Electronic cigarettes are an alternative to cigarettes, delivering nicotine without burning tobacco. The electronic cigarette, smokeless cigarette, or personal vaporizer, vaporizes a nicotine solution contained in a chamber, with a heating element which is activated either by a sensor in the mouthpiece, or by pressing a button. The vaporizer contains micro-electronic sensors that atomize the nicotine solution when activated. The shape is most often that of a cigarette, although they are also available in the shape of a ballpoint pen.

Electronic cigarettes are designed to give the user the sensation of smoking a tobacco cigarette. The tip of an electronic cigarette glows when activated, as does a traditional cigarette. The LED at the tip is available in many colours. The cartridge containing the nicotine solution is designed to look like a filter. The electronic cigarettes are also available in several lengths, to resemble the lengths available in traditional cigarettes. The vapor produced resembles tobacco smoke but has no odor. The cartridge that contains the nicotine solution will last as long as fifteen or twenty tobacco cigarettes.

The electronic cigarette can be used anywhere as there is no smoke, ash and additives. Most are rechargeable and can be recharged either through a household AC outlet, or a USB port on a computer. The nicotine solution is available in a variety of flavours; fruit, mint, coffee, toffee. The amount of nicotine in the solution also varies, as do cigarettes; regular, light, ultra-light. There are also formulations available that contain no nicotine. No tars or carbon monoxide or second-hand smoke are produced because tobacco is not being burned. The nicotine is formulated in a propylene glycol or glycerin base. These are both non-toxic and have no adverse health effects.

The electronic cigarette is marketed as an alternative to smoking cigarettes, not as a cessation device. Because nicotine is the product delivered, they are intended to be used by smokers, not non-smokers or children. They have been approved for import and sale in many countries around the world. In North America, they have not been approved yet, as the US Food and Drug Administration has objected that the delivery of nicotine is not regulated sufficiently to avoid nicotine poisoning, and Health Canada has issued a warning that the products could lead to nicotine poisoning and addiction. Most electronic cigarettes have a sensor that will turn the unit off if more than a certain number of inhalations are taken in a short period of time, to eliminate the possibility of over-delivery of nicotine. Electronic cigarettes are a novel and less expensive alternative to tobacco.

Several years ago, the idea of a highly intrusive and irreversible gastric bypass surgery made many overweight people nervous about having weight loss surgery. Today, modern bariatric surgery techniques like gastric banding allow more people to experience dramatic weight loss. Today medical breakthroughs such as Slimband Surgery have made weight loss surgery safer and much less invasive.

The slimband was approved by Health Canada in 1998 and works just like lap band surgery except it is classified under a different brand. The slimband procedure involves a 30 to 45 minute surgical procedure where a surgeon puts in a silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach. It is performed under general anesthesia using laparoscopic techniques that uses very small incisions. The adjustable gastric band creates a small stomach pouch that makes one feel full quickly. Because the stomach has been reduced, only a small amount of food is able to pass through the pouch at a time. This means patients eat less, feel full more quickly, and they must thoroughly chew the food and eat slowly which slows the digestion process so they are not hungry between meals. As well, after the surgery, patients follow a nutritional diet that is low in calories and fat so they learn how to eat properly as they lose weight. Their new diet and healthy eating habits helps them to keep the weight off long term.

The slimband procedure is a clinically-proven weight loss program that teaches you to adopt a healthy lifestyle and reduces hunger temptations. The procedure is fully reversible. As well, the procedure normally results in 70% excess weight loss within the first year. There has been research that has shown that patients continue to maintain their weight loss after three to eight years following the procedure. The proven weight loss results make this procedure so popular.

When people are obese, they are at risk of a getting a number of health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, hypertension, and breathing problems. When patients have the slimband surgery, they will see an alleviation of these conditions and even elimination of the conditions. This means a person will not just lose the weight, but will also get healthier resulting in a longer and healthier life.

Due to innovative medical developments in the field of weight loss surgery, obese people now have safer surgical options that have been proven very effective at helping them lose the weight and keep it off. Slimband surgery is one of the most popular surgical options due to its proven results and safety that includes minimal side effects. As well, certain patients may possibly be partially covered by your insurance company. People who have a BMI of 40 or more are potential candidates; however they will need to be screened to ensure they are in good enough health to have the procedure. If you are interested in the slimband procedure, you should consult with your doctor or a bariatric surgeon to determine if it is the right weight loss solution.

Recovering from Slim Band Surgery

For those who have a persistent weight problem that hasn`t been responsive to diet or exercise, slimband surgery is a good option to lose that extra weight quickly. It is, however, an invasive surgery, so some recovery time is to be expected.

How Long Will Your Recovery Take?

Everyone wants to know how long they should plan for recovery from this type of surgery. Each person is different, but in general, you can expect to be out of commission for four to eight days.

Some people find that they recover in record time, but others will need a full two weeks to recover. You can use other people’s past experiences as a guide as well as your own if applicable. Have you required longer recovery times for previous surgeries or hospital stays, such as giving birth? If so, then plan for a longer period of time to be sure that you won`t be forced to go back to work while still feeling off.

The Importance of Time Off

Technically, you could probably be back at work the day after surgery, but this is a bad idea for a number of reasons. First of all, even if you feel pretty good, your incision needs to heal.

Having surgery of any kind is traumatic for the body, and it is important to recognize this and take it easy for a bit to allow yourself to recuperate.

Another consideration is your energy level. After the procedure, you`ll be limited to clear liquids for at least a couple of days, which is great for your body, but can make you feel pretty weak. Even if you`re not in pain, you will likely find that you are too weak to work or do much during those first few days.

If you do start doing too much too soon, you`ll quickly find out the hard way. Pain at the incision site and generally not feeling good are signs that you should probably just sit down and rest. While an exercise routine is very important to the success of the slimband procedure and will help you lose weight faster, you should not start exercising right after the surgery; you`ll need to wait at least a couple of weeks before engaging in any real exercise. Talk to your doctor about a good time to start.

Tips for Faster Recovery

If you want your recovery to go as quickly as possible, follow these suggestions:

- Stick to the doctor`s rules. Don`t cheat while you`re supposed to be on clear liquids or you could have complications.

- Make sure that any issues are checked immediately. While complications are rare, they do happen, but they can be treated immediately.

- Don`t drive. This can put strain on your body and for the first few days, at least, so it`s not a good idea.

Taking care of yourself is important. After all, you had the surgery to become healthier, so take the extra time to recuperate and make sure you start your new health regimen on the right foot. A couple of weeks off from work won`t make a big difference in the long run, but for your body it will be well worth it!

Each week of a woman’s 40 week pregnancy is marked by a number of significant changes. The following is a list of a few pregnancy week by week highlights that take place during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy:

Week 21: There is much more fetus movement. The expectant mother may have some swelling in her feet, legs, and hands.

Week 22: The mother may have cravings for a certain food. The fetus head and body begin to become more proportioned.

Week 23: The fetus sexual organs are developed. There may be early uterine contractions.

Week 24: The fetus can hear voices and weighs more than a pound. The heartbeat is more easily heard.

Week 25: The mother may have headaches and leg pain. The fetus brain is developing. Breathing is regular and bones are starting to harden.

Week 26: The mother is experiencing lower back pain. The fetus brain and lungs are developing. It weighs close to 2 pounds.

Week 27: In the week by week pregnancy chronology, this is the beginning of the third trimester. The fetus eyes are open and blinking.

Week 28: The fetus weighs about 2 pounds.

Week 29: The fetus eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair have developed.

Week 30: The fetus is taking up most of the uterine space.

Week 31: The can feel sensations such as touch and pain.

Week 32: The fetus has fetus has turned itself head down and weighs about 3.5 pounds.

Week 33: An expectant mother may experience heartburn. The fetus lungs are nearly developed and it is breathing regularly.

Week 34: The mother weight increase begins to reduce. The fetus can weigh up to 4.5 pounds

Week 35: The mother is very emotional. The fetus weighs about 5 pounds.

Week 36: The fetus central nervous system is almost complete as are the toenails.

Week 37: The Lanugo (hair coating) starts to go away.

Week 38: A mother may be anxious and depressed. The fetus starts to move to the lower abdomen. Body fat has developed and the fetus weighs about 6.5 pounds.

Week 39: The mother’s lower back pain is quite prevalent. The fetus is considered a full term baby.

Week 40: The woman will start feeling contractions. The fetus is positioned to leave the womb.

Each week of a woman’s 40 week pregnancy is marked by a number of significant changes. The following is a list of a few pregnancy week by week highlights that take place during the first 20 weeks:

Week 1: Week by week pregnancy notes the first trimester. The sex of the fetus is determined during week one.

Week 2: The embryo attaches to the placental wall of the uterus.

Week 3: The expectant mother experiences early pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue, breast sensitivity, and nausea. The cardiovascular system and central nervous system begin to develop.

Week 4: The fetus ears and limbs start to form. The limbs are much like little buds.

Week 5: The mother is experiencing more nausea. The embryo is about 2 – 3 inches in length. The embryo’s head is the biggest feature because the brain is developing.

Week 6: The mother’s breasts become bigger and sensitive. The heart of the fetus is beating.

Week 7: Fetus development includes eyelids, fingers, toes, and mouth.

Week 8: The fetus blood vessels are developing. The fetus is starting to look like a baby.

Week 9: The uterus will grow significantly to that of the size of a grapefruit.
The toes and fingers of the fetus are prevalent.

Week 10: The mother’s weight will increase. The will be about 1.5 inches long.

Week 11: The uterus has become more visible. Major organs are developing. The sonogram is usually given.

Week 12: The increase in weight is visible. The fetus can suck its thumb and swallow. It can be seen breathing with chest movements.

Week 13: The mother may develop stretch marks. The fetus is moving. Its organs are working. Teeth and bones are developing.

Week 14: Week by week pregnancy notes the second trimester. Fetus is about a pound in weight.

Week 15: The fetus will respond to sounds such as the heartbeat. It also has a hair covering called “Lanugo.”

Week 16: The fetus is moving more often.

Week 17: The mother weight is increasing. The legs and arms of the fetus are developed. It can differentiate between certain tastes and weighs about 6.5 ounces.

Week 18: The mother may have lower back pain. The fetus will respond to outside noises and will weigh up to 8.6 ounces.

Week 19: A mother may feel faint. The fetus’ baby teeth are developing and it weighs about 10 ounces.

Week 20: Fetus is covered with a greasy substance called Vernix.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a gas that is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. CO is a by-product of burning fuel and it is an extremely poisonous gas. CO poisoning suffocates a person from within by stopping the blood from absorbing oxygen. If someone is exposed to high levels of CO, the result can be brain damage or death. Any home device that produces carbon monoxide should be monitored by a carbon monoxide detector. This includes Natural Gas Water Heaters.

Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms that can include: nausea, headaches, burning eyes, dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness, loss of coordination, and drowsiness or fatigue. Signs of high levels of CO in the home include: natural gas flames that are yellow instead of blue, furnace pilot light or a pilot light of any other natural gas-fired device will not stay lit, accumulation of soot around exhaust vents, when the furnace is turned on there is a natural gas smell or sharp odour, stale air, white chalky powder on a exhaust vent pipe, and the carbon monoxide alarm sounds for no apparent reason or cause, such as the build up of humidity.

When there is carbon monoxide detected in the home, carbon monoxide detectors will sound an alarm. These detectors should be placed in locations where they will be able to detect the CO fumes. Because air is heavier than carbon monoxide, the CO will rise. For this reason, many experts recommend putting the detector five feet above the floor. As well, if you have a natural gas water heater, it will have gas vents. This makes carbon monoxide detectors vital in the event that the vent becomes blocked. Install at least one carbon monoxide detector outside upstairs bedrooms.

When you change your clocks in October and May, change the batteries. You can buy carbon monoxide detectors at department, plumbing supply, and hardware stores. It is important to follow the manufacturers’ instructions when installing and testing the device. If your carbon monoxide detector alarm does go off, open the windows and doors to let the fresh air in and immediately leave the home and call 911.

Natural gas devices that are properly installed and maintained should not release CO. Preventing CO exposure includes: getting your natural gas devices inspected annually, making sure your natural gas water heater’s openings are clear, keeping your furnace fan compartment doors closed and the panels in place, and adding extra ventilation if you have blocked-in your natural gas hot water heater.

Natural gas, wood, gasoline, coal, heating oil, propane, diesel fuel, and kerosene, can all produce CO. If someone has symptoms of CO poisoning, take them out of the home and call 911. When you have well-maintained equipment and plenty of fresh air, CO should not be a problem. Because carbon monoxide is such a toxic gas, it is important to take the appropriate measures to protect your family and pets. The best safety plan is to properly maintain your natural gas water heater which includes yearly inspections by a professional such as a licensed plumber. You will sleep better knowing everyone in your home is safe.

When a woman discovers that she is pregnant, one of the firsts things she wants to know is the pregnancy due date. Because a regular pregnancy period can be anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks, no one can give an exact due date. However, there are methods of calculating an approximate due date so that expectant mothers can make plans and record their pregnancy week by week.

Most experts say that the best way to determine a pregnancy due date is by doing an ultrasound during the first trimester. Ultrasound can be used to examine the development of the fetus, and then one will determine his or hers age based on which systems are entirely developed. The size of the baby is measured to see if it matches up with the last menstrual period. If an ultrasound is given during the first trimester, it can determine the age of the fetus within about 3 to 5 days. An ultrasound performed later in a pregnancy tends to be less accurate. As well, the fetal heartbeat can be used to determine the date of conception. The fetal heartbeat can be heard through Doppler beginning at 9 to 12 weeks.

The most common method of determining the pregnancy due date is by determining the first day of the last menstrual period. By adding 280 days to the last menstrual period, an expectant mother will have her approximate due date. It is important to be aware that this calculation is based on the assumption that a woman has her period every 28 days. Some women will have longer or shorter periods so the due date is considered an approximate date. As well, other factors that influence a pregnancy due date include: prenatal diet, weight, ethnicity, age of the mother, smoking, any prior pregnancies, ethnicity…etc. By the time a woman reaches her 40th week of pregnancy, she will receive weekly tests to make sure the baby is not in distress.

The standard equation for determining a pregnancy due date is: (Last Menstrual Period + 7 days) – 3 months = Expected Date of Delivery

Because determining the pregnancy due date is not an exact science, experts recommend that an expectant mother gets ready for birth two weeks before her due date. In any event, an expectant mother should relax and enjoy her pregnancy week by week.