Life Balance Hub: about family, life and health
Life Balance Hub is your guide to a harmonious life. Discover inspiration and practical tips on family, health, fitness, and achieving everyday balance.
In the first trimester, it’s common to experience fatigue due to the significant changes happening in your body, though energy levels often improve after around 14 weeks. As you approach the end of your pregnancy, increased weight and changes in sleep patterns can contribute to feelings of exhaustion.
A proper warm-up before starting a weight lifting session not only prepares your muscles but also enhances your overall performance and reduces the risk of injury. It helps you transition mentally and physically from prior activities to your workout, setting the stage for a more effective training session.
You may have loose skin if you have lost a large amount of weight. Loose or saggy skin is a common problem after losing a significant amount of weight, particularly if the weight loss occurs rapidly or exceeds 100 pounds. While improvements in skin elasticity can occur over time, they may not be sufficient for everyone. Factors such as age, genetics, and the duration of time the skin was stretched can influence the extent of loose skin. In some cases, individuals may require surgery, such as a body contouring procedure, to remove the excess skin and achieve their desired look.
“Normal” bowel function varies from person to person, but many people find it challenging or painful to pass stools. If you experience constipation, your stools may become hard, dry, and difficult or painful to pass, often requiring you to push or strain. Some individuals with constipation may feel that their bowels haven’t been fully emptied, even after a bowel movement, leading to a persistent urge to go.
Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine (wee), feces (poo), or gas, and it can range from minor leaks to complete loss of control over the bladder or bowel. This condition may manifest as urine leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising, or difficulty controlling bowel movements. It can also involve a sudden, urgent need to use the toilet, which can be challenging if a bathroom is not immediately accessible. Incontinence can result from various factors, including age, medical conditions, or childbirth, and effective management strategies are available through consultation with healthcare professionals.
A doula is a non-medical companion who provides support before, during, and after childbirth. They offer physical and emotional assistance, helping to create a positive and empowering birth experience. Doulas do not replace your birth support partner, if you have one, during labor and birth. Instead, they work collaboratively with your partner to enhance the support you receive, ensuring a cohesive and comforting presence throughout the process.
Physiotherapy is a branch of medical science that studies how humans move. It uses physical therapy to promote healthy movement and reduce pain. Physiotherapists are trained health professionals who assess, diagnose, and recommend treatment options to help restore proper body functioning. In Australia, they must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA).
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, it’s crucial to be mindful of your diet and the supplements you take. Certain vitamins and supplements can support your health and the development of your baby, while others may pose risks or be ineffective. For instance, folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects, whereas excessive vitamin A can be harmful.
The neural tube forms during the early stages of pregnancy, specifically within the first 4 weeks, when cells fuse to create a tube-shaped structure. This crucial development occurs often before many women even realize they are pregnant. The neural tube will later develop into your baby’s brain, spinal cord, and the surrounding protective tissues. Proper formation of the neural tube is essential for normal brain and spinal cord development, and deficiencies can lead to serious conditions such as neural tube defects.
During pregnancy, it’s important to maintain a diverse and nutritious diet to support both your health and your baby’s development. While many foods are beneficial, some should be avoided to prevent potential health risks. Additionally, there are foods that are safe but should be consumed in moderation to avoid adverse effects.
Tricep pushdowns are a fundamental exercise for targeting and strengthening the triceps muscles, crucial for upper arm definition and strength. Correct technique is key to maximizing the effectiveness of this exercise, ensuring you engage the triceps fully and avoid injury. Let’s delve into essential tips to perfect your tricep pushdown form for optimal results.
Stretching and exercising barefoot is a common practice in yoga and pilates studios, where it promotes better grounding and balance. However, in conventional gym settings, shoes are typically required due to safety regulations and hygiene standards. Despite this, there’s a growing trend among fitness influencers and experts advocating for barefoot workouts or using minimalist shoes for their purported benefits in enhancing foot strength, balance, and proprioception.
