rarehero.com

T Mobile: Poor poor customer service

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

I've had plenty to say against T Mobile (T Mobile Billing Sucks: The story)

Now I've got something else to say.

I've been trying to find out when exactly my contract expires, so I can cancel my service.
But I haven't been able to talk to a customer service representative. I've been trying for about a week now. I've called a few times, I've even tried their chat function.

But after waiting for thirty minutes I decided to try my luck on the phone again.
I've got to be careful when on the phone with them. I once attempted to make a payment using their automated system but ended up talking to a live person and so T Mobile charged my account $5 for making the payment that way.

More than likely they'll charge me some fee for having to mail me my bill since they'll deactivate my.tmobile web access.

Update: I waited, and waited, and 58 minutes later I saw got these messages. Damn.

Baby Animals, More Adorable Than Baby People

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

You be the judge.
Baby kitten.

Baby puppy.

Baby person.

Find What You've Lost, Today

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

How many times do you find yourself at your boiling point because that one thing you need to have so that you can continue your day, is nowhere to be found?

This seems to happen to me much too often and it really bothers me when it does. Keys, wallets, documents, tools, etc. You name it, I've lost it. And in many cases, I've found it again.

Today I'm going to tell you how to find that which you've lost.

It all starts with 12 Principles.
1. Don't look for it
2. It's Not Lost - You Are
3. Remember the Three C's
4. It's Where It's Supposed To Be
5. Domestic Drift
6. You're Looking Right At It
7. The Camouflage Effect
8. Think Back
9. Look Once, Look Well
10. The Eureka Zone
11. Tail Thyself
12. It Wasn't You

My favorite aspect of this fool proof methodical method to find your lost treasures is to prepare a cup of tea, and just sit down for a bit. Try it. It works.

The Story of Stuff

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Visit the Story of Stuff website to watch the entire video.

Death

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Photo from flydime

Death is as much a part of life as, life.

Loss is, what it is. Loss.

Look at these two concepts positively because when bits and pieces of you die or you take tremendous losses remember that your positivity and your authenticity shall keep you afloat.

I little bit of me has died recently and I'm looking forward to the positive change that will come.

It is very common for people to reflect back on horrendous events and refer to them as the best thing that has ever happened.

Be patient. It shall come.

Live well.

Be well.

Live authentically.

Thank you.

How dangerous is infant formula

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

How dangerous is infant formula?

How dangerous is artificial baby milk?

Depending on the situation, it could be deadly.

Breastfeeding is important for emergency preparedness.
Think about what you need to prepare artificial baby milk. Powder, possibly, and water. What if you didn't have a clean supply of water.

Think it through with me for a few seconds.
Picture yourself in Louisiana. Its September. Hurricane Katrina just came through and walloped your community. You no longer have access to the clean water that you need to be able to feed your baby. What are you going to do?

There are only so many things you could give your baby. You can't give your baby cow's or goat's milk because there is no electricity to power the refrigerators or freezers to keep them cool. It is likely you can't breastfeed because depending on how long you haven't been breastfeeding you're body may have stopped producing milk. What are you going to do?

The only way to manage this scenario if it were to happen is to breastfeed. Breastfeeding your baby maintains a great milk supply that your baby needs.

Feeding your baby artificial baby milk also makes you dependent on a company. You are essentially at their mercy. Not to mention that all powdered infant formulas are not sterile. Read more about the dangers of infant formula here.

One more thing. Artificial baby milk is expensive. Say junior eats up to 40oz of prepared infant formula per day. A 12.9oz can of powdered artificial baby milk is $14.99. Do the math.

Spoil your baby

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

What do you think of loving your child?

It sure sounds simple but parents have so many different things going on that worrying about being a good parent might occasionally happen.

How about one tiny little bit of advice.

Babies need to be held.

Let me repeat that once more in case you didn't read it.

Babies need to be held.

Babies need to be held, preferably by mom. That's just the way it is. So when someone tells you to let your baby "cry it out", slap them. This little person needs to know you are there.

Independence can be learned later.

What are you like?

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

What is your personality like?

How do you make decisions?

How do you get along with people?

What motivates the way you think?

Learn for yourself by visiting Science and Nature: Human Body & Mind by the BBC.

I learned this about myself:

I am a Resolver.
A resolver is

Good at getting to the heart of a problem and quickly finding a solution

Make rational decisions using the facts available

Think of themselves as understanding, stable and easy-going

May focus on short-term results and lose sight of the big picture

Resolvers are independent people who quietly learn how things work by analysing large amounts of information. Should a problem arise, they solve it with as little fuss as possible. Resolvers are only interested in abstract ideas, if they can be used to solve a problem quickly.

Resolvers like to take risks: Many of them seek jobs and pastimes that put them in harms way and guarantee an adrenaline rush.

Resolvers are often tolerant of behaviour different to their own as long as their values aren't compromised. They sometimes give the impression that they agree with other peoples' viewpoints because they don't actively disagree.

In situations where they can't use their talents or are unappreciated, Resolvers may become cynical, negatively critical or put off decisions. Under extreme stress, Resolvers could be prone to inappropriate, tearful outbursts.

Resolvers are quiet and sometimes it is difficult to get to know them; however, they often talk freely about subjects they understand well.

Resolver Careers

Resolvers are often draw
n to hands-on jobs that require an analytical mind and careful organisation of large amounts of data.

It's important to remember that no survey can predict personality type with 100 percent accuracy. Experts say that we should use personality type to better understand ourselves and others, but shouldn't feel restricted by our results.

There are less than ten percent of resolvers in the world.

Enough about me, take the test for yourself!

Age Appropriate Play Activities

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Here are some fun ways for you to play with your young child.

Birth to Six Months

Rub baby's arms and legs with different fabrics such as satin and flannel.

Faces fascinate babies. Place a mirror near baby's changing table, or draw faces on paper plates for baby

Seven to Twelve Months

Create a crawling obstacle course out of different size pillows

Place a favorite toy under a blanke, and encourage your baby to find it

Give baby a spoon and a pot, and let baby bang away

One to Two Years

Take your toddler on a nature walk. Let toddler fill a pail with the leaves, twigs, and pinecones toddler sees along the way.

Create a photo album with portraits of people he loves or different animals, vehicles, or foods. Then encourage him to name each one.

Two to Three Years

Children this age love to jump, climb, throw, run, dance, and do somersaults.

Building block towers - the taller the better - is a favorite pursuit.

Pretend play becomes a very important activity

Discount Magazines Now

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

"As a loyal customer of [insert credit card company here] you have been awarded a $100 [insert popular retailer here] gift card."

Discount Magazines Now called me up. Clever little scam they've got going on. They managed to catch me of guard. I was in Wisconsin at the time, I've no idea why I answered the phone. That was my first mistake.

The person on the other line, sounded from [my bank]. She had an Indian accent. From India. She told me everything that [my bank] knew about me. My address, my phone number (obviously), my name. After confirming everything she asked me if she could transfer me to her supervisor.

In my confusion I said, "Sure." That was my second mistake.

The supervisor then told me that the following portion of the call would be recorded, to ensure quality. I agree. Third mistake.

While this supervisor is asking me to spell out my name I hang up. By then it was too late.

I called [my bank] when I got home and talked to the customer service person, also happens to have an Indian accent. From India.

I explain what happened. This person ends up enrolling me in [my bank]'s credit and identity protection service. What the frak.

What I will end up doing is attempting to call Discount Magazines Now, which has sent me a letter confirming my enrollment in their program, and try to cancel. I'm guessing this will be tough because their website sure doesn't allow a person to do that.

Then I will dispute all of their charges with [my bank].

Then, if necessary I will cancel my credit card.

The moral of the story is, never, ever, answer your phone.

Please limit their TV

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Please limit your kids from watching TV.

There are so many better things for your kids to do than to watch television. Please spend time talking with them.

LimitTV.org is a fantastic resource for you to do just that. Watching TV is passive and stimulates far less brain activity than practically anything else.

If you have or care for children please visit the site.

And please read a book to your child.

What can my kid watch on TV

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

First of all, children need social interaction. The last thing a child needs is to be put in front of your tv watching the latest greatest show, movie, or program.

Children are like a sponge and benefit incredibly from social interaction. Your baby is better off listening to you talk about how you do laundry than by watching Big Bird or Elmo on Sesame Street.

But if you must watch tv with your children there is a website out there that does offer some helpful guidelines.

Reviews and Ratings for Families

Breastfed Babies Have Less Colic

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

According to a study out of the University of Cambridge, breastfed babies have colic for shorter durations than bottle fed babies.

Look it up for yourself,
Colic, Crying, Fussing & Feeding - (A non-randomized, prospective observational study) by Allan Lucas M.D. - Department of Pediatrics, University of Cambridge. November 1994.

Soothing solutions for your tantrum bound child

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Tantrums are a normal outlet for the frustrated toddler. Here are some simple solutions to address the emotional fury:

Take a time out. Brief time alone, allows your child to regroup and allows you to regain perspective and control.

Have a tickle-fest. Laughter is a great distraction and makes everyone feel better.

Breathe deeply. In a calm moment, show your child how to pretend she's blowing out a birthday candle, then, the next time your child starts to become upset, you can use a simple code word like 'candle' to remind her to take a breathing break. Slow deep breathing shuts down your own internal emergency signals. Doing this begins to calm your body's arousal system.

Use words

. The great mediators and negotiators use words to diffuse tricky situations. You can use words to help your child find the right words for their frustration. Smaller children that still are unable to string sentences together to verbally express their emotions are relieved to hear that you empathize with and understand their situation. Verbally announcing your own emotions validates your feelings and clarifies that you need to stop engaging with the kids for the moment.

Tap into your creative side. Have your children draw a picture using crayons and paper to describe how she feels. This is a healthy way to express emotion and it lets her know that you're paying attention. You can even find a creative way to express your frustrations with your children (blog it and hopefully your readers will offer sympathy, support, and suggestions).

Offer a reward. An extra incentive doesn't hurt when children are learning to control their behavior. For example, try putting a marble in a jar each time your child calms down before having a tantrum. Promise your child that when the jar has ten marbles ITS FUN TIME! Could be a trip to the bowling alley, the fun pizza place, or a movie. Be sure to follow through with your promise so that your child can trust you to keep your word. Keep a marble jar for yourself so that you can reward yourself for staying calm while your child throws that flaming trantrum.

Count to ten. Counting warns your child that their behaviour is unacceptable without requiring you to launch into a lecture. It also gives some time for your child to transition from one activity to another. The focus you need to slowly count to ten in the midst of a battle with your kid enables you to ratchet down your anger a few notches. And it buys you time.

What do you want out of a relationship?

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 06:01:00 +0000

What is a relationship?
A state of connectedness between people that promotes personal growth and development that is nurtured by mutual trust, understanding, and love.

How many relationships have you had?
That depends on what kind of relationship you are referring to. Do you mean like a romantic committed relationship or a relationship between close friends? I guess that doesn't really matter but it might be easier to count the number of committed relationships a person has had than the number of good friends they've had. I suppose I could try.
3+ committed romantic relationships.
37+ true friendship type relationships that I can remember throughout my life.

How many of those relationships could have been better?
Most of them.

What does a person want out of a relationship?
I'm sure each person wants different things but here is a partial list:

feel confident

feel loved

have passion

be cared for

be respected

be thought about

comfortable enough to publicly display emotion

humor

laughter

spiritualy and a sense of community

shared dreams

Relationships aren't easy but I've learned that living authentically is the best way to go about improving your social wellness.

Be well.

Deliver My Roses

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

What do you do when someone asks you to deliver some roses?

Rare Hero says deliver the roses. This happened to me Thursday night as I was walking around the mall with my brother. This girl comes up to us holding a bouquet of roses. She enthusiastically asks us for a favor. "Sure, I've got ten minutes," I say.

She goes on to explain how I must deliver the roses she is holding to another person working in the mall. I agree.

After I'm briefed about the who and the where I venture off to find this young woman named Gaby. I find her and cleverly deliver the roses. I offer no explanation since I didn't really know anything.

Right After Delivery

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Although you'll want to see your newborn baby right away, the doctor needs to do a few things first. As soon as your baby is born, medical staff remove mucus from baby's nose and mouth. Newborns often cry for a few seconds after they're born. The doctor holds the baby and clamps the umbilical cord then cuts the cord.

Then baby will probably be put on your chest or in your arms so you can be close. If you're too tired to hold baby, baby will be placed on a warm table nearby.

The doctor or nurse will dry baby with warm, soft towels. The doctor will look for healthy breathing and good color and listen to baby's heartbeat.

Checking your baby

One minute after birth, baby will be given a special Apgar test. The score tells if baby's breathing, skin color, pulse, and muscle tone are okay. It helps the doctors know if they should watch baby more closely for a while. After five minutes, the doctor gives baby a second Apgar test.

Matching ID bands or bracelets go on your wrist and baby's wrist or ankle. They show your name, your patient number, baby's sex, and the date and time of birth. Many hospitals also take baby's fingerprints and footprints.

Next your baby will be weighed and measured. Then the doctor will give baby another quick exam. In the first hour or two after birth, newborns have drops or cream put in their eyes to protect them from infection. Babies also get a vitamin K shot to prevent bleeding, along with a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B.

Time with your newborn

You and your partner will probably be able to hug and cuddle your baby right after birth. If breastfeeding, mothers should nurse their babies right away. The first milk you have is called colostrum and is very good for baby.

While you're busy with baby, the doctor will stitch the cut if you had and epistiomy. An epistiomy is a small cut that is sometimes made in the opening of the birth canal when the baby is coming out.

After the delivery room

During the next 6 to 12 hours, the nurses will continue to watch your baby closely. They'll write down the times when baby first urinates and has a bowel movement. They will also press on your belly to feel your uterus. This might hurt, but they want to make sure your uterus is getting back to normal.

In most hospitals, baby stays in the same room with the mother. Some hospitals keep baby in the nursery with all the other newborns. Sometimes baby stays with the mother during the day and sleeps in the nursery at night. If you'd like your baby to sleep in your room, tell the nurse. If parents want their baby boy to be circumcised this can be done in the hospital before going home.

Many hospitals offer classes that teach you how to take care of your new baby. Ask about these classes. They are important, because soon you will begin life together as a new family. You'll want to know how to take good care of your baby.

Eat Breakfast Like a Champ

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Here are some recipe suggestions for you and your family, especially your kids.

Fruity oatmeal

Mix 1/4 cup one minute oats or one packet instant oatmeal with bananas, raisins, or coconut flakes. Let your preschooler choose fruits so she feels like she has control over her breakfast.

Protein Rich Burritos

Lots of fiber combined with lots of protein is filling an can provide energy for hours. "When my son started preschool, he was hungry before lunch, so I pumped up the protein," says on San Francisco mom. Try making a burrito with a whole-wheat tortilla with at least 5 grams in fiber, low fat cheese, and a sausage link. If meat or pork are not things you like to eat, try a soy or turkey sausage link.

Yogurt Dippers

"Kids who love carrots and dip might like to dip apples or strawberries into yogurt," says Rose Dunnington, author of Big Snacks, Little Meals. Cut fruit into small chunks and have your child dip them into some plain yogurt. Serve with a side of protein, like an egg or slices of (turkey) bacon.

Ants on a log

Spread almond, cashew butter, or peanute butter on a banana sliced in half lengthwise, and top with raisins or dried cranberries. Serve with a 4-ounce yogurt.

Rainbow pancakes

"Since both my kids go wild for pancakes, I've started blending fruits and vegetables into the batter to make different colors," says one Berkely mom. Try carrots, mangoes, or berries. Follow pancake instructions, substituting pureed fruit or veggies for water and milk. Mix one tablespoon water with batter until you reach the desired consistency. If using carrots, peel and slice about 2/3 cup, then steam or boil for about 20 minutes. Serve with some sausage.

Jazzed up pizza

Framed Eggs

"My husband uses cookie cutters to cut shapes in bread and then fills the holes with egg," sasy a New York City mom. "He calls it, hen in the woods, a gingerbread man, or dinosaur. My son loves it." This takes only a few minutes to make. Cut a shape from a slice of toasted wheat bread. Coat a nonstick ovenproof pan with oil spray and bring to medium high heat. Place the toast in the skillet, fill the hole with a beaten egg, and reduce the heat to low. Place the skillet under the broiler for about three minutes, until the egg is completely set.

Four Ways to Make Breakfast Fun

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Hold it. Kids love foods they can grip, such as cut fruit and nuts. If you're serving up something bigger, like toast or pancakes, cut it into strips.

Guess it "My son loves closing his eyes and guessing what kind of fruit I put in his mouth or what flavor the yogurt is," says one Arizona mom.

Color it Vividly colored fruits and vegetables add nutrition in a snap and are attractive to young kids. In addition to the usual berries, try mangoes, papaya, or kiwi - the choices are endless so use your imagination!

Move it On a busy morning, put a smoothie or a drinkable yogurt in a sippy cup and take it with you

Make a Loan Change a Life

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:15:00 +0000

Kiva provides you with an opportunity to improve your social, spiritual, and emotional wellness.

Being a part of, or at least perceiving yourself to be a part of something greater is good for your. Microloans through Kiva are a terrific way to be a part of something bigger.

Safe at Home & Work

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Being safe at work and home during pregnancy is important
Tell your doctor what kind of work you do and talk about when you should stop working. Many women stay on the job until their baby is born. You may have to make a few changes at work. Here are some things to think about:

Sitting

When you sit for a long time, your muscles get stiff. Your back may hurt. The veins in your legs may swell. Move your head, feet, and shoulders once in a while if you sit a lot. Each hour, take a short walk, or stand up and shake your arms and legs.

Standing

Standing in place for too long can make your legs and back hurt. If you have to stand much, wear shoes with low heels. Also wear support panty hose. Try to put one foot up on a box or stool from time to time. Take breaks often.

Lifting

If you lift heavy loads at work, ask your doctor if it's still safe. If lifting makes you feel dizzy or sick to your stomach, stop doing it. When you pick something up, don't bend over from the waist. Bend your knees and squat down. Keep your back straight. As your belly gets bigger, your balance changes. Be careful not to fall.

Infections

Some illnesses can harm your baby. If you work in a doctor's office or at a hospital, try not to get close to other people who are sick. Wash your hands often. One infection, toxoplasmosis, can be spread by changing cat litter. Try to get someone else to do it, or wear rubber gloves.

X-Rays

Avoid x-rays. If you have an accident, be sure to tell the doctor that you're pregnant before the x-ray is performed. You may have to wear a special apron. Let your dentist know about your pregnancy. The dentist may be able to put off taking x-rays until your baby is born.

Lead

You shouldn't work with lead when you're pregnant. It can harm your baby's brain. To be sure you're safe, find out if you work with any products that contain lead. And try to avoid renovating a home or stripping old furniture, which can increase the risk of lead exposure.

Chemicals

Chemicals can be dangerous for your baby while you're pregnant. You should make sure to stay away from

spot removers, cleaning fluid, and some cleaning products

turpentine and paint thinner

insect sprays

strong glues

paints, particularly oil based or latex

Pregnancy: Your Changing Body

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Your pregnancy has three parts and each one lasts about three months. The parts are called trimesters. During each trimester you'll notice many changes in your body. Some changes aren't very comfortable, and some days you may not feel well.

But pregnancy is a very exciting time. You'll see your belly get bigger and feel your baby move inside you. So when you're not feeling too well, think about your goal-having a healthy baby.

Here's what will happen during each trimester:

The First Trimester Months 1,2,3

At the very beginning of your pregnancy, you'll be more tired and may feel sore. Your uterus, or womb, will get bigger as the baby grows inside it. Your uterus will push against your bladder. This means you'll have to urinate more often.

You may feel sick to your stomach sometimes. Usually this happens in the morning, thus morning sickness. But it can happen at any time of day. If you feel sick when you wake up, eat crackers or dry toast before you get out of bed. Then get up slowly.

Eat small meals during the day and eat often. Keep crackers handy, and try sniffing a slice of lemon. Drink lots of water. You may vomit. If you can't keep anything down for more than 24 hours, call your doctor.

If you become constipated, exercise may help. Try eating high-fiber foods like bran cereal and raw fruits and vegetables. Drinking extra water may also help.

You may feel dizzy when you stand up quickly. If this happens, breathe deeply. Also be careful not to move suddenly. If you feel dizzy often, tell your doctor.

It is important to see a dentist during your pregnancy. Your gums may get red and bleed. A softer toothbrush may help. Brush your teeth and floss each day.

If you get headaches, try taking a nap or getting fresh air. Ask your doctor before you take any medicine.

When you're pregnant, your mood may change often. You might be very excited about having a baby and then be scared about it. You might worry that having a baby will hurt or that the baby won't be healthy. This is normal. If you are very worried about having a baby, talk to your doctor.

You will start to gain weight even though you don't look pregnant yet. Aim to gain about four to six pounds in the first trimester. If you are hungry between meals, choose healthy low fat snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetables. These will fill you up and they're good for your body.

Exercise can help many of pregnancy's discomforts. It's good for you and your baby. Walking or gentle dancing are two fun, easy ways to get a good workout. Start slowly, and take a break if you get tired.

Every pregnancy is different. Your friends may tell you about things that bothered them that aren't bothering you. You may not have many of these discomforts. Enjoy this special time and the changes that are happening to your body.

The Second Trimester Months 4, 5, 6

The second trimester is also an exciting time. You and others will notice your growing belly. You'll begin to feel your baby moving inside you. Morning sickness usually goes away about now, and you won't feel as tired.

Your nipples will become larger. A thick, yellow fluid called colostrum may leak from them. Colostrum feeds you baby the first few days after birth, before your milk comes in. Wear a comfortable maternity bra during this time. If your breasts hurt, you may even want to sleep in it. You can put nursing pads inside your bra to catch leaks.

If you back starts to hurt, wear low, comfortable shoes with good arch support. Be very careful when bending. Always make sure to bend at your knees, not at your waist. Try to sleep on a firm mattress. Later in this trimester, it might be hard to find a comfortable sleeping position. You may not lie down on your stomach. You should not lie down on your back. The best position is on your side. Put an extra pillow between your legs and another under your belly.

You might start having leg cramps. Stretching your legs before going to bed may help. And don't point your toes when stretching or exercising. If cramps wake you up at night, try long massage strokes down your leg toward your heel.

After you eat a meal, you may get heartburn. This is an uncomfortable burning feeling in your chest. To prevent it, eat small meals instead of big ones, and drink lots of water between meals. If you still get heartburn, try sleeping with your back propped up. If necessary, ask your doctor if it's okay to take an antacid-and if so, which one. (Some could be unsafe).

If you haven't yet seen the dentist during your pregnancy, make an appointment now. Make sure to tell the dentist you are pregnant. Ask your doctor if it is okay to have x-rays.

The Third Trimester Months 7, 8, 9

In the last three months, your belly will grow very large. You'll feel like you really want to give birth. The veins in your legs and vagina may swell. Try not to stand in one place too long. Sit down and put your feet up often. Exercise at least a few minutes each day to keep your blood moving. Go for walks as often as you can. You'll feel even more pressure on your bladder now, and you'll have to urinate more often. However, it is important to drink lots of fluids anyway.

Sometimes urine might leak out when you sneeze or cough. There is an exercise you can do to help stop the leaking. It's called a Kegel exercise. Here's what to do: Squeeze the muscles around your vagina the way you would to stop the flow of urine. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax the muscles. Repeat 10 to 20 times in a row. Do this at least three times a day.

There's also more pressure on your back now. You can help by putting a pillow behind your back when you sit down.

Your baby is getting so big that he may be pressing against your lungs. You might begin to breathe faster when you walk or climb stairs. Try moving more slowly, and take breaks often.

You need more sleep now - about ten hours a night. Waking up to walk to the bathroom can make it difficult to get enough sleep. Also, it will be hard to get comfortable in bed. Try sleeping in a reclining chair if you have one. If you can, take a nap during the day.

During the last trimester, you may start to get more leg cramps - and they may hurt more than before. You may also feel cramps in your uterus. When you feel those cramps in the uterus, you may think that your labor is starting. It may not be. You may just be having Braxton Hicks contractions.

Braxton Hicks contractions aren't the same as labor contractions. They happen only once in a while and last around 30 - 60 seconds. They go away when you move around. They help your body get ready for childbirth.

The labor contractions that you feel when your baby is ready to be born are different. They last longer and happen closer together. They won't go away no matter what you do. You'll read more about true labor contraction on other pages in this magazine.

Close to your delivery date, you may feel tired, uncomfortable, and even grumpy. You may have some trouble moving around because your belly is so big. Don't give up-soon you'll have a brand-new baby!

What is Eco Cycle?

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Eco Cycle is an organization dedicated to making recycling easier and to make environmental stewardship the norm.

Check it out at ecocycle.org

Medical Checkups

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Start your pregnancy right by seeing a doctor. During visits, he or she will check both you and your baby for problems. If anything is wrong, your doctor will help you decide what should be done.

You'll have many questions about your pregnancy. Don't worry if you think a question seems dumb. When it comes to your baby's healty, all your questions are smart.

Ask the doctor or nurse your questions. Friends and relatives don't always have the right answers and usually aren't qualified to give you the correct information.

The medical care you get while you're pregnant is called prenatal care. If possible, ask your partner to go with you. That way, both of you will learn what's best for your growing baby.

First Checkup

During your first prenatal visit, you'll be asked some questions about your health. Your doctor or nurse will want to know:

if you have been pregnant before

if you drink, smoke, or take any drugs

if there are any diseases that run in your family or your partner's family

Doctor will also want to know if you've ever had any sexually transmitted infections or diseases.

Your doctor or nurse will take your blood pressure. You will be given a pelvic exam to check your reproductive organs, including your uterus and your cervix.

You'll be weighed and given a uring test. You may be told to take a prenatal vitamin. This vitamin helps you get extra iron and other things your body may need during pregnancy. Someone at the clinic will tell you your due date. Thats the day that the baby should be born. This is estimated by calculated the amount of time it has been since your last period.

Later checkups

You'll be weighed at every prenatal visit. Someone will take your blood pressure to make sure it's normal. High blood pressure could cause your baby to be born too small or too early. The doctor or nurse will test your urin again. Doctor will feel your belly to measure the size of your uterus. After about the 12th week, your doctor will listen for baby's heartbeat. You should begin to feel your baby's first movements at about the 20th week of pregnancy. Let your doctor or nurse know when this happens.

Near the end of the pregnancy, your doctor or nurse will look into the birth canal to see if the cervix is getting softer. The cervix is the opening of the uterus. It softens and thins to let the baby pass through.

Ask the questions about your labor and delivery-soon you'll be at the hospital.

After birth checkup

About six weeks after your baby's birth, you'll be checked again. The doctor or nurse will make sure your uterus is back to normal size. At this visit, you can ask about birth control. Even if you're breastfeeding you can still get pregnant. To make sure this doesn't happen too soon, use birth control when you begin to have sex again. It's best to wait at least three weeks after your baby is born to begin taking birth control pills that won't reduce your milk supply.

The Amazing Dancing Bird

redahe+rarehero@gmail.com (rarehero) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Saw this via Science Friday

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