Duggar Baby 19 update and Josie Brooklyn Duggar pictures are something of a hot commodity right now.  Josie Duggar was born some 15 weeks early, and has been at the Arkansas Children’s hospital ever since.

Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar recently revealed photographs of their daughter – who only weighed 1 pound 6 ounces at her birth.  While she’s over 2 pounds now, chances are she will still be in the hospital for a few more weeks.

As far as  a preemie goes, Josie Duggar is doing well.  She is taking breast milk through a tube, which will help build her immune system and make her stronger.  OF course, the future still remains guarded as day to day life with a preemie can be ever changing.

In addition to new photos, which can be seen in People Magazine - the Duggar Family will be featured in a special which will air on Sunday Night.  The Duggar Family Special Delivery will chronicle the birth of Josie Duggar.

Despite the heavy criticism that the family gets for having so many children, they press on.  They live life the way they see best, and they stand by their decisions.

Many have been following the story of this baby who was born 15 weeks early.  Many are also praying for her continued recovery.

According to , there is a rise in teen pregnancy after a 10 year decline. The statistics show that in 2006, the overall teen pregnancy rate increased by 3 percent and the abortion rate increased by 1 percent, raising the rate to 7% total for teen pregnancies. For girls between the ages of 15 and 19, there were 71 teen pregnancies for every 1,000.

Teen pregnancy was the highest among black and Hispanic girls. Prior to 2006, there had been a gap between these groups, with blacks leading in teen pregnancy. This gap in teen pregnancy rates is now closed. The teen pregnancy rate among whites was still lower than both blacks and Hispanics. The states with the highest teen pregnancy rates were New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Mississippi.

Why the Increase in Teen Pregnancy Rates?

Why was teen pregnancy up in 2006 after being down for 10 years? It is not yet known whether the increase in teen pregnancy in 2006 is going to lead to years of the rate being up, or if it is simply a “bad year.” Some are blaming the Bush administration for the increase, claiming that if abstinence-only programs had not been taught, there would not have been a raise in teen pregnancy. The decline of teen pregnancy rates that took place during the ‘90’s occurred due to improved contraceptive use, according to Reuters. The Obama administration is gearing sexual education towards preventing teen pregnancy, rather than promoting abstinence only.

The media’s portrayal of teen pregnancy may also have an affect on the increase, especially if it continues to rise or remains at an increased rate. Shows like MTV’s “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom,” as well as ABC Family’s “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” may glorify teen pregnancy. These shows, however, did not air until after 2006, so the increase in teen pregnancy rates will not be seen yet until the future.

What Can You Do to Prevent Teen Pregnancy?

If you are a parent, the best thing that you can do to prevent teen pregnancy is talk to your teen son or daughter about sex. Letting them know that there are methods of contraception available to them, such as the birth control pill or condoms, is very important. Making your child feel comfortable enough to talk about sex with you is one of the main keys to preventing teen pregnancy.

If you are a teen who is thinking about becoming sexually active or who is already sexually active, don’t be afraid to talk to your parent about sex. However, if you do have a parent who is not open to talking about it, keep in mind that there is not an age limit for buying condoms and Planned Parenthood can provide you with contraception for a reduced cost without letting your parent know.

If you are one of the many people who want to quit smoking, hypnotherapy is an option. Research has shown hypnotherapy to be fairly successful, though success rates vary according to the business who is advertising their services. Here are some tips on how to stop smoking using hypnotherapy.

Realize Why You Want to Quit

Determine what your reasons are for wanting to quit smoking. You need to be positive about wanting to quit before making the decision to try hypnotherapy. Until you are sure that you want to quit smoking, no treatment is going to work effectively for you. If you are still on the fence about it, it is unlikely that hypnotherapy or any other type of therapy to make you stop smoking is going to be effective.

Find the Right Hypnotherapist

Find a reputable, licensed hypnotherapist. You may want to visit a few of them and choose the one with whom you feel most comfortable. Some hypnotherapists may be willing to provide references of clients they have helped in the past. It is never a good idea to choose a hypnotherapist who you think is a scam artist or you simply do not like.

Discuss Treatment with the Hypnotherapist

Talk about your treatment plan with your hypnotherapist. Inquire about what the treatment entails, the cost of each hypnotherapy treatment, and the number of visits your hypnotherapist thinks you may require. Knowing what you are getting yourself into prior to making the decision to really begin hypnotherapy will help increase your chances of experiencing success with it.

Learn About Any At-Home Treatments

Ask about hypnotherapy tapes that you can use at home. There are going to be times when you will feel the urge to pick up a cigarette. If you are unable to fit a hypnotherapy session into your schedule or into your hypnotherapist’s schedule, a tape that you can listen to at home may give you the strength that you need to avoid smoking.

Determine how well your hypnotherapy sessions worked for you. If you feel they were successful, you may want to consider continuing therapy for a few more sessions. Do not stop hypnotherapy until you are sure that you have quit smoking. If you are thinking about starting smoking again, even if it is years after your hypnotherapy has ended, you may want to think about having a refresher session to prevent yourself from doing it again.

One of the contraception options that is used by women to prevent pregnancy is the birth control pill. Just like any other type of medication, a specific birth control pill may not necessarily be the right option for every woman. Whether it happens right away or over time, there are many women who make the decision to switch to a different birth control pill than the one she is already on. There are a number of factors which may lead to this decision.

Side Effects

Consider whether you have experienced any of the side effects of the birth control pill. To find out what the side effects of the birth control pill that you are on can cause, check out the pamphlet that’s provided with the pack of pills. Common side effects of the birth control pill include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, a decrease in libido, and changes in blood pressure. Any unusual symptoms should be taken into consideration.

Mood Swings

Notice any mood changes that have occurred with the pill. The hormones in birth control pills are known to cause mood swings. If you begin to notice that you start feeling depressed or moody for an unexplainable reason, it could be caused by the birth control pill that you are on.

Change in Menstruation

Decide if there has been any change in your menstrual cycles. If you have noticed that your periods have been longer or heavier, then it may be a good idea to request a different birth control pill from your doctor. Also be sure to notice if you have experienced more discomfort during your period, such as painful cramps or other symptoms during the week leading up to and the week of your period. No birth control pill should make you feel worse. If your birth control pills make menstruation a more comfortable and pleasant experience for you, switching may not be necessary.

Weight Gain

Determine if your pill is causing you to gain weight. There is little evidence that the pill leads to weight gain, but pills that are higher in estrogen levels can lead to an increase in appetite and water retention. Let your doctor know if you feel like you have gained weight as a result of the birth control pill you are on, and he or she may consider putting you on a pill with lower hormone levels.

Cost

Decide if your birth control pill is too pricey. If you are having a hard time paying for your pills every month, then it may be a good idea to switch to a generic brand. Generic birth control pills are much more affordable than brand name birth control pills.

These are just a few of the reasons one may want to think about switching birth control pills. Also keep in mind that you may want to think about switching to a different birth control method, such as the birth control patch, IUD, or Depo-Provera injection. More often than not, however, a different formulation of the birth control pill can improve symptoms or side effects.

Does Michael C Hall have cancer? Is something that Dexter fans want to know.  In short, the answer is yes, Michael C. Hall has cancer.  Word of his illness leaked out a few days ago, and it appears that the star’s treatments are going well and that he could be nearing remission.

Michael C. Hall showed up to the Golden Globe awards wearing a Japanese Hat.  The covering on his head was the first indication to many that the star could have a serious health problem.

Michael C. Hall – the lovable serial killer known as “Dexter” – has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Much like the character he plays on TV, Michael C. Hall is a very private perso that strived to keep his health struggles secret. Michael C. Hall’s cancer wasn’t even known by Lauren Velez, the actress that plays Sgt. Laguerta on the hit Showtime series.

Season 5 of Dexter will start filming in May, and Dexter fans are anxiously awaiting to see what will happen next season.  It will be interesting to see what takes place after last season’s shocking finale.

Source:

EOnline

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, which means that you’ve probably heard people talking about the Gardasil vaccine. The vaccine, which has been approved for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26, protects against Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV. Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind prior to getting Gardasil.

What Does the Gardasil Vaccine Do?

Gardasil prevents the two types of HPV which are known to cause at least 70% of cervical cancer. The Gardasil vaccine also protects against two other strains of HPV, which are known to cause 90% of genital warts. Since approximately 3,000 women die of cervical cancer each year, many medical professionals feel that this is enough of a reason to consider getting the Gardasil vaccine.

When Should Gardasil Be Administered?

It is highly recommended for Gardasil to be administered among girls who have not yet become sexually active. The reason is because the vaccine needs to be effective enough to fight against HPV, which cannot happen if you have already been exposed to the virus. That being said, the Gardasil vaccine protects against more than one strain of HPV. Even if you have already been diagnosed with one strain of the Human Papilloma Virus, you might not have been exposed to other strains. Currently, there is no way to tell which exact strain of HPV a person has been exposed to, aside from the fact that some strains cause genital warts and others cause cervical cancer. Overall, it is never too late for receive the Gardasil vaccine.

Can Males Get the Gardasil Vaccine?

HPV is known to cause penile cancer and anal cancer among men. This has many parents and young men asking if Gardasil is also safe for males to use as well. Gardasil is currently being administered among males. While minimal research has been done on the effects of the vaccine among men, it is believed that it will help prevent men from contracting HPV. The FDA is considering it safe and is currently working on getting it approved for males between 9 and 26.

Who Shouldn’t Have the Gardasil Vaccine?

Those who are allergic to yeast or any of the other ingredients in the vaccine should not get have Gardasil. Women who are not pregnant should also not have the Gardasil vaccine.

For more information about the Gardasil vaccine and to find out if it is right for you, be sure to visit this website.

January has been named Cervical Cancer Awareness Month by the U.S. Congress. This means that this month you should take extra steps to ensure that you know a little more about cervical cancer. Here are some of the things that you should know about this type of cancer.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted disease. What many people do not know is that HPV is not full prevented by using condoms, which you can read more about here. Knowing the sexual history of every sex partner that you have very well is important, but keep in mind that it only takes exposure to one male who is a carrier of HPV.

How is Cervical Cancer Detected Early Enough?

Early detection is one of the main keys to treating cervical cancer. This means that all women should schedule Pap smears with their gynecologist every year or every other year at the most. Pap smears can detect precancerous changes in the cervical cells.

After you have had an abnormal Pap smear, you will need to schedule a colposcopy with your doctor. During the colposcopy, which is like a microscope, your doctor may take a biopsy of the abnormal skin cells to check for cervical cancer.

Who is at Risk for HPV and Cervical Cancer?

It is rare for HPV to get to the point of cervical cancer if it is caught early enough. Know that you are at risk of having the virus if you have had multiple sex partners and have had unprotected sex. The risk of HPV not clearing up and leading to cervical cancer increases if you do not have regular Pap smears, do not follow a healthy diet, smoke cigarettes, or take birth control pills, which are believed to contain hormones that may weaken the immune system. Women who have given birth more than once are also at risk for cervical cancer. If you have a family history of cervical cancer, you may be genetically more susceptible to developing cancer as a result of HPV.

Can You Promote Cervical Cancer Awareness?

Everyone can do a little something to promote cervical cancer awareness. If you are a health educator, allowing a guest speaker to talk to women about the importance of getting regular Pap smears is ideal. Telling all of your friends about HPV and letting them know that they should have routine check-ups with their doctor to test for it and other STDs is also something that everyone can do. For more tips on how to help, visit the National Cervical Cancer and HPV Coalition’s website on Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Baby food recall at Nurture, Inc:  Nurture Inc is issuing a baby food recall.  This is a voluntary recall related to the packaging of the product, as the pouches can swell and even leak the contents.

There haven’t been any illnesses attributed to this baby food recall, but Nature, Inc isn’t taking any chances.  After all, babies are precious and you wouldn’t want your baby suffering from contaminated food.

The recalled products are HAPPYTOT Stage 4 food meals and HAPPYBABY Stage 1 and Stage 2 pouch meals.  These products come in a 4.22 oz pouch with plastic caps.  Expiration dates are listed between November of 2010 and January of 2011.

If you have any of these products and don’t want to mess with the recall, you can simply throw the products away.  Otherwise, gather unused products and take them back to the store for a full refund.

Concerned parents who realize that their children have consumed the product should contact their doctor.  The leaking containers can lead to bacterial contamination, and a doctor can reassure worried parents or treat an illness before it becomes serious.

You can contact Nurture, Inc.  at  212-374-2779.

There has been a lot of talk recently about acai berry. The berry, which is known to offer a lot of health benefits, is believed to be a key component for effective weight loss. Many people are spending tons of money on acai berry diet supplements in hopes of losing weight. Will acai berry really work for you, however? Should you think about using it? Here are some of the things that you should know about acai berry before incorporating acai berry into your weight loss plan.

The Real Benefits of Acai Berry

It is important for you to be aware of what the real benefits of acai berry are. A lot of people are under the impression that acai berry will help you lose weight because it is an appetite suppressant. This is not true. Acai berry is known to cleanse or detoxify the body, which is why it is believed to be a great option for weight loss. Acai berry also is known to increase energy levels, helps regulate digestion, improves sleep routines, and may improve pain for arthritis sufferers.

Acai Berry Testimonials

There are many people who claim to have lost a lot weight by using acai berry. When reading any acai berry testimonial, it is important to be cautious of where it is coming from. If the testimonial that you are reading is on a website that is selling acai berry products, it is probably not entirely true. If you are reading testimonials on sources like Yahoo Answers or diet review websites, you may be able to believe them a bit more. Be sure to look for acai berry testimonials that include both the pros and cons.

Using Acai Berry Alone is Not Ideal

In order to lose weight, you should not believe that acai berry alone will do the trick. If you are going to try out an acai berry dietary supplement, the best thing that you can do is combine it with diet and exercise. Otherwise, it is unlikely that acai berry is going to work for you. Acai berry also may not provide you with the quick and effective results that you are hoping for. Taking an acai berry supplement may help boost energy levels and will cleanse your body, but it will not have an effect on your appetite.

It is ideal to be cautious when using any dietary supplement. Acai berry is unlikely to lead to long-term weight loss. Using acai berry in addition to a healthy diet and exercise is the best thing that you can do if you are interested in using it to lose weight.

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition in which the vagina contains harmful bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection among women of childbearing age. It is also known to be quite common among pregnant women. Although bacterial vaginosis can be caused by other factors aside from sex, such as douching and smoking, it can be spread through sexual intercourse. Here are some of the common signs of bacterial vaginosis.

Vaginal Discharge

All women experience vaginal discharge at some point. If you notice that your vaginal discharge is a lot heavier than usual, this could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. Most women who have bacterial vaginosis will have heavy white or gray vaginal discharge. Unlike with a yeast infection, it is usually thick in texture, rather than cottage cheese-like.

Foul Odor

Vaginal discharge may be foul in odor when you have bacterial vaginosis. This is why many women are known to experience a foul odor, especially after they have had sexual intercourse. Since the vagina produces a lot of natural lubrication at this point, discharge may increase and cause a foul odor.

Burning

One of the easiest to recognize symptoms of bacterial vaginosis is a burning or painful sensation. It will usually occur during sexual intercourse or urination. Many women with bacterial vaginosis notice this burning or pain periodically throughout the day at any time, however.

Itching

Many women with bacterial vaginosis experience some sort of itching. Itching may only be minimal, but for others it may be severe. Any time that you notice severe or persistent vaginal itching, it is important to get checked out by a doctor, however. This is a symptom which is experienced with many STDs.

Keep in mind that the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are known to be very close to the symptoms that are experienced with certain STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. If you notice any of the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis listed above, it is important to visit a gynecologist.