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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD affects approximately 5% of women of reproductive age. PMDD is characterized by a number of physical and psychological symptoms that occur during the two weeks before menstruation, including mood swings, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days after menstruation begins. The most popular and effective treatments for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)....

Princess culture has been criticized around the world for decades. Critics claim that Disney princesses portray girls in stereotypical roles and drum home the message of remaining incomplete until she finds her Prince Charming. Key Takeaways Exposure to princess culture during preschool may reduce toxic masculinity in preteens.The newer generation of Disney Princess movies helps reduce gender stereotypes and improve body esteem.Parents have the most influence and responsibility in teaching children progressive views on gender and stereotypes....

Special education referral forms are some of the first official special education documents you will encounter as your child begins the eligibility process, which involves several steps. Starting the Eligibility Process for Special Ed When you request that the school consider evaluating your child, this is called making a referral. Typically, it is best for you to send your request to the school administrator in writing. Your school will hold an IEP team meeting to discuss the referral, and you may be asked to help fill out the special education referral form....

Sliders are highly underrated. They look small and unassuming—but that also makes them a travel-friendly accessory, which is why they are a trainer favorite. “They are great for beginners, and depending on the exercises you do, they can leave even the fittest person on the ground questioning how fit they really are," says Alonzo Wilson, Founder and Director of Training at Tone House. Exercise sliders offer a creative, versatile way of working every single part of your body—we’re talking arms, legs, chest, glutes, and of course, the core—in a joint-friendly manner....

There are many different interventions in the world of physical therapy, and one relatively popular option is kinesiology tape. Kinesiology tape is a generally flexible tape designed to relieve pain and improve circulation without restricting movement. This characteristic sets it apart from athletic tape, which is designed to offer stability and support. “There are some mechanical effects from kinesiology tape that can reduce swelling, provide pain relief, and reduce muscle spasms,” says Christine M....

Protein has many important roles in the body, including repairing cells, building muscle, producing hormones, aiding in immune health, and more. There are a variety of foods that can help meet your protein needs, including meats, cheeses, nuts, beans, tofu, and fish. Protein bars also can be an easy way to up your protein intake, especially if you are very active or struggle to meet your protein needs from food alone....

Many people want a tan, but do you know how skin tans? A great amount of money, time and effort goes into getting, and keeping tanned skin. Our teens are often preoccupied with having a “perfect” and even tan. But how does it happen? Ultraviolet Rays Our sun produces three main types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays are caught by our ozone layer and don’t play a factor in tanning....

While the average length of a first labor is typically five to seven hours, not including inductions, the length of labor can vary quite a bit based on several factors. Physical issues such as the baby’s position, the mother’s weight, and the mother’s pelvis size, can influence the labor process. Other labors may be longer because of emotional issues that may include fear or worry about the birth process or anxiety about becoming a parent....

What Is Trauma? Trauma is any type of distressing event or experience that can have an impact on a person’s ability to cope and function. Trauma can result in emotional, physical, and psychological harm. Many people will experience some kind of traumatic event—from the unexpected death of a loved one to a motor vehicle accident—at some point in their lifetime. However, not all people will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic event....

In the United States, the lessons and topics in the first grade school curriculum vary by state. However, state governments, school districts, and national associations plan common themes and subject matter to ensure children will meet overall educational standards. Here is what you need to know about first grade curriculum. First Grade Curriculum In general, standardized school curriculum is designed to address what students should know and understand by the time they move on to the next grade....

A hate crime is bias-motivated crime that occurs because the perpetrator has a prejudice against the victim’s membership to a group. Hate crimes may be directed toward individuals because of their sex, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, physical appearance, or nationality. What Constitutes a Hate Crime? While the word “hate” is often used to describe rage, anger, or general dislike, in the legal sense, hate refers to the bias against people or groups of people with specific characteristics that are defined by law....

Short-term memory is essential for daily functioning, which is why experiencing short-term memory loss can be frustrating and even debilitating. Short-term memory is the capacity to store a small amount of information in the mind and keep it readily available for a short period of time. It is also known as primary or active memory. Short-term memory is very brief. When short-term memories are not rehearsed or actively maintained, they last mere seconds....

Mental health care is cost-prohibitive for many. According to Verywell Mind’s 2022 Cost of Therapy Survey, 40% of folks require financial support to afford their therapy sessions. This statistic highlights the current state of mental health and the barriers to receiving care. The survey also found the average cost of a therapy session to be $178 per month. Considering the median household income as of 2020 in the United States is $67,521, receiving weekly therapy at that rate is a stretch for many....

Parenting is hard, and although there is an abundance of books, blogs, and articles about parenthood, there is no manual created for your unique child. For parents of neurodivergent children, this is especially true, as a significant amount of parenting advice focuses on neurotypical children. What is neurodivergence, and what do parents of neurodivergent children need to know? This article explores what it means to be neurodivergent and describes how parents of neurodivergent children can support their kids and help them thrive....

A mental health therapist can help you work through difficult situations and emotions. But if you’re new to therapy, you might have a lot of questions. For instance, you may wonder, “How do I open up and tell my therapist what I really feel?” or “Will my therapist think I’m ‘crazy’ or a lost cause?” Even people who’ve been in treatment for years sometimes have unanswered questions. (“Can my therapist tell if I’ve relapsed?...

Preeclampsia is a disease that can strike in the second half of pregnancy and in the first few weeks postpartum. It is more common in the latest part of pregnancy. In fact, the earlier you have symptoms of preeclampsia, the worse the outcomes tend to be for mom and baby. About 3% to 5% of pregnant women will experience preeclampsia. There are seven symptoms for you to watch for when it comes to preeclampsia....

Racial disparities in maternal health, both mental and physical, continues to be a pervasive health justice issue in the United States. The research is far-reaching but a recent study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing highlights the impact of these concerns and found that Black mothers constantly fear for their sons’ safety. Key Takeaways Black women identified universal themes of living in daily fear for the lives of their children....

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is a plant native to the Mediterranean from southern France to Iran. It is recognized by its hairy, dandelion-like leaves and fuzzy, yellow blossoms. Blessed thistle, also known as holy thistle, has been used since the Middle Ages to treat bubonic plague, promote digestive health and prevent infection. Today, blessed thistle is most commonly used to increase the production of breastmilk in nursing mothers. Blessed thistle is typically prepared as a tea using the tops, leaves, and upper stems or sold as a supplement in capsule, tincture, or powdered forms....

The United States imprisons the most people the world—over 2.3 million individuals—an incarceration rate that is over five times higher than a majority of its counterparts. This number surpasses much larger countries, including China, known for its dense population and strict authoritarian regime. Key Takeaways Youth incarceration is often connected to childhood traumaDiversion programs and similar interventions can help address these issues and lower recidivism rates. According to the ACLU, youth are not exempt from these high numbers of imprisonment, as over 60,000 individuals under the age of 18 are within either prisons or detention centers on any given day....

When grandparents are unfairly denied contact with their grandchildren, it can be heartbreaking for the grandparents and grandchildren alike. Although suing for visitation rights is a possibility, the most productive approach is resolving family disputes before estrangement is on the table. Family members have a responsibility to navigate disputes and disagreements before they become an issue. Here is an overview of the most common disputes among parents and grandparents that can lead to withholding contact with grandchildren....