Posts

Once your child nears or passes age 3, you may be wondering if they are ready to start preschool. Many 3-year-olds will do well in preschool but some need a bit more time to gain the skills they’ll need. Determining whether or not your child is ready for preschool is a big decision, but there are some key indicators that can help you to decide. Your child’s pediatrician and preschool staff are also good sources that can help you gauge when your child is ready....

It is certainly a tough position to be in if you are pregnant and have a friend who has had a miscarriage or stillbirth. On one hand, you may feel sad for your friend and want to be supportive, but you may feel guilty or uncomfortable around them. And you may want your friend to share in one of the most exciting and wonderful times of your life, but know that might be too difficult for them....

Verywell Mind discourages the use of any psychedelic substance without the supervision of a medical professional. Key Takeaways A growing body of evidence supports the use of psychedelic substances for treatment-resistant conditions like depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder.As stigma decreases, some states have legalized certain psychedelics for therapeutic use.Several other states have decriminalized these substances, putting them on track for eventual legalization. The use of psychedelic substances (psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, LSD, and Ayuhuasca/DMT) for mental health treatment has become one of the hottest topics of research and conversation in the psychology community, and state legislatures are taking notice....

Good news for millions of Americans who have hearing loss. You can now buy hearing aids over-the-counter without having to see a doctor. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed the rules in August, clearing the way for the devices to be sold in retail stores. Key Takeaways Over-the-counter hearing aids are now available throughout the country, which means you will no longer need to see a doctor in order to purchase one....

Getting and staying fit can sometimes feel like a real challenge, especially when you’re trying to juggle work, family, social obligations, and anything else life throws your way. And on those days when working out seems nearly impossible, we sometimes need a gentle reminder that living a healthy lifestyle is not just about us—it’s also about setting the right example for our family. These 10 fitness-focused families on Instagram not only value exercise and staying in shape for their own livelihoods, but they also show their children how to have a positive approach to fitness, body image, healthy eating, and overall wellness....

Intense emotions can be tough to deal with. Whether you’re feeling a lot of anger or you’re really sad, emotion regulation skills can help reduce the intensity and the duration of those uncomfortable feelings. The next time you’re feeling really emotional, these seven strategies can help. Identify How You’re Feeling Putting a name to what you’re feeling can help you make sense of your emotions. Thinking something like, “I’m anxious right now,” or “I’m really disappointed,” can help you clarify what’s going on for you....

The only certain way to prevent hangover symptoms is to not drink any alcohol at all. If you do plan to drink, however, there are steps that you can take to reduce your chances of getting a hangover. Most of the unpleasant symptoms experienced during a hangover are caused by alcohol’s diuretic effects, causing the body to become dehydrated, and the toxins that are produced as the liver metabolizes alcohol. With a little planning, the effect of these processes can be greatly reduced....

Egg donation is a wonderful gift to a couple who cannot have a baby without your help. It’s an opportunity not only to help bring a new life into this world but also to help create a new family. The financial compensation is nice, too. Still, egg donation is not for everyone. You should first make sure you understand what is involved. To start with, the process takes weeks of commitment....

Looking for a double stroller that does it all? The Contours Options Elite tandem double comes pretty close, and at a lower price than other full-featured double strollers. This stroller offers seven different seating configurations, so your babies can always be comfy. Features Let’s review the Contours double stroller features. Stands independently when foldedContains rubber-coated rear wheelsOffers independently reclining seats with four positions eachHas independently reversible seatsProvides adjustable footrestsContains extra-large basket with side accessOffers expandable mesh canopy for each seatIncludes an infant car seat adapterHas the ability to hold two infant car seatsWeighs 34 poundsContains the following dimensions (unfolded) - 47" x 26" x 42"Provides the following dimensions (folded) - 28....

Trying to get pregnant can easily feel as though it’s taking over your life—especially when it takes longer than you expected. Infertility comes with emotional experiences for couples, who can have sadness or even obsession with fertility concerns. It’s also not uncommon for those trying to conceive (TTC) to become depressed. We can’t always change our circumstances. What we can control, however, is how we cope with the challenges we face....

Prescribed antidepressants are a common treatment option for panic disorder to help reduce the symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. Cymbalta (duloxetine) is one type of antidepressant that’s frequently prescribed for people who have been diagnosed with panic disorder. Because it’s an antidepressant, Cymbalta can also help relieve symptoms of depression if you have been diagnosed with it. Uses Cymbalta belongs to a category of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)....

What Is Discernment Counseling? Most instances involve couples with “mixed agendas,” in which one partner is leaning towards divorce and the other wants to remain married. Discernment counseling is a form of therapy for couples who believe they are on the brink of a divorce and need guidance on whether or not to end the marriage. Counselors act as mediators offering unbiased discretion for individuals with opposing viewpoints on the relationship....

More than 30 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, as well as the territories of Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico legally allow for the medical use of marijuana. Much debate has ensued over which conditions should qualify patients for approved use. While some believe marijuana can help with depression, there is not yet enough evidence to recommend using marijuana to treat depression. And using marijuana for this purpose comes with risks....

If you’re like most parents, you may struggle to list your household rules off the top of your head. Although you know what behavior is acceptable (and what isn’t), labeling your specific expectations may be a little tricky. That’s why it’s important to create a written list of household or family rules. With a list of family rules, everyone in the family becomes clear about expected behavior, including what is allowed and what is not....

Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid in the body that acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Neurotransmitters are responsible for sending messages throughout the body. For instance, your brain may send a message to your hand that something is hot so that you don’t touch it. GABA limits nerve transmission, which prevents nervous activity. Without the right levels of GABA in your body, nerve cells are activated too often, making the symptoms of conditions like social anxiety disorder (SAD) even more intense....

It’s the middle of the night and something feels weird. You have a new ache or pain … the baby is moving a lot—or not enough … you think your water might be breaking—or not. Should you call the doctor? Go to the hospital? Call 911? It’s normal to have odd sensations during pregnancy, and it’s normal to worry. Most of the time, you’re just experiencing the normal changes that occur when a new life is growing inside you....

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that has no cure; however, medication, surgery, and other therapies can help you manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s, often for a significant amount of time. Treatment for this condition is typically highly individualized. Your healthcare provider will evaluate you and suggest a course of treatment based on factors like: Your age, symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and current health statusThe type of Parkinson’s disease you have and the progression of the conditionYour preference, responsiveness, and tolerance of procedures, medicines, and therapies Medication Drug therapy is the primary form of treatment for Parkinson’s disease....

When you or your partner is unhappy about the allocation of household chores, the stress level in your home can increase tremendously. Researchers have found that the unequal distribution of housework is one of the top stressors in many relationships. For example, one study found that wives reported that one of their top sources of stress was the fact that their husbands don’t want to do their share of work around the house....

Few things are more frustrating for parents—and toddlers—than difficulty with potty training, especially toileting regression. When your child has been successfully pooping in the potty and then starts having accidents, a number of things may be going on. Reasons Kids Poop Their Pants The solution to your child’s toileting problem will depend on its cause. Passing stool can sometimes take time, and many toddlers simply lack patience. Others get busy playing and ignore the urge to go....

Kratom is an herbal supplement made from the leaves of a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa). It is grown and cultivated throughout Southeast Asia. Kratom contains powerful alkaloids that have stimulating, pain-relieving, and mood-altering effects on the brain. It has also been used by some to relieve the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Longer-term use of kratom can result in dependence. Kratom withdrawal, which can last between 3 and 10 days, may produce unpleasant symptoms like cravings, muscles aches, and nausea....