Improving your smile on a budget

A beautiful smile can seem like an unattainable asset. Cosmetic dental procedures can be very expensive and not everyone can afford it, nor do they have the time!The good news? You do not have to book an appointment with the cosmetic dentist in order to get that sparkly row of teeth you want. There are so many things you can do to improve your smile for little to no cost.

Excuse-free maintenance

You know this one already: brush and floss, twice a day, every day. Keeping up a regular routine of thorough cleaning and flossing will help you to avoid issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and discoloration. Flossing between your teeth helps to remove plaque, which is the pesky substance that contributes to the formation of cavities. A couple of extra minutes a day is worth it when you consider the havoc unkempt teeth can wreak on your bank account, and on the appearance of your smile. Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to brushing and flossing is…it can help to prevent heart disease and strokes! This might sound far-fetched, but it’s true: built-up bacteria in your mouth can move into the rest of your body through your blood, and can cause serious health complications. So, get back to the basics and implement a strict, no-nonsense routine of brushing and flossing. You will see and feel a marked improvement in no time!

Brighten and whiten…affordably

Having a bright, white, celebrity smile is not as inconceivable and high-cost as it once was. You can easily and safely whiten your teeth at home with safety approved at-home kits. Improving the pearly white sparkle-factor of your teeth is one of the best ways of drasticallyimproving your smile. It’s kind of like a mini-makeover for your face which will lift your spirits and make your smile even more amazing than it already is.

Avoid the candy aisle!

Your diet contributes to the health and appearance of your teeth. The old saying which was drummed into you as a child is still true now; “sugar rots your teeth”. The sugar itself doesn’t necessarily do the damage directly, but it is the main accomplice. The bacteria in your mouth uses sugar to produce acids which eat away at your teeth, causing holes and discoloration.

Spend a little to save a lot

Going to the dentist for regular check-ups might cost more than you would like at the time, but undergoing serious corrective treatments to fix neglected teeth will cost you a whole lot more in the long run. The fresh, clean, healthy look of your teeth is so much more likely to be preserved if you bite the bullet and see the dentist every year. Your dental professional can maintain the vigilant maintenance you have kept up, and keep an eye on any developing issues.

Embrace your imperfections

This one is totally free: accept your smile, and wear it proudly! It’s easier to say than do, but just know that teeth “imperfections” are actually gorgeous and they make you unique. There are so many supermodels out there these days who have gaps in their teeth, chipped teeth, large teeth…and they are admired and coveted all over the world for their unique beauty.

Quick smile-enhancing tips:

  • An electric toothbrush is a great way of getting an extra-deep clean for the recommended 2 minutes. If you make the effort (and the investment) to purchase an electric toothbrush, then you will probably be more motivated to actually use it properly! Some models have 2-minute timers to stop you from skimping on brush-time, and pressure-sensitive mechanisms to keep you from pressing too hard and damaging your gums, which can be easily-done with a manual toothbrush
  • Set a “floss reminder” for 2 weeks to get into the habit. This is for those of you who have abandoned your flossing routine all together. By reminding yourself to do it, the habit will soon form, and it will be second nature. Your teeth will remain visibly cleaner and healthier for longer, between dentist appointments
  • Treat yourself to an at-home whitening kit and use your new-found sparkling smile as motivation to keep up your teeth-maintenance habits long term

Final thoughts

The key to a beautiful, healthy smile is regular cleaning, flossing and cutting down on the sugar. These are free and easy ways of keeping your teeth glistening and fresh. Remember to see the dentist every year to avoid colossal dental bills and painful treatments down the line. To top off all of your responsible teeth-maintenance efforts, get yourself a teeth-whitening kit so you can really show off your dazzling smile like you deserve!

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The Basics in Selecting a Laboratory Freezer

Laboratory freezers are very high quality appliances. They have to be, because often what is placed inside them must have their temperature maintained precisely. For this reason companies who provide laboratory freezers must be prepared for their products to meet stringent standards in safety and performance required for the lab.

With this being said, not all laboratory freezers are created equal and not all freezers serve the exact same purpose. This article will discuss the function each different laboratory freezer serves and how to determine which one suits your needs.

What is a laboratory freezer?

Laboratory freezers are designed to adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety. Unlike their consumer cousins, they are designed to work problem free under the most difficult conditions and to perform at a high level of quality for extended periods of time. Their parts are more heavy duty and medical grade and in some cases they are custom built for a specific purpose or space. They also have special features including alarms to alert if the temperature changes within the unit outside of allowed tolerances, digital temperature displays, and a door lock. Consequently, they cost considerably more than consumer freezers.

Laboratory freezers excel at delivering high levels of performance including:

  1. Being durable and reliable so that there is assurance that no contents placed in the freezer will be damaged. They must be able to store: vaccines and other medications that must be stored according to CDC guidelines, chemicals that require specific consistent storage temperatures, lab samples such as blood and bone marrow, and biological research samples that include tissue, fluids and cells.
  2. Being able to meet ultra-low temperature requirements.
  3. Being able to maintain temperatures consistently and within the stated tolerances.
  4. Having controls that are easy to utilize.
  5. Having a complete range of features.

Types of Laboratory Freezers

While they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, there are four main types of medical freezers that you will come across during your search for the perfect unit. Upon examining the various options, your facility should have no problem finding a freezer that meets the unique needs.

Upright Laboratory Freezer

These are the most common laboratory freezers and they are also the most accessible to anyone working in the lab. They stand upright like consumer refrigerators and come in a variety of sizes and shapes from ones that fit on a counter top to ones that are very large and need their own dedicated corner of the laboratory. They will all have shelving to focus on allowing scientists easy sight and access to contents placed inside them. They are commonly used in nearly every research facility and hospital.

Under-counter Laboratory Freezer

When floor space is an issue, many labs opt to purchase an under counter lab freezer. These freezers are typically built into a cabinet and fit exactly into a specified space. In terms of its function, it can provide the same functionality as an upright freezer, but its size will be limited. Also these freezers will generally have an installation cost.

Laboratory Chest Freeze

These freezers look like the chest freezers that are common in restaurants and some homes where they are used to store larger, or bulkier items for longer periods. They typically open on the top via a hinge in the back. They usually have minimal shelving.

Ultra-Low Temperature Laboratory Freezers

In the lab setting there will be the need to store some materials at temperatures as low as -85° Ultra Low Temperature Laboratory Freezers are designed to reach and consistently maintain these temperatures. To provide its functions these freezers use a lot more power than the other types of lab freezers, so expect higher electricity bills. Ultra low temperature freezers come in a variety of sizes.

 

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The Ongoing Debate about Medical Marijuana

Marijuana continues to be classed as a controlled substance, not just in this country but in many others as well. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is Schedule I substance, which means it has no medical use and has a high potential for abuse. However, various studies now suggest that this is incorrect, and that cannabis does in fact have medical uses. The debate has been raging on this for a long time, although it seems that the “pro cannabis” side is winning. This is shown, for instance, in how easy it now is to find marijuana delivery Los Angeles companies.  So what are the arguments for both sides of the debate?

Arguments for Marijuana

  1. It is a natural substance that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. We know that organic and natural products are better for us, and marijuana is essentially a natural herb and therefore better than synthetic substances.
  2. There have been numerous reports that THC, the active component in cannabis, is beneficial in the reduction of chronic pain, particularly in cancer patients. Additionally, THC helps to lower feelings of nausea and vomiting that chemotherapy patients often experience. Other studies have shown benefits for people who suffer from multiple sclerosis, that it is antipsychotic, and that it can help prevent glaucoma.
  3. The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) is an organization in this country that has received a wealth of support from prominent doctors and medical professionals, including the American College of Physicians, who are campaigning for a re-evaluation of the classification of cannabis.
  4. Many countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Austria, Spain, Finland, and Israel, have legalized it when provided on prescription. Several states in this country have also followed that example.

Arguments Against Marijuana

  1. There is not a lot of data available on how efficient it is, and how safe it is. There have been no peer reviewed studies on the safety of cannabis in particular. It must be proven to be both safer and more effective than existing medical substances if it is to be accepted.
  2. It contains various unknown chemical components. It is not possible to truly know what the right dosage is for different uses, and different varieties of plants. Furthermore, cultivators are increasing the potency of their plants.
  3. It has the potential for abuse. Cannabis has long been a recreational drug, and can therefore be abused as well.
  4. There needs to be a safer delivery system. Smoking marijuana means that it goes against anti-smoking regulations, and that patients are also exposed to the dangers of smoking.
  5. It doesn’t cure illnesses, but only alleviates the symptoms.

It is unlikely that there will be a complete agreement on this debate any time soon. However, what seems to weigh in favor of the “pro” camp, is that people who have used cannabis have felt better. This, above all else, should drive policy – the fact that people’s quality of life is improved.

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Buying for These Things Will Boost Your Mood!

Science has proven that shopping can lift up your spirits. In a recent survey by TNS Global on behalf of Ebates.com, around 52 percent of respondents said they’ve engaged in “retail therapy,” the act of shopping and spending to improve one’s mood. Shopping for many people can be like a mini-mental vacation, and this has been consistent for both men and women. So if you are feeling down, here are some purchases that can lift your mood:

Small Purchase – A Song Download

Music has positive physical and mental effects on our bodies. As we listen, music works on the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling blood pressure and heartbeat, as well as the limbic system, which is responsible for feelings and emotions. A review of 23 studies in 2009 involving almost 1,500 people found music helped to reduce blood pressure, and anxiety in heart disease patients. Music can benefit psychological wellbeing, too. Research from the University of Missouri found that upbeat music can have a very positive effect on our wellbeing. And, you feel better even if you are listening to sad music. So for the price of a music download (less than 99 cents) you can feel great while singing along with your favorite song.

Medium Purchase – A Dog

Ask a dog owner, if having a dog is worth it, and you will almost always get a resounding yes. Ask them why, and you will hear that having them around makes the owner happy. The social support provided by pets is comparable to that from a fellow family member. One of the reasons for these happy feelings is that dogs fulfill the basic human need to touch. Even hardened criminals in prison have shown long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with dogs, many of them experiencing mutual affection for the first time. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe us when we’re stressed or anxious. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, and most dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression. Dogs can instill a greater sense of self-worth and self-esteem in their owners. They make the perfect companion and lift your mood.

Big PurchaseA Car

Buying a car seems like a long way to go to improve your mood, but think of it as making a big purchase once to have mood lifter for many years. Driving is an awesome experience. Once you develop the automatic, intuitive way of switching indicator lights, interchanging clutch/brake/accelerator pedals so smoothly you barely notice it yourself; listening to the revs on the edge of your conscious to know when to switch gears; master the traffic rules and how to use them to your advantage and the way traffic flows; you become a part of a single organism that is the car with the driver, with your hands and legs becoming extensions of its gears and axles, making the complex mechanism fulfill its transportation task impeccably.

Your see hear and feel everything and fly along the road without a care in the world. This is the thrill you can get from driving a car and why it is so good at lifting your mood. The great part of it, is that you do not need to purchase a high-priced brand new Mercedes, you can buy a used Ford car and get these same feelings. So make the purchase and feel great about it.

So next time you are feeling down, don’t feel bad about wanting to spend your way out of it. Retail therapy purchases are overwhelmingly beneficial at leading to mood boosts with no regrets or guilt.

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7 Best Dog Breeds for Apartments and Allergies

AFFENPINSCHER

Kids: not the best choice for kids

Allergy: hypoallergenic breed (here and after means that the dog rarely causes allergies)

Apartment: suitable for small apartments

These sweeties with rich bushy eyebrows, protruding lower lip, beard and a pride intact suit people with a good sense of humor. Lap dog is the oldest small breed fancied. Initially, it was created to hunt rodents. You should not keep it together with cats, but for those who lack company, it is the perfect variant.

YORKSHIRE TERRIER

Kids: perfect, especially for girls

Allergy: hypoallergenic breed (rarely causes allergies)

Apartment: suitable for a small apartment (the dog tolerates travel, hotels, flights)

York has been the most popular breed for the past few years. They are living toys, allowing you to dress them up and carry them under your arm. They will give their masters the ocean of ​​tenderness and love. And, despite its diminutive size, York is a clever dog.

POMERANIAN SPITZ

Kids: fluffy dogs; are very fond of children

Allergy: the breed is not suitable for those who suffer from allergies

Apartment: the best breed of dog for an apartment (lap dog, easily tolerates traveling).

It is a perfect dog for keeping it in the apartment. The dog is unpretentious, easily adapts to all the changes and does not require constant training ( the dog will understand basic commands at the age of 5 months). This is an obedient and one of the smartest dog breeds. Besides, with a special haircut, they look like a teddy bear.

BICHON FRISE

Kids: gets on with children

Allergy: hypoallergenic dog (almost does not fade and does not smell)

Apartment: suitable for small apartments

It looks like a white snowball. A cheerful and playful breed. Bichons are smart, flexible and fearless. They do not tolerate rudeness and penalties; you need to be patient with them. They are not aggressive, but very affectionate and gentle. Bichons enjoy haircuts and photos; they even know how to smile!

CHIHUAHUA

Kids: it loves children

Allergy: does not cause allergy to hairs

Apartment: suitable for a small apartment

This is the most miniature dog in the world. It is devoted to his master and sometimes is jealous of him to others. However, the Chihuahua is not aggressive or intrusive. They love their home, including children, and are willing to endure them, whatever. But they do not trust strangers. Chihuahuas are smart and careful and have a wonderful memory. They get on well with cats and other dog breeds.

Related: Your dog smells you – better than you think

BASENJI

Kids: not recommended for small children

Allergies: leading the list of dogs that do not cause allergies

Apartment: suitable for the conditions of a small apartment, but requires frequent walks

The breed is energetic, independent and intelligent by nature. A close emotional bond appears between the dog and the owner rather quickly, so the dog is likely to become your best friend. But they are suspicious and unfriendly to strangers, as well as to other pets. The dog is very interesting and unusual. In fact, the Basenji is not able to bark but only to make a gurgling sound, if something unpleasant happens. Some dogs can sing!

JACK RUSSELL TERRIER

Kids: not suitable for children, but likes to play with teens, therefore, appropriate for boys

Allergy: not suitable for people with allergies

Apartment: suitable for small apartments

This dog is a battery that will never let you get bored. They are always ready to play and run around but behave quietly at home. They are careful and clever, cunning and inquisitive. Jack Russell does not like strangers. It will protect you during the walk, and in the apartment. However, they are not aggressive but are very active. Jack is a good watchdog, despite its small size. And, of course, the most charming feature of the breed – is the ability to stand on their hind legs, begging for treats, or apologizing for tricks.

This article was written with the help of our friends from date ladies from Russia

You might also enjoy: Water Treatment: Staying Hydrated

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Top 3 Reasons Why People Opt For Plastic Surgery

Last year there were more people in the United States who had plastic surgery or a cosmetic treatment than any other year since records began. The reasons for these decisions are plentiful and they are no doubt aided by the fact that these treatments are not only more accessible than ever, it seems there is a clinic on every corner, but also the prices have tumbled and they are no w very affordable.

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I myself regularly have little tweaks done to my body, a little botox or liposuction at my local clinic Sono Bello, plastic surgery is not something that I have been too interested in trying just yet but I completely understand why many would take the decision to do so. Let’s take a look then at why so many people went to the clinics last year to have there bodies changed, re-shaped and augmented.

Confidence

Confidence is the biggest reason that most give when they want to have some plastic surgery, or to be more specific, helping to overcome their lack of confidence. A body hang up can really bring people down, it could be a crooked nose or small breasts and the result of these body hang ups changes the day to day outlook of the person with them. Having a nose straightened or a breast augmentation can give people a spring in their step once again and for many, this is why they head to the clinics.

Health

Plastic surgery is being used more and more to help people with outstanding body problems, whilst medics have long used this surgery for the likes of burin victims or facial reconstruction, we are now seeing more people have surgery when they have body issues which cause health problems. Let’s take for example ladies with overly large breasts, the weight of the breasts can put incredible pressure on the lower back and cause disfigurement and a great deal of pain in the future. Plastic surgery can reduce the size of the breasts and improve the condition of the back.

Enhancement

Not everyone has a body hang up that they would like to fix and many go under the knife to enhance various areas of their body. The most common way in which people want to enhance their body is for weight loss results. I’m not talking about liposuction here, I’m talking about those people who have lost a significant amount of weight and wish to have excess skin removed. What happens when people have gained a great deal of weight is that their skin stretches as the weight is gained, when the fat is lost it leaves the stretched skin behind. For any person who has managed to achieve the great feat of losing vast amounts of weight, being left with this excess skin is a bit of a kick in the teeth so they head to a clinic and have the skin removed professionally.

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How to Succeed in your Resolutions

Have you fallen off the resolutions wagon already? It is not easy to meet your goals and we put incredible pressure on ourselves to achieve sometimes unrealistic things.

We have created a means to reaching your goals while rewarding yourself and making life a little easier. The concept is to segment your goal into achievable segments. For example, if you want to get healthy for 2017 then think of the means to achieving this, it could be by reducing sugar in your tea or by taking the stairs and not the lift. The bingo card below shows an example. You choose a box with a goal to achieve for a day / week / month and then once completed you move to the next square in any direction. Once you have completed a line then reward yourself!

The card can be written for any resolutions and goals. Give it a go!

2017goals_72

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Make Your Health a Priority in the New Year

health-3

Did you get everything you wanted on your Christmas wish list?

For countless individuals, having better health going into 2017 is a priority. Unfortunately, many of them do not always know how to best go about that.

Whether it is dealing with a chronic pain or illness, perhaps putting up with a recent injury that simply won’t go away, the time spent fighting pain can seem endless.

With that in mind, making your health your top priority in the New Year should be something that you welcome, not fear.

Keys to a Healthier You

In order to make the New Year and many years past that healthier and happier for you, start by re-examining where you’re health is at now.

Among the areas to look at:

  • Do you have trouble with everyday functions such as eating, dressing, going to the bathroom, getting around your home, going out in public? If you answer yes to more than one of those areas, you should be seeking medical help.
  • Do you feel as if you live in constant pain? If the answer is yes, what are you currently doing to lessen such feelings? While some people deal with the mental pain more so than physical, the latter can be all too familiar in the lives of many people.
  • Do you have problems sleeping at night due to pain? If so, that loss of sleep can lead to other health issues now and down the road.

Once you have your finger on how pain is impacting your life, the next key is addressing how to attack the pain.

While many people will pay a visit to their family physician, those visits do not always provide relief. As a result, the mental frustration becomes almost as cumbersome as the physical pain.

If you have not considered medical marijuana up to this point and time, why is that?

Although some people may fear there is a stigma with using the drug, many others will tell you getting their hands on medical marijuana proved a blessing.

In the event you are considering that option, starting with a medical marijuana online appointment is your first move.

With such an appointment, you can discuss with a physician the merits of using the drug to help quell your battles with pain.

Keep in mind that while such appointments do not guarantee you receiving a medical marijuana card, they will at least get the ball rolling.

Are You Doing All You Can?

Even in the event you are approved for medical marijuana, there are other things in combination with the drug that you should be doing.

Among them:

  • Education – First and foremost, do all you can to educate yourself about living healthier. It doesn’t take someone with several Master’s degrees to figure out that healthy living typically leads to prolonged living. For example, if you think there are no major consequences to being seriously overweight, read up with both online and offline materials. See how many people sizably overweight have to deal with myriad of health issues. The more you learn, the more likely you are to take a more serious approach to keeping your weight where it should be. If you are a smoker, you are already putting your health and longevity at risk. By quitting today, you give your lungs and other body parts seriously impacted by cigarettes a chance to heal. There are plenty of educational initiatives on and offline to help you put the cigarettes down for good ;
  • Exercise – One of the best things you can do for your health is striving to get more exercise. For instance, do you have a friend or two you can pal around with to the gym? If so, you will find you have more motivation when it comes to working out. Even if a gym membership is not an option, simply walking, hiking, swimming etc. are all good options, options that do not require a membership to your local fitness center;
  • Check-ups – Finally, do you go regularly for a physical? If not, you are setting yourself up for potential trouble. A yearly doctor visit and labs can oftentimes catch a problem or two before they become serious. Even if you have limited or no health insurance, get whatever affordable exams you can to minimize the chances of having a disease or illness go untreated.

Don’t Take Your Health for Granted

It can be rather easy to take your health for granted, especially if you are feeling no ill effects of any of your actions at this time.

Over time, however, those actions could come back to haunt you.

From a little pain here and there to constant physical and emotional pain, take some time now to make your health a priority as the clock strikes 2017.

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Finding Medical Supplies for Diabetics Online

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Diabetes is a lifelong disease that requires careful management. In order to do this properly, patients must make significant changes to their lifestyle. They also have to regularly monitor their blood sugar, and follow a specific diet. Many also require medication. This means that they require medical supplies, and therefore have to be in contact with a medical supply company. Thanks to the emergence of the internet, however, finding such a company has never been easier.

Shopping Online for Medical Supplies

Nowadays, you can simply shop online for all your diabetes supplies. Not only are the prices generally much lower than anywhere else, you also have the opportunity to use some of the most technologically advanced tools and products available. Your local pharmacies are likely to stock the same products, but that means taking the time out to go there, speak to pharmacists, pick things up, travel backwards and forwards, and more. All of these things can be done online instead.

Useful Tips for Buying Diabetes Supplies Online

Before you buy anything, you have to make sure that you have a proper treatment plan in place, which you must write together with your physician. They will prescribe the different supplies that you require in order to manage your condition. You should review this list carefully, working out which supplies you need and how often they need to be replenished.

One problem with the internet is that it is also very easy for bogus companies to target you to get your money. Medical supplies are required for your health and wellbeing, so you must make sure that your supplier is reliable. Check reviews, therefore, and do also make sure they have excellent customer service policies.

One important way to make sure that your purchase is safe is that they have an SSL certificate. This means that all communication is secure, and that your personal data cannot be accessed by others. You should not give anybody your personal information directly, after all. You can also check by making sure the URL starts with “https”, with the “s” meaning that it is secure.

Check the different payment options the supplier gives you as well. As a minimum, they should accept all the major credit cards. Others now also offer Google checkout and PayPal. None should ask for your bank details directly, however.

The customer service should be reachable around the clock. After all, diabetes management can become urgent, particularly if you struggle to stabilize your blood sugar levels. It should be easy to contact the company, therefore. The best ones offer telephone support, live chat, email tickets, and more. You have to be able to have all your questions answered, and you must be provided with solutions should you find that there is a problem with your order. Looking into independent customer reviews is a good way to check up on a company, but also by speaking to your physician and your pharmacist.

Once you have done all of this, you should be able to get the best medical supplies to manage your diabetes.

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Preparing to Conceive – Some Things to Consider

When Preparing to Conceive, there are things you should know
Photo by CC user JenniferBayers on Pixabay

Deciding that you are ready to start a family is a big decision, and like any other life-altering decision, preparing is very important. Often, pregnancy doesn’t occur easily or right away, and after a year of trying to conceive you might want consult a reproductive expert like Dr. Kwang Yul Cha. However, even for couples with no fertility issues, some preparation can be helpful to ensure that conception happens without too much time or stress!

Know the Odds

One of the things can make it harder to conceive is stress about not conceiving. Take some of that stress off your shoulders by having a realistic idea about your odds of conceiving. This will be based on a woman’s age more than anything else – there is no question that fertility decreases with age, and after 30 the odds begin to go down. After 40, the odds of conceiving without intervention fall very quickly. If you have been on birth control medication, it is possible to conceive immediately upon stopping, but it might take a bit of time before normal ovulation resumes.

Get Your Timing Sorted Out, Within Reason

Especially as you get older and conception odds begin to fall, it is important to understand when chances of conception are highest. This involves paying attention to the menstrual cycle, and more particularly, learning to recognize the 1-2 window of opportunity before ovulation when the odds of conception are the highest. Ovulation tests are easily available that can help. At the same time, don’t get too hung up on dates or windows – not only does this create the possibility that sex becomes a stressful chore (with implications potentially for your relationship and for your chances of conception) but it also potentially closes a window of opportunity if the cycle is off by a few days.

Get Healthy

Preparing for conception should involve giving up habits that make that less likely, or that cause stress. Now is the time to quit drinking and smoking, and to pay attention to pre-natal health. Not only are these habits dangerous during pregnancy, but they can also reduce your fertility. Now is also a good time to reduce your intake of caffeine which can trigger miscarriages. Be sure you are getting the necessary vitamins and nutrients (especially folic acid) to support a healthy pregnancy before you come pregnant. Try to maintain active habits and a healthy weight. Get lots of sleep.

Talk with your Partner

Sometimes, we can be surprised by differences of opinion with our partners over things like how to parent, or what religion to raise a child within, or whether breastfeeding or staying home from work is equally important to both. These things will eventually get worked out, but it is ideal if this happens before a pregnancy rather than during or after. Worry about these issues, or money, or parenting anxiety even before a baby is on the way can cause the very stress that can make conception more difficult.

Preparing to start a family, especially if you are trying for your first child, can be an exhilarating and stressful time. Above all, be patient and kind to yourself and with each, and increase your odds of conceiving naturally with a bit of advance preparation.

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