Health

Yeast Infection -Symptoms And Prevention

Published

1 year ago

December 6, 2021

As a woman, there are 75% chances that you will experience a yeast infection at least once in your life and 45% of chances that the infection will repeat. However, you do not need to worry, as most yeast infections are easily treatable.

Even though most of the female population experiences yeast infection at least once, it is not something you want to have. You need to be on guard for symptoms and learn ways of prevention to avoid discomfort. In Forest Hills, NY a private medical practice can help you explore your treatment options if you suffer from or suspect a yeast infection.

What is a yeast infection?

A vaginal yeast infection is caused when there is an abnormal production of yeast bacteria in your genitals. Typically, a vagina contains some bacteria and yeast cells. When these yeast cells start growing in numbers to the point when it reaches an unhealthy amount, it causes yeast infection. The condition is common in pregnant women as, during pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen can throw off the normal balance of yeast.

Symptoms of a yeast infection

A few common symptoms of a yeast infection are:

Burning during intercourse or urinating.
Rashes.
Redness.
Itching in the vaginal area.
Swelling.
Pain during intercourse.
Whitish-yellow and thick, clumpy discharge.
Soreness.

Prevention of yeast infection

Maintain a low-sugar diet.

The yeast is a single-celled living organism. It feeds on sugars and starches. When you consume high amounts of refined sugars and dairy products, it may encourage yeast growth.

Wear breathable underwear.

Yeast multiplies better in damp and moist environments. Wear undergarments made of cotton, linen, or silk so that the moisture gets absorbed.

Maintain your diabetes.

Diabetes patients have a higher risk of acquiring a yeast infection. This is because diabetes causes you to have high glucose levels, which encourages the growth of yeast. To control diabetes, check your sugar level regularly and maintain a sugar-free diet.

Practice good personal hygiene.

Keeping good vaginal hygiene is essential to avoid any vaginal infections or diseases. Always wipe from front to back to avoid the bacteria from travelling from your anus to the vagina. Change pads or tampons frequently to avoid all kinds of vaginal infections.

Take probiotics.

Yeast infection occurs when harmful bacteria outgrow the good bacteria, creating an imbalance. To help balance the population of good and bad bacteria, you can include probiotics in your diet. Some good sources of probiotics include yoghurt, fermented foods such as kimchi, kombucha, some pickles, or you can also take probiotic supplements.

Health

How to Help Your Child if You Think They Might Have Autism

Published

8 hours ago

February 3, 2023

Michelle Langton

Do you suspect your child might have autism, but you’re not sure? While only a professional diagnosis can tell you for sure, there are many ways you can support your child while you get a diagnosis and create a plan.

Here are some of the best ways to support a child you think might have autism.

Try a variety of therapies

While you’re in the process of getting a formal diagnosis, start trying different therapies with your child to see if anything resonates with your child. Every child with autism is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. There are several types of therapy you can try that are low-cost or free, including play therapy, speech therapy, floortime, ABA therapy, and more.

Although your child will need a formal Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis to get ABA therapy, it’s worth noting that once you have a diagnosis, you can get in-home therapy, which will make things easier on you and your child. Organizations like Golden Care Therapy in New Jersey will send an ABA therapist to your home to work with your child in their own environment. Getting in-home therapy will reduce the stress your child may feel from being in a new and unfamiliar place.

The more therapies you try, the better chance you have of getting a head start in supporting your child, whether or not they get diagnosed with autism.

Get your child some sensory toys

Kids with autism need to stim, which is just a fancy way of saying they need something to stimulate their senses in a way that allows them to mitigate and disburse the sensory overload they’re feeling. Without toys, kids will find ways to stim using just their bodies and their surroundings, but toys can be extremely helpful and less damaging depending on your child.

Every child is different, so it might take a bit to find toys they like. However, you can find some excellent suggestions from The Aspie World on YouTube. Some toys spin, squish, make noise, or are a series of magnets that can be reshaped. If your child is already fixated on certain types of toys, try to find something that matches their existing interest. For example, if they like soft textures, find some plush toys with a velvety-smooth texture. Try all types of toys to see if they help your child.

Seek a professional diagnosis

Getting a professional diagnosis is the best way you can support your child when you think they might have autism. Once you have a diagnosis, that opens the door to getting services that will help them immensely. Not just while they’re young, but it will help them in their adult life, too. For example, if your child moves out on their own, and they struggle with self-care and household chores, they’ll need a professional diagnosis to get in-home services from the state.

A professional diagnosis will tell you if your child is on the autism spectrum, or if they have a different disorder. Depending on the therapist you choose, they’ll likely be able to diagnose your child with any relevant comorbidities, which are common with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Learn about autism

Next to getting your child professionally diagnosed, learning about autism will help you support your child in many ways. There are many misconceptions about autism that can make it hard to spot the signs of autism. One of the best people to learn from is Tony Attwood. He’s considered the leading expert on Autism Spectrum Disorder and is extremely knowledgeable.

One of the most important things you can learn from Attwood is how to spot Autism in girls. For various reasons, it’s harder to spot autism in girls and some girls don’t get diagnosed until they’re in their 40s. Attwood gave an excellent talk about Asperger’s in girls back in 2015, and you’ll learn a lot from this speech.

Although Attwood’s speech focuses on Asperger’s, it is part of the autism spectrum. As a diagnosis, Asperger’s has been officially merged into the diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Support your child in every way you can

When you suspect your child might have autism, it’s important to support them in every way possible. While you’re seeking a professional diagnosis, start trying simple solutions, like play therapy and toys for stimming. See how they respond. Once you get a diagnosis, your child’s therapist will suggest next steps to help your child long-term.