Five things that are more important than money

5 things that are more important than money

Most people would find a 16+ hour a day, 7 days a week job undesirable no matter how much the pay was. When it comes to making money, there is naturally trade-offs in time and energy. Today I was thinking about how much focus there is on building wealth and “making money” in our society. In reality, though, there are many things that are more important in life than making money. Here are five of them:

1) Relationships
My relationship with my wife is and always will be a top priority for me. It’s much more important than any sum of money. Being there for my friends and family is important for me, and I don’t want my career pursuits to jeopardize that. Both in the good times and the bad, I want to be able to share in those times with my family and friends. I’m sure thousands (maybe tens of thousands?) of books have been written about balancing relationships and work, and it’s a constant struggle to balance the two.

2) Faith
When you put life in perspective, material possessions are nice while you are here but it’s not something that is going to last forever. When you are on your death bed you aren’t going to be thinking about how you wish you had made just a little more money or spent a few more hours at the office. My faith is very important to me and I think it’s important that money never becomes a higher priority than living out my faith.

3) Health
You can’t put a dollar value on good health, which is why the health care reform debate was so intense. Unfortunately health care takes time and resources, so in the end every procedure and pill has a price tag. What I find interesting is when people are upset about expensive premiums on health insurance (which they shouldn’t have to worry about as much anymore with the implementation of Medical Loss Ratio and Health Care Exchanges) despite the fact that insurance is a safety net guaranteeing you care (without going broke) when you get sick.
I nearly died from asthma as a child and spent a few years sitting inside watching all the other kids play out in the snow. But you know what? I think even then I knew that I was lucky just to have the medicine and doctors that keep me healthy. Health is priceless in my opinion.

4) Time
Everything I have mentioned so far can be tied into time: there’s only a limited amount of it, and once it’s gone you can’t have it back. Ironically, time seems to fly when we are having a good time and everything seems to be right in the world; it barely moves when we are going through a tough situation. Time is the great equalizer: no one can purchase more of it! It doesn’t matter how much money you have – you will always have a limited amount of time, and your life can be cut short at any time. Make it count.

5) Freedom
Freedom is a broad word to throw out, but allow me to explain. If you are a slave to your job and income source, is it really worth it? If you are required to be in the office sixty hours a week, answer email at night (from home) and be on-call 24/7, is it really worth the money? I am not proposing a one-size-fits-all answer to this, it’s just something to take into consideration when evaluating whether you are trading too much for that pay check.

Another way to look at it is jobs that offer flexible work schedules. Employees who take these jobs often value the freedom that comes with it just as much if not more than the actual paycheck they are drawing from it. Yet another example is the entrepreneur who has the freedom and control that most corporate workers could only dream of.
_________

I personally believe that money should be leveraged to help us live a more fulfilling life and I definitely do not frown upon the pursuit of wealth. Yet we still have to deal with the reality that pursuing higher income and additional skills can be demanding of our time and potentially detrimental to our relationships.
Instead of blindly pursuing higher income we should keep in mind the reason why we want to pursue that income. I’m as guilty as anyone of losing sight of the things that are more important than money. Sometimes we need to take a step back and remember why we work in the first place and what our end goals are.
What do you value more than money? What would you add to the list?
____________

 

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Top Ten signs of pregnancy

Top 10 signs of pregnancy

If you're extremely tuned in to your body's rhythms, you may begin to suspect you're pregnant soon after conception. But most women won't experience any early pregnancy symptoms until the fertilised egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, several days after conception. Others may notice no signs of pregnancy for weeks and begin to wonder "Am I pregnant?" only when they miss a period. Below is a list of some of the first signs of impending motherhood. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms of pregnancy:

1. Food cravings.

Yes, it's a cliché, but food cravings sometimes can be a sign of pregnancy. Don't rely on them as a sure symptom (it may be all in your head, or even a sign that your body is low on a particular nutrient), but if cravings are accompanied by some of the other symptoms on this list, start counting the days from your last period.

2. Darkening of your areolas.

If the skin around your nipples gets darker, you may have successfully conceived, though this may also signal a hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

3. Implantation bleeding or cramping.

About eight days after ovulation, you may experience implantation spotting, a slight staining of a pink or brown colour, as well as some cramping. This is caused by the egg burrowing into the endometrial lining. You might also see some spotting around the time you expect your period.

4. Frequent urination.

Once the embryo implants and begins producing the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), you may find yourself going to the bathroom more often.

5. Fatigue.

Feeling tired? No, make that exhausted. High levels of the hormone progesterone can make you feel as if you've run a marathon when all you've done is put in a day at the office. Fatigue is a hallmark of early pregnancy, though probably not a surefire symptom on its own.

6. Tender, swollen breasts.

If you're pregnant, your breasts will probably become increasingly tender to the touch, similar to the way they feel before your period, only more so. Once your body grows accustomed to the hormone surge, the pain will subside.

7. Altered sense of taste.

You may notice that your sense of taste changes. Some women say they have a metallic taste in their mouth, others that they cannot stand the taste of coffee, tea, or a food they usually like.

8. Morning sickness.

If you're lucky, morning sickness won't hit you until a few weeks after conception. (A lucky few escape it altogether.) But as early as a couple of days following conception, you may begin feeling nauseated and queasy. And not just in the morning, either -- pregnancy-related nausea can be a problem morning, noon, or night.

9. A missed period.

If you're usually pretty regular and your period is late, it's worth trying a pregnancy test. A missed period is the surest sign of pregnancy in a woman of childbearing age who usually has regular periods.

And finally...

10. A positive home pregnancy test.

If you've waited to test until at least the first day of a missed period and a blue line appears in the home pregnancy test window, you're most likely to be in the family way.

http://www.babycenter.in/top-10-signs-of-pregnancy#ixzz2QzoazEKq

 

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Dizziness

Why am I feeling dizzy?

Dizziness is a common feature of pregnancy. Between half and three quarters of pregnant women feel dizzy to some degree. The reason for your dizzy spells varies depending on how far into your pregnancy you are.

Dizziness in the first trimester
Early in your first trimester, you may feel dizzy and have bouts of nausea as your blood flow works to catch up with your rapidly expanding circulatory system. This happens because the pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes the walls of your blood vessels, causing your blood pressure to fall. This can make you more likely to feel dizzy from as early as eight weeks. Your body is usually able to adjust to these changes, but you may sometimes feel dizzy and light-headed.

Dizziness in the second and third trimester
In the second trimester, your growing womb (uterus) can put pressure on blood vessels. This can make you feel dizzy. Lying flat on your back can also cause dizziness in the later stages of pregnancy.

It's very common to feel dizzy occasionally during your pregnancy. This can be for a number of reasons:

• If you stand up too quickly your blood doesn't have enough time to reach your brain. This is also called postural hypotension.


• If you lie down for too long. About one in 10 pregnant women experiences this because of low blood pressure.
• If you haven't eaten for a while and your blood sugar is low, especially in the late afternoon.
• If you are anaemic or suffer from varicose veins.


• If you are dehydrated or anxious.
• Excessive exercise or anxiety can sometimes cause you to hyperventilate and feel faint, especially if you're feeling tired or not well.


• If you're overheated

.

What can I do to relieve my dizziness?

That will depend on what's made you dizzy. It's a good idea to start by sitting or lying down. This will help your dizziness subside, and also stop you falling over.

Here are some more tips to help you deal with dizziness.

• If you're in a stuffy kitchen, office, bus or a crowded train, try and get some fresh air.
• If you haven't eaten for an hour or two, a quick snack will help boost your blood sugar levels. It's a good idea to always have a healthy snack or two with you. Working mums-to-be can keep a few healthy snacks at their workplace.
• Try drinking water or fresh fruit juice. (In general, keep yourself well hydrated by drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. If you find it difficult to drink that much water, try drinking coconut water, lime juice or chaach.)
• Eat lots of iron rich foodsto make sure you don't become anaemic.


• Simply slow down, for instance by getting up slowly and smoothly, instead of leaping up from a chair or out of bed.
• Avoid going out in the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you have to go out, always carry an umbrella or a hat if you prefer one.
• If you start to feel lightheaded or dizzy while exercising, stop and rest for a while.
• If you feel dizzy when you get too hot, dress in layers so you can shed clothes as necessary

In some cases, you can't do anything except sit or lie down (on your side) and wait it out. Waves of dizziness can - and probably will -affect you at any time during your pregnancy.

Are these waves of dizziness dangerous?

Very rarely. Don't take light-headedness lightly though, even though it's common. Your greatest danger is of fainting. If you do feel faint:

• lie down on your left side
• or sit with your head between your knees

These positions will increase the blood flow to your brain, which should relieve the fainting sensation.

When should I check with my doctor about my dizzy spells?

You should see your doctor if you faint, if you are often dizzy or if you have dizziness as well as:

• pain in your pelvic area or belly
• shortness of breath
• blurred vision
• palpitations
• headaches
• vomiting

Persistent dizziness or dizziness accompanied by blurred vision and headaches or palpitations can be a symptom of severe anaemia or other serious illness that could affect your pregnancy. In rare cases, dizziness accompanied by severe lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, especially early on in pregnancy, may indicate an ectopic pregnancy . In such cases, contact your doctor immediately.

Dizziness can also be caused by something that's nothing to do with your pregnancy, such as allergies or panic attacks. It can also be because you're breathing too fast or too deeply (hyperventilation). That's why if you have any concerns, you shouldn't hesitate to get help. But keep in mind that feeling dizzy - from heat, hunger, nausea, or getting up too fast - is often just part of being pregnant.

http://www.babycenter.in/a228/dizziness#ixzz2QzoE5s2L

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Ten fun things to do during pregnancy

After the initial glow, pregnancy can be tiring and the remaining months may seem to stretch ahead endlessly. Morning sickness, fatigue, twinges of pain and constipation may leave you exhausted and wondering whether you're the only one who can't wait for baby to arrive! Add to that the constant discussions and questions by friends and family about your 'good news' and the unsolicited advice from complete strangers on what you should be eating and doing - it's all enough to make you run for cover.

Doing some fun things can help you think about something other than your pregnancy. Enlist the help of friends and family - they'll be only too happy to drive you somewhere you want to go or keep you company at a film you want to see. Here are some more ideas for fun things to do:

1. Shopping spree
Make a list of things you'd like to buy for yourself (not for the house or your baby), like comfortable footwear, a new sari for the Godh bharai/velakappu or the naming ceremony, post-delivery clothes like button-down shirts and kurtas, comfortable nightwear and lingerie. Not all maternity clothes are drab sacks - it's easy to find smart kurtis that can be altered after you've had the baby, or empire line tops and drawstring trousers. Buy one or two items on the list every month, to spread out your purchases. You can also then look forward to a small shopping spree every month.

2. A new you
Your body is changing almost every day and while you may love your new thicker hair, you can't say the same for your stomach and hips. When none of your clothes seem to fit and the thought of dressing up is depressing, it helps to get a makeover. Have a manicure and paint your nails in a bright cheerful colour. Or draw attention to your face with a new haircut. Try some new make-up like kajal or a lip liner or even just new matching bindis or earrings to go with your outfits. Read more on how to feel good about your pregnant body.

3. Picture perfect
Having some professional photos taken of the both of you will provide some lovely keepsakes of your pregnancy. Or ask your spouse to take pictures of your growing belly every month or once every trimester. It will be wonderful to share these with your child when she grows up. Or you could commission some personalised sketches or portraits instead of photographs.

4. Scrapbook
If you're not into keeping a diary or a journal, a scrapbook may be the thing for you to record your pregnancy. Photos of a vacation you took during your pregnancy or even the one during which you conceived, ultrasound scan reports, a bill from the celebratory dinner with your partner when you found out you were pregnant, month-by-month belly pictures - your scrapbook can contain anything and everything. You will love going over it many years after your baby is born.

5. Indulge yourself
Pregnancy can be a time to indulge yourself -- be it in terms of food cravings, massages, sleep or even hobbies. You might be advised to take it easy for a couple of weeks. If you are, there's no need to be bored sitting at home. Pick up a book you've wanted to read for a long time or a movie you've wanted to see, catch up on some new music or have a leisurely lunch out with your girlfriends at your favourite café. Sleep may soon become a luxury, so catch up when you can, perhaps at weekends. If you feel your skin becoming dry or patchy due to hormonal changes, book an appointment for a facial or prepare a natural face mask at home. Create your own mini spa and try our pregnancy feel good calendar.

6. Plan a picnic or a day trip
A picnic is a rare event in our hurried lives, but it doesn't need much planning. Pick a time and place, round up your family or friends and ask each person to bring two specific things. Voila! You are ready! If it's too hot or rainy for a picnic, plan an indoor visit to a museum, art gallery or cultural exhibition where you can spend some time in air-conditioned comfort. Even a trip to a mall you have wanted to visit, followed by lunch at the food court, can be a welcome break.

7. Date night
Romance may take a back seat in the initial months of pregnancy and if your parents or in-laws have moved in to take care of you, it may be a long time since you and your husband spent any quality time together. Plan date nights once every week or two, book a table and bond over lunch or dinner. Your spouse could do with a little extra attention too and these moments will keep you going once the baby comes. Or just rent a DVD, make some popcorn and spend a quiet night at home cuddled up together. Have questions about making love during pregnancy? We have the answers!

8. Other mothers
In this age of scattered families, you may not have a sister or sister-in-law close by to share things with. Friends who are not pregnant may find it difficult to relate to every single thing that is happening in your life. Making friends with other mums-to-be can be a great way to get some support. Signing up for antenatal classes or yoga classes for pregnant women is one way to meet other mums; your clinic may also have a mummy-to-be club who meet regularly. Don't forget our community forums and birth clubs, where you can interact with other pregnant women, share tips and get some support.

9. Mother and mother-to-be
It's quite common in India for your mother to move in to help with the pregnancy and the baby. Use the time to reconnect with your mother, especially if you live in different cities and haven't been able to spend much time together since you got married. Let your mum pamper you with your favourite foods and gifts. Compare notes about her pregnancy cravings when she was carrying you and whether that means it will be a boy or a girl. Discuss confinement practices after birth. Plan the naming ceremony guest list and catch up on all the gossip about your relatives. Shop for a thank you gift for her in advance, before the baby comes. You won't feel much like shopping once your baby is born.

10. Top ten list
Use our Babynamer to make a list of your favourite names. Make a list of ten things you'd like to do when your baby finally arrives. Make it as funny and whacky as you like. If you have had diet restrictions during your pregnancy make a list of foods you'll have. Missed going bungee jumping when you went on a trip to Goa in your first trimester? Plan another trip. Count down the days until you can drive your car again, carry your elder child or rejoin your gym.

http://www.babycenter.in/a1024023/10-fun-things-to-do-during-pregnancy#ixzz2QznuJUFh

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IMPORTANT OF EDEMA AND SOLUTION

IMPORTANT OF EDEMA AND SOLUTION DURING PREGNANCY

 Why are my ankles and feet so swollen?

What you're experiencing is edema – that's when excess fluid collects in your tissue. It's normal to have a certain amount of swelling during pregnancy because you're retaining more water. Changes in your blood chemistry also cause some fluid to shift into your tissue.

Video

Inside pregnancy: Weeks 15 to 20

 A 3D animated look at a baby in the second trimester of pregnancy.

 

In addition, your growing uterus puts pressure on your pelvic veins and your vena cava (the large vein on the right side of the body that carries blood from your lower limbs back to the heart). The pressure slows the return of blood from your legs, causing it to pool, which forces fluid from your veins into the tissues of your feet and ankles.
For this reason, edema is most likely to trouble you during the third trimester. It may be particularly severe for women with excessive amniotic fluid or those carrying multiples. Edema also tends to be worse at the end of the day and during the summer. 
After you deliver your baby, the swelling will disappear fairly rapidly as your body eliminates the excess fluid. You may find yourself urinating frequently and sweating a lot in the first days after childbirth..

When should I be concerned about swelling?

A certain amount of edema is normal in the ankles and feet during pregnancy. You may also have some mild swelling in your hands.
Call your midwife or doctor if you notice swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, or excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles. This could be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition.
Also call your caregiver promptly if you notice that one leg is significantly more swollen than the other, especially if you have any pain or tenderness in your calf or thigh. This could signal a blood clot, another serious condition.

What can I do to minimize the puffiness?

You can help relieve the increased pressure on your veins by lying on your side. Since the vena cava is on the right side of your body, resting on your left side works best.
Here are some other tips:

• Put your feet up whenever possible. At work, it helps to keep a stool or pile of books under your desk.
• Don't cross your legs or ankles while sitting.
• Stretch your legs frequently while sitting: Stretch your leg out, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.
• Take regular breaks from sitting or standing. A short walk every so often will help keep your blood from pooling in your lower extremities.
• Wear comfortable shoes that stretch to accommodate any swelling in your feet.
• Don't wear socks or stockings that have tight bands around the ankles or calves.
• Try waist-high maternity support stockings. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning so blood doesn't have a chance to pool around your ankles.
• Drink plenty of water. Surprisingly, this helps your body retain less water.
• Exercise regularly, especially by walking, swimming, or riding an exercise bike. Or try a water aerobics class – immersion in water may temporarily help reduce swelling, particularly if the water level is up near your shoulders.
• Eat well, and avoid junk food.

Try not to let the swelling get you down. The sight of your swollen ankles will probably add to your feeling of ungainliness, but edema is a temporary condition that will pass soon after you give birth.

 

 

 

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