Go away CRAMPS and Don't cha come back NO MOH!

What are cramps and who gets them -- and why am I writing about this during the biggest party time of the year.  To begin, your period doesn't know you are planning on celebrating holidays with friends and family and may be traveling, skiing or swimming.  For some, painful periods are a nonissue and I say good for you - really and not sarcastically.  Those of you who do get cramps are nodding your heads when I say -- YUCHH, OUCH, LEAVE ME ALONE and BRING ME THE HEATING PAD. 

There is some really helpful information on tampax.com about causes of cramps and what you can do for yourself to help feel better.  Take a read and let me know if there is some bit of something that is new, of interest, and importantly, helps you manage the problem so you can get on with it.  Also, feel free to ask away if you have any further questions.  

http://www.tampax.com/en-US/forYourInfo/forYourInfoArticle.aspx?ID=the-not-so-nice-stuff#pms&utm_source=cafemom&utm_medium=NurseElaine&utm_content=link20101218&utm_campaign=comm_mgr
 

 

What She Says and What She Really Means!

Hate to hear about relationship breakups, especially during the holiday season.  Must be tough.  After reading about today’s latest celebrity marriage that went kaput, I began thinking about the relationships that are so important to me.  

One of my most important relationships is the one I have with my daughter – and we will never “break-up”.   I strongly believe that healthy communication is key to a strong relationship.  Fortunately, my daughter and I established the type of relationship we both wanted early on by being open, understanding and, importantly, talking often.  

While we can talk many times a day and, for the most part, truly understand each others intent, it wasn't always that way.  As much as you love them, communication with your teen girl can be challenging.  A way to help facilitate understanding, is to know what each other is really saying.  YES, sometimes we (and your teen) can say one thing, yet mean something different.  Go figure!! 

On the Always.com site, there is a timely article called:  What She Really Means.   Take a read.  It may be especially helpful during the holiday season when she is around more than usual with school out (or around for breakfast, at least, before she begins hanging with her friends) and you have more opportunity to chat. 
Take a read:
http://www.always.com/mom/what_she_really_means.jsp?utm_source=247moms.blogspot&utm_medium=NurseElaineblog&utm_content=link20101215&utm_campaign=comm_mgr

Let me know what you think.

PMS and Food!

I was at the Always.com website and found this content that may be of interest:  The food you put into your body can affect everything that you do. It can define your energy levels, can make your hair shiny or dull, influences your weight, and it has a lot to do with your overall health in general. It can even affect the severity of your PMS symptoms. When you eat a lot of food that isn't good for you, it takes its toll on your body over time. You may feel sluggish and lazy, get sick a lot or just simply not feel good most of the time. Eating healthy is vital to leading a long, healthy life and it's even important to having a happy period.

On the site, Always has a section  full of info on how food can affect your body, particularly during your period, and recipes to help you eat healthier.  While I know of no better place to get great diet information and healthy recipes than from Weight Watchers, I thought that WW members may appreciate knowing more about recipes that can impact your body during your period.  Let me know if this is helpful.


http://www.always.com/lifestyle/foodforthought.jsp

Moms, what worked in your puberty talk with your daughters?

It’s normal to be nervous when approaching the subject of puberty with your daughter. But rest assured, she’s just as uncomfortable as you are!  Just posted some tips on WebMd to help with the talk.  Would love to hear how that went for you and your daughter. 

http://forums.webmd.com/3/gynecology-exchange/forum/19813

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH!

A mom asks:   With girls maturing at a much younger age than ever before, just how much detail/terminology should I offer a nine or ten year old girl? It seems like they could be easily overwhelmed, yet if they are on the verge of puberty, they do need to be informed.   http://forums.webmd.com/3/gynecology-exchange/forum/19746?@guest@