safety examination for the genetically modified milk for a 22-month period in laboratories. And if everything is fine, it will be approved and sold in the market within 2 years. Li expects that the

human-milk like products

will be common at all super markets within 10 years.

Via: China Daily

10 Great Health Benefits of Avocado

Avocados are rich in vitamins A, C, and E and are full of other nutrients like potassium. They contain folate, monosaturated fats and antioxidants. Regular consumption of avocados helps us in many ways. Here are just 10 of them.

1. The monosaturated fats in avocados not only help in reducing LDL cholesterol but are also good for the
heart. Avocado also lowers the triglycerides in the blood and thus is useful for diabetic patients.

2. Avocado contains 30% more potassium than banana. The high potassium content helps in regulating blood pressure and prevents circulatory diseases.

3. Avocados are good for pregnant women since the high folate content in them helps in the development of brain and other tissues of the baby. The B6 vitamin in these fruits may help in reducing nausea that is associated with pregnancy.

4. Avocado contains carotenoid lutein. Lutein keeps the eyes safe from oxidative stress, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

5. Avocados have numerous phytonutrients which not only prevent prostate cancer but also repair the damaged cells.

6. Many studies have shown that avocado can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells without damaging the healthy cells. The oleic acid in this fruit is effective in preventing breast cancer.

7. It is a powerhouse of vitamin E which protects our skin from free radicals.

8. Avocado is very effective in stopping bad breath. It also reduces the risk of oral cancer.

9. Being rich in antioxidants, avocado is helpful in preventing aging symptoms. The glutathione in avocado boosts immune systems, slows the aging process, and encourages a healthy nervous system.

10. The nutrients and enzymes in avocado soothes the condition of inflamed mucous lining in the stomach and small intestines. It also improves the body’s ability to

absorb carotenoids and nutrients.

10 Natural Ways To Stay Healthy this winter

It is very common to get cough and cold, especially in the winter time. There are a lot of medicines in the market that can help, but if you prefer to go in the natural way, here are some advises that can help you stay healthy this winter and get relief from seasonal disorders:

1. Vitamin C is one of the best immune boosters, so add natural food that are rich in Vitamin C to your diet. It is much more effective to get the vitamins naturally from food than to take vitamin C pills.

2. Make salad with carrots. The beta-carotene in the carrots help in reducing headaches.

3. Eat some dry fruits such as walnuts, apricots and raisins to get instant energy and to get warmth in this winter. These dry fruits retain the moisture in your skin and thus relieve from the problem of dry skin.

4. Eat two or three cloves of raw garlic daily before meals for getting immunity against cough and cold.

5. The hot sip of tea gives you a refresh feeling while you are suffering with cold. Green tea or jujube tea is ideal for

sore throat.

6. Apply lavender oil on wrists and neck for soothing effect and relieving anxiety.

7. Tomato juice is not just rich in vitamin C but also in antioxidants. It keeps the aging at bay by nourishing your skin. You can also apply this juice on minor burns as a first aid.

8. Add fiber rich foods such as pineapple to your diet to improve your digestion and reduce the inflammation of intestines.

9. Constant sneezing may cause nose bleeding. Add a cup of leafy vegetables to your diet for adequate amount of

vitamin K which helps to clot your blood quickly.

10. If you are suffering from severe cough you should try this remedy for instant relief: Boil two or three tablespoons of dried thyme in two cups of water for five minutes. let it cool and add a cup of honey. take one teaspoon every hour or as much as you need.

Two little friends... united by courage

By PAUL SIMS

Here's how to do it: Ellie (right) shows off her new prosthetic leg to Charlotte, who hopes to get her first pair in a few months


Smiling together, the two pretty blonde girls could easily be mistaken as sisters, not new friends with a unique bond.

The lives of Ellie Challis and Charlotte Nott have taken almost identical paths. Both started life as healthy babies — until they contracted meningitis and had to have all of their limbs amputated.

The incredible survival story of Ellie, now seven, gripped the nation after she fell ill in 2005 at just 16 months old. And in December, three-year-old Charlotte narrowly survived the illness, but at the cost of her arms and legs.


Hello, pet: Seven-year-old Ellie, who contracted meningitis in 2005, makes friends with the lambs during a day at a farm


‘Charlotte put her stumps up against Ellie’s to say hello,’ said her mother Jenny Daniels, 29, yesterday. ‘She was so happy to see someone else with stumps just like hers.

‘Ellie was great — she showed Charlotte that she could get around easily with or without prosthetic legs and Charlotte hobbled after her. It was very special.’

The girls spent the day giggling with one another as they cuddled rabbits and fed lambs at Mead Open Farm in Bedfordshire.

‘I love Ellie’s legs and I can’t wait until I get some, too, so we can run around together,’ said Charlotte, from Oxford.


You have a go: Little Ellie is all smiles as she shows a curious Charlotte how to operate the wheelchair


Ellie’s parents Lisa, 37, and Paul, 47, have helped her learn to walk on prosthetics, start school and ride a bike. ‘I know exactly what Jenny is going through,’ said Mrs Challis.

‘I remember thinking that Ellie would never have a normal life. But it’s great that we’ve been able to show Charlotte and her family that there’s very little Ellie can’t do.’

Charlotte’s parents - Jenny, an administrator for a book publisher, and air conditioning repairman Alex Nott, also 29 - are just starting to come to terms with what has happened to their daughter.


I'll race you: Charlotte (left) and Ellie giggle together as they get behind the wheels of toy cars


‘When Charlotte caught meningitis, my world fell apart. I was terrified about what the future held for her,’ said Miss Daniels.

‘So to see Ellie running around was so special to me - it has given me hope for Charlotte’s future.’

Ellie became the youngest person ever fitted with £10,000 carbon ‘flex-foot’ legs two years ago.

Ellie also let Charlotte have a go on her wheelchair - it is too tiring for her to use her prosthetic legs all the time. She controls it with the stumps of her arms.

Charlotte will have to wait until she is five before the NHS can provide her with a wheelchair.

She hopes to get her first pair of prosthetic limbs in the next few months once her wounds heal.

‘I still say thank you every day that Charlotte is still here with us,’ said Miss Daniels.

‘Watching her playing with Ellie was a miracle.’

source: dailymail

Losing Weight With A Raw Food Diet

A raw food diet or natural, uncooked diet is a novel plan that can help you to lose weight faster in a healthy and natural way. This diet plan, which stresses whole food and grains in the uncooked form, also encourages the use of organic and fully vegetarian meal-plans.

Before you start on this diet, remember that your menu is mainly restricted to uncooked fruits and vegetables, fresh juices, dried fruit, water, seaweed, grains, nuts, legumes and other things that are fully natural and of plant origin, meaning no more of anything cooked not even a small bowl of soup. More than most diet plans, this is one that you will want to research well and prepare for in advance.

If you are wondering why fruits and veggies are different if they are cooked versus uncooked, then know that uncooked food has more essential enzymes in it which are destroyed by heat during cooking. These essential enzymes help for a faster and easier digestion of the food. Moreover, a fully plant-based diet has more fiber and a lot fewer fat and calories which, as all of us know, helps us to stay healthy and slim.

The raw food diet calls permits chopping, blending, juicing, or dehydrating at low temperatures. This way, you get all the goodness of the food as it is in it’s natural state.

Some do believe that a raw food diet is not fit for some people, such as pregnant women, children, or those with anemia or who are prone to osteoporosis. But there are pregnant women who remain healthy and fit throughout pregnancy while following a raw food diet plan, and according to them it is not the diet plan itself that is a cause for concern, rather it is an unbalanced approach to it that may be unhealthy.

A downside to this diet plan is the fact that some chemicals like the lycopene present in tomatoes and carrots have been proven to become more beneficial when they are cooked than when eaten raw.

Besides helping you to lose weight in a faster and healthy way, a raw food diet plan may also improve your heart health, boost digestion, increase your energy levels and give you healthy and glowing skin.

As with all diet plans, consult a doctor before you switch to a raw food diet and make sure that you have adequate quantities of nutrients when you are on it.

Watch the video below about how to start the Raw Food Diet: