Intorducing a Free Home Pregnancy Test Kit

Author: Atul Bahl

Reproductive health is a crucial part of general health and a central feature of human development. Among women of reproductive age (15-49 years), the burden of reproductive ill-health is far greater than the disease burden from tuberculosis, respiratory infections, motor vehicle injuries, homicide and violence. Women run the risks of pregnancy, childbirth and unsafe abortion, take most of the responsibility for fertility regulation and are socially and biologically more vulnerable to reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases. The National Population Policy (India), 2000, affirms the commitment of government towards voluntary and informed choice and consent of citizens while availing of reproductive health care services, and continuation of the target free approach in providing family planning services.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government of India, through its National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has introduced the rapid home pregnancy test kits (Nishchay). The Nishchay program is not a program for the promotion of the pregnancy test kit alone, but is an entry point to RCH and family planning services for women seeking quality and assured RCH and FP services.

Important key issues addressed by Nishchay are:

1. Low percent of women starting ANC in first trimester due to late detection

2. Contraceptive Provisioning (IUD/Pill) not started after ruling out pregnancy

3. High unsafe abortions due to late detection of pregnancy

The key strategies of the program are community awareness, especially among eligible couples, on Home Based Pregnancy Test Card and RCH services, increased utilization of RCH and FP services, following the test results. Important activities include capacity building of ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activist) through resource persons with field and NGO experience, brand and logo visibility using mass media campaign, community outreach activities using mid –media campaign, and integrating the card into the monitoring system of NRHM/RCH-II.

Implementation of the program is in all Indian States and UT’s. The states have been classified into high, medium and low priority groups based on the NFHS-3 data on birthrate and institutional deliveries. In the first phase, the program is launched in the following 11high priority states - Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

The implementation team was formulated at the central office of Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust, comprising of a Senior Program Manager (Atul Bahl), Training Managers, Training Officers and a Communication Officer. State level consultants were hired in the states for additional support in monitoring of NGOs and on ground activities. The Senior Program Manager is assigned the responsibility of the national roll out of the program and the linked activities.

As planned, the service delivery strategy is being addressed through building capacities of ASHAs on understanding the pregnancy test card, making it easily available to all Eligible Couples in the community and tracking the outcome. Relevant training materials were conceptualized and designed for training of ASHAs. These were shared with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and have been printed after the approval. NGOs at district level were contacted in all the states, meetings held and the Master trainers identified by them were trained by the project implementation team. Special training materials were designed for them as well.

Demand generation is through using mass media and mid media campaign using local folk, edu - entertainment modality through mobile vans. The program has been very well received by the public and early detection of pregnancy offers many advantages for the mother and the fetus. Many medical benefits depend on early detection, including social and emotional well-being and the avoidance of medications, irradiation, and other teratogenics.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-health-articles/intorducing-a-free-home-pregnancy-test-kit-750490.html

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Buy Your Diabetes Glucose Monitor Kit Carefully

Author: Roberto Sedycias

Whether you are a type 1 or type 2 diabetic, you need to have a regular and constant monitor to find the state of your health. Though most of the diabetic patients understand the importance of testing blood glucose level frequently, many of them are confused about selecting the right kind of meter.

When for the first time they are dictated with blood sugar, they rush to the nearest chemist and take home their glucose monitor kit without considering how effective it can be for them. But, now that research and studies are constantly being upgraded, glucose meters have got new forms and shapes. Whether you are purchasing your diabetes glucose monitor kit for the first time or you are less delighted with the one that you have and trying to get a new one, you have to consider various aspects of the home medical device.

A dependable Glucose meter:

While purchasing your diabetic glucose monitor kit you need to take care of two major aspects. The most expensive one is not surely the best one. There are many good quality strips available at a reasonable price. Hence, you must select the one that is affordable for you. Besides, select the one that has got the maximum features meeting your requirements. A standard diabetic glucose monitor kit is one that displays a striking balance between its cost and features.

Testing Strips:

Testing strips are unique for each testing meter. You may be thinking of the reason behind it. But more than that, it is important to find that which strip will go fine with your diabetes glucose monitor kit. Some models take comparably cheaper strips than other. After selecting the strip to buy take a 30 day test supply on hand. There is no reason why you should take over-the-counter and make it remain in your cupboard for ever.

Reading Logbook:

Now the meters are available with memory of keeping few hundred readings. But it is always better to keep a written logbook of your own that you can take with you to the doctor the next time you visit. It should store not only the readings of your blood glucose record, but also the date, time and the circumstances that led to the fluctuation in the record.

A lancing device and lancets:

Every diabetes glucose monitor kit is available with a lancing device and lancets. It is the most indispensable part of the whole kit as it pokes the skin to bleed for the test. Survey says, most people use and reuse the same lancet before changing it. But every time you should use fresh lancet for best result, less pain and hygiene.

There are some other things that you need to consider. Pick up a disposal container for the sharps like lancets and needles. Once the container is filled up it can be disposed off at a safe place. It is also essential to take blood contaminated materials such as swabs, tissues and test strips.

Type 2 diabetic patients are open to various side effects if they are not controlling their abnormal sugar level. The simple device of diabetes glucose monitor kit can inform you about your glucose level and you can decide on your intake of insulin. In case you are not satisfied with your idea of finding the right kind of device for you, search engine websites is the answer to all. You can search and gather complete information about it. Also you should consult your physician about the strips and the kind of glucose monitor kit that you should use.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/buy-your-diabetes-glucose-monitor-kit-carefully-479738.html

About the Author

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/beleza-saude.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br

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Yoga And Its Benefits For Meditation

Author: Reeva

Yoga books tell us that Yoga, as we all know, is aimed to unite the mind, the body, and the spirit. Yogis view that the mind and the body are one and that if it is given the right yoga kit and tools and taken to the right environment, it can find harmony and heal it. Yoga therefore is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the foremost reasons why people want to start Practicing Yoga - to feel fitter, be more energetic, and be happier and peaceful.

For hundreds of years Yoga has helped millions maintain flexibility, good health, and a positive outlook. Today, yoga is proving an effective therapy for stress reduction. Most people first come to yoga to alleviate pain and tightness, to acquire flexibility and agility, and to feel more in control of their body. Complete Detox – By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This helps in the flushing out of toxins from every nook and cranny as well as providing nourishment up to the last point. This leads to benefits such as the delay of ageing, energy and an amazing zest for life.

Yoga helps in maintaining the balance between body, mind and soul. Once the balance is achieved with the help of various exercises, the practitioner becomes more calm and starts having a positive approach towards life. With the regular practice of yoga, he attains a level where he is at ease with himself, his body and his surroundings and does not get stressed easily.

Ashtanga yoga uses ordered postures, or asanas, connected together by the breath and is moreover referred to as Flow Yoga or Vinyasa (series of poses), and focuses less on alignment than Iyengar yoga, and props are used less frequently.

Do you have trouble staying awake after lunch? Do you always feel your energy dip in the mid-afternoon? Millions of people have problems keeping their energy levels up during the day and turn to caffeine or other stimulants when you can get the same energy boost by taking some time to breathe deeply. The extra oxygen that you get from those deep breaths can give you all the boost that you need to get through your day.

Beans and legumes must be incorporated as it makes one of the best yoga diets that have protein and is a must to the body. Hence, it can be included in recipes, salads with beans and lentils, and various other bean dishes such as bean soups, sandwich spreads and lentil salads. Vegetables are the main nutrition in yoga diet and include an array of vegetable dishes comprising of organic and seasonal vegetable dishes such as curries, stews, appetizers, casseroles and entrees. Similarly, water is highly recommended such that a person takes nearly 2 liters of water everyday, and hence incorporating vegetable or fruit juices, coconut milk, rice milk, smoothies, nut milks, soy milks and other beverages that are healthy is preferred.

Surya Namaskar has 12 poses (Method) to go through. Every pose have one mantra. Every action has its own benefit. Out of the 12 poses first and last pose salutes to the sun rest 10 poses are yoga poses. We only want to say that if you want a new life, than go for Surya Namaskar . Concept of breathing with the movement of each body part is very important and also must be clear. The basic principle of breathing must be clear that while you are doing backward bending posture its time to inhale and while doing forward bending posture its time to exhale.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/yoga-and-its-benefits-for-meditation-1587688.html

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Visit for more useful information on kapalabhati, asana yoga and Nauli Asana.

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Testosterone / Epitestosterone Ratio: How is it Significant?

Author: Tarun Gupta

Testosterone is an anabolic steroid & a potent androgenic hormone which is produced naturally in the body by the male testes as well as female ovaries, although the proportional production in males and females vary significantly. It is known to be responsible for the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics & its use may lead to a significant increase in the muscle mass, mood changes, hair loss, deepened voice, acne and infertility although such effects are case, context & dose dependent.

A range of testosterone-like anabolic steroids have ceremoniously been abused to enhance muscle development, strength, and endurance in various sports & athletic competitions. Such sort of exogenous performance enhancement is considered to be a form of doping by most of the sports regulatory authorities.

Epitestosterone is an inactive stereoisomer of testosterone & has a different configuration at only one of several stereogenic centers. It is, thus, a chemically similar, natural steroid that is produced independently of testosterone through a different bio-synthetic pathway.

Usually, the amount of Testosterone (T) & Epitestosterone (E) are in similar proportions and their normal presence in urine has been found, on an average to be roughly equal to 1:1, although it varies on a case specific basis. In case any anabolic steroids or any related preparation is taken or if some pathological condition exists the testosterone level may increase while the epitestosterone levels tend to remain unaffected. Thus the overall T/E ratio is skewed from the normal values and as a result, T/E ratio tends to vary significantly from the normal in such cases. However, if an additional amount of epitestosterone is administered to such individuals, theoretically, it is capable to bring the skewed T/E ratio back to normal. As a result, epitestosterone is banned by many sporting authorities for being a potent masking agent for testosterone use, or rather steroid abuse!

A T/E ratio higher than 6:1 was used to be considered as proof of abuse in the past; however, cases of naturally occurring higher T/E ratios have been described. Since the introduction of the T/E ratio in doping analysis, the parameters that may or may not influence the T/E ratio, possibly leading to false-positive results, have been debated.

Other than Steroids, various antimycotics, NSAIDs, & opioid analgesics used in sports medicine are all known to effect prostaglandin E2 synthesis and thus, they are capable of changing effective T/E ratios in various prostaglandin-mediated processes. Given the devastating personal and career consequences that may result from false positive results, the T/E ratio should be considered more of an indicator of the alterations in steroid metabolism, & should not be considered as a standalone specific marker for exogenous Testosterone administration.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/testosterone-epitestosterone-ratio-how-is-it-significant-567022.html

About the Author

This Article is written by Tarun Gupta, the author of Steroid Abuse News & Articles. More information on the subject is at Testosterone / Epitestosterone Ratio: How Is It Significant?, and resources from other home health and wellness testing sources are used such as Steroid Urine Test Kit.

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Diabetes Glucose Monitoring Kit - A Purchase Guide

Author: Roberto Sedycias

A large number of people across the world are subjected to diabetes and, they follow different kinds of treatment procedures depending on the level of glucose present in their body. Some people adopt a controlled diet structure to balance the amount of sugar in their blood while others depend on medicines like insulin vaccination. But, unfortunately, there is no miraculous drug to cure the disease from its root. You can give efforts to keep the disease under control and don`t let it harm your body anymore. More than that, it is essential to have regular check up of diabetes for a systematic treatment procedure. It can indicate you about the current status of your health and help you take the necessary steps accordingly.

These days, many people don`t get enough time out of their busy schedules to visit their doctors for regular diabetes check up. But, thanks to the invention of diabetes glucose monitoring kit that has just simplified the routine diabetes check up for diabetics at the convenient of their home. These kits are available in the market along with complete instruction to use. However, while purchasing sometimes people just rush to their nearest chemist and pick a kit without considering its effectiveness for them. But the fact is it is vitally important that you select the right kind of diabetes monitor kit to check your health more efficiently.

Whether you purchase the glucose meter for the first time or you want to take a new kit for your diabetes testing session at home, you must consider certain aspects of the medical device to get better results.

Glucose testing strips - Select testing strips considering the kind of diabetes glucose monitor kit that you are using. You should know that the strips are unique for each kind of diabetes testing meter. Hence, if you don`t get the exact kind of strips for your device, you may not get a satisfactory result. The strips for some models are cheaper than others. But, more than the price it is important to find the strips that are compatible with the device. Taking a 30 day test supply of the strips is a good idea.

Lancets and a lancing device - They are the most essential parts of the diabetes testing meter. You need to use the lancets to poke the skin and take your blood for the test. According to a survey, many people use a lancet several times before changing it. But, it is recommended that you should use fresh lancets every time to maintain hygiene and get best results. Make sure that you store the used lancets in a disposal container and dispose the container at a safe place.

Result reading logbook - These days, the diabetes meters are available with mechanism to store few hundred readings of the diabetes testing results. But keeping a logbook avoids any kind of confusion regarding fluctuation in the reading of date and time in the meter. Besides, you can take the logbook with the reading to your doctor during your visits.

Effective glucose meter for your diabetes testing schedules - While purchasing your monitoring kit, it`s important that you select the device carefully. It is not necessary that the expensive ones are more useful or efficient. You should look for the features and functionality of the device while purchasing it. Make a trade off between the price and features to get a diabetes meter that can meet maximum of your requirements and also fits into your budget.

In case you are confused with the right kind of diabetes glucose monitoring kit, you can take help of your physician to get the best one for you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/diabetes-glucose-monitoring-kit-a-purchase-guide-1239103.html

About the Author

You can have access to articles about health in portuguese language from page Health

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

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The ELISA Kit – A Powerful Tool For Modern Science

Author: Groshan Fabiola

ELISA is short for Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent, and up until now the ELISA kit is the safest and fastest way of diagnosing various types of infectious diseases in humans. The ELISA kit, in one of its many forms, can also be used to diagnose various diseases in plants and animals also. The ELISA test can be viewed much like the pregnancy test, because it works pretty much in the same way. The most common use for the ELISA kit is detecting antibodies and antigens in samples, in the field of immunology. Apart from using the ELISA kit to run toxicology tests which quickly reveal the presence or absence of certain drugs.

Another field in which using the ELISA kit has become increasingly important is the food industry. Industry professionals make use of the ELISA kit in searching for various elements that should not appear in certain products. For example, milk, walnuts, peanuts, eggs, and other similar ingredients make provoke allergic reactions, and in order to test a product which advertises not using one or more of these ingredients, testing is done with the help of the ELISA kit. Aside from being used in the food industry and law enforcement or competitions, the ELISA kit is widely known for being used for the detection of HIV, and other viruses. One of the greatest advantages to using the ELISA kit, aside from the accurate results, is the low price for this product. The financial aspect along with the short testing period have led the ELISA kit to becoming one of the most used testing methods throughout the world. Regardless if used in diagnostics, plant pathology or products quality control, the Elisa kit works in the same way.

When performing ELISA kit testing antigen is spread onto a surface. In the next stage, an antibody, specific for that test, is presented to the antigen resulting in a bind between the two compounds. The final steps are linking that antibody to an enzyme and ultimately adding a revealing solution that that helps the enzyme to convert to a visible signal. This readable signal will reveal the exact quantity of antigen in that specific sample. Because the ELISA kit test reveals the presence of antibodies and antigen, and so it can be used to determine the exact concentration of serum antibody, it has become one of the most important tools in the correct detection and diagnostic of the HIV virus, and other viruses also, such as the West Nile virus. The high sensitivity presented by the ELISA kit test was often compared to that offered by examinations carried out with the use of the microscope.

ELISA kits are used to both diagnose and monitor infectious diseases such as West Nile Virus or HIV. The accuracy of ELISA kits and their short time of response are their strongest selling points. ELISA kits are also highly sensitive to specific antibodies, and provide analytical systems capable of detecting very low levels of chemicals. The high sensitivity of ELISA kits is due to the powerful catalytic ability of enzymes. ELISA methods are also highly selective due to the extraordinary discriminatory capabilities of antibodies. Concentration as low as parts per billion (ppb) can be detected. Moreover, an ELISA kit is very simple to use and the results are easy to understand.

Commercial uses of the ELISA kits are in high demand. Over-the-counter pregnancy tests make use of this principle by using monoclonal antibodies directed to protein samples in urine. To monitor diabetes, glucose levels can be determined using a mediator molecule to interface biological and electronic components of a sensor which results in a current reading. Antibiotic residues in milk may be detected using an ELISA kits which monitors the inhibition of a test organism's growth. ELISA kits are also used in food safety by indicating the presence of salmonella. This test is used to predict salmonella carrier status in cattle. ELISA kits have an enormous impact on today’s medicine.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-elisa-kit-a-powerful-tool-for-modern-science-1395470.html

About the Author

For more resources about ELISA kit or even about antibodies, please review this page http://biosupply.co.uk

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