How to Teach Your Kids About Sun Safety

Parents have many important jobs, and one of them is to teach children about safety. We educate our kids on everything from eating healthy foods to safely crossing the street to protecting themselves from stranger danger. With all you need to teach your children about the dangers of the world, has sun safety made it into your lesson plan yet? It really should be one of the first things you teach, because protecting them from the sun early in life and teaching them to do it for themselves will go a long way in helping to keep their skin healthy for the rest of their lives. Here are some helpful tips for teaching your kids about sun safety.

• Teach them about the tools they’ll need for sun protection. It starts with sunscreen, of course, but sun protection goes further than that. Sun protective clothes and hats can provide help, and sunglasses can protect from the damage UV rays can do to the eyes. Teach kids to seek out natural shade or sit under an umbrella to help reduce their sun exposure.
• Explain how to apply sunscreen. Because it doesn’t work as well when it’s not properly applied, make sure your kids know that sunscreen needs to be slathered on, and buy products that are easy for them to apply, even without your help. Teach that wet or sweat means re-apply, and that sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours, even when they aren’t swimming.
• Talk about timing. Sun protection is great, but kids also need to know that UV rays are at their strongest between 10 am and 4pm. One way to make this concept come alive for kids is to play the shadow game. Have them look for their shadows, and explain that if they’re short, that means the sun is higher and stronger. Whenever they have short shadows, they should find a shady spot in which to play. The longer their shadows become, the more they can expand their play area.
• Give them reasons not to tan. As kids get older, your kids may become interested in tanning. According to a study by the American Academy of Dermatology, 63 percent of teenagers think they look better with a tan, 59 percent believe that people look healthier when they are tan, 43 percent of teenagers lie out in the sun to get a tan, 28 percent of female teens and 14 percent of male teens say they do not use sun block. Only 30 percent of teens say they use sun block when they lie out in the sun. Teach your kids that tanning is a sign of skin damage, and tanning beds are especially hazardous. If they insist, buy some tanning lotion so that they can safely tan their skin.
• Set a good example. If you want kids to wear sun screen every single day, they need to see you wearing sunscreen every single day. Modeling proper sun protection is the best way to teach your children that sun protection is important.
• Make sun protection fun. Let your little ones choose their own hats, sun glasses, and sun protective clothing, in fun patterns that will make them want to wear these items. You can also make sunray-sensitive jewelry together, stringing ultraviolet detection beads onto a piece of leather. Tie this around your child’s wrist or ankle, and explain that when the beads change color, it’s time to put on sunscreen. Sing a song like “head, shoulders, knees, and toes” as you apply sunscreen, talking about the areas of the body that people need a little help reaching, and which ones need the most sunscreen.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people grow their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Old Wives’ Tales About Childcare

There is knowledge in parenting that has been passed down through the generations. Some of this is good advice, sound, common sensical wisdom handed down from grandmother to mother to child and treasured as a gift. Some of it, however, is nonsense. Let’s talk about some things your grandmother may have passed along that are not quite right. Which as much scientific knowledge as we have in the modern era, there’s no need to cling to old wives’ tales about childcare.

• Many myths persist on the topics of standing and walking. For instance, many people believe that wearing shoes will help babies learn to walk sooner, when going barefoot is actually better. Soft-soled shoes that look like moccasins are wonderful for babies learning to walk, because they are flexible and help the baby feel the ground. Children who are walking need comfortable, flexible shoes. Another walking myth is that babies learn to walk sooner when they use a walker. Actually, baby walkers slow down a child’s progression into sitting, crawling, and walking, and are, in fact, dangerous. The American Academy of Pediatrics has even suggested a ban on walkers. A better alternative is an exersaucer.
• Let’s look at some myths about the mouth. It is commonly thought that thumb sucking causes buck teeth, but that is, in reality, not the case. Thumb sucking is natural, and often begins before birth. As long as children stop sucking their thumbs by about age four, it should not cause a problem. Thumb sucking over age five can cause buck teeth, but peer pressure usually discourages this behavior. Another common myth is that teething can cause a child to run a fever, or have diaper rash, a fever, or a runny nose. Other problems attributed to teething include sleep issues and lowered resistance to infection, but teething does not really cause any of these things. When a teething baby has some of these other symptoms, it usually indicates a virus; babies who are teething are also building immunity at the same stage.
• Myths about milestones can make new parents nervous. No, you don’t need to worry that something is wrong with a baby who gets teeth late, and feeding babies solid food early won’t help them sleep through the night. Babies who are late talkers do not necessarily have autism, and babies who are nervous about strangers when they are four to six months old are not insecure and unloved, they are going through a perfectly normal stage of development.
• We know more about environmental concerns than we did when most of these myths were started. Some people worry that taking a picture of a baby using flash photography is dangerous, but that is not true. There is also an old wives’ tale that air conditioning is bad for a baby, and another that says cats are dangerous to infants because they will steal the baby’s breath. Think about some of these concerns logically, and you will see there’s no need to worry.
• There are far too many myths about medical care. Let’s get the weirdest one out of the way first: people used to think blowing smoke into a baby’s ear would cure an ear infection by warming the ear canal. As we now know, second hand smoke raises a baby’s risk of respiratory infections and ear infections. That’s far from the only myth about taking care of a sick baby, though. Many grandparents still believe that you should treat a fever by plunging a child into a cold bath to lower the temperature or piling on blankets to “sweat the fever out.” Neither of these are good ideas, and both could actually exacerbate the illness. Treat a child’s fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and see a doctor if it goes above 100.5°F in a very young baby or 104°F in an older child. Another myth is that wounds should be allowed to “air out,” but it is recommended to cover a cut or scrape to prevent exposure to contaminants. Never put butter or ice on a burn, but put the affected area under cool water to bring down the temperature and numb the area. Similarly, don’t put alcohol on a teething baby’s gums, but relieve teething pain with teething gel, teething toys, or a cool washcloth. One final old wives’ tale: that you should tilt a child’s head back if he or she is experiencing a nosebleed. A more effective option is to tilt the head forward while pinching the soft part of a child’s nose, below the bridge. This will allow blood to flow out of the nose instead of into the throat, and the nose-pinching will eventually stop the flow of blood.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people grow their families and offering good advice to new parents. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Did you know that heart disease makes up almost 25 percent of all deaths in males in the United States each year? It is the number one killer of men, and half of men who die suddenly of heart disease did not experience symptoms ahead of time. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, too, but it affects more men than women. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease.

There are certain factors that increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. These include:

• A higher than normal heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• History of smoking
• Family history of heart disease
• Lifestyle factors
• Obesity

So, what are some signs of heart disease in men? Chest discomfort with physical exertion that goes away when you rest, shortness of breath, jaw pain and pain in the left arm are all symptoms. Cold sweat and nausea are also typical signs of heart disease. Atypical symptoms include a feeling of faintness or light-headedness, a squeezing sensation in the back, and abdominal discomfort.

Of course, there are different symptoms for different heart problems. A heart attack can cause pain the chest, left arm, and jaw, a feeling of pressure or heaviness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and sudden shortness of breath. Heart failure, on the other hand, causes shortness of breath during exercise or while lying flat in bed, waking up gasping for air in the middle of the night, and swelling in the ankles.

So, what can you do to keep your heart healthy? It starts with awareness. Know your family history, to understand your genetic risk. Pay attention to your overall health, too, having your blood pressure and blood sugar checked regularly. Keeping your blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar, and waist circumference numbers in the healthy range can go a long way towards protecting you against heart disease, so make sure you’re paying attention to these numbers. Additionally, take the following measures to stay in good heart health.

• Exercise regularly. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise every week. Aerobic exercise is great for your heart, so try biking, swimming, or even just taking a walk. Practicing yoga is another good way to get in some exercise, and it can help with stress reduction as well.
• Eat a nutritious diet. Pack your diet with nutrient-dense foods, like berries, spinach, avocado, and fish with omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-based and Mediterranean style diets are good for your circulatory system, and eating enough fiber is good for your heart. Cut down on unhealthy fats like butter, high-fat meats, and fried foods, and increase your intake of good fats, found in salmon, nuts, and seeds, as well as some vegetables. Talk to your doctor about supplements that can help support your heart health. While you are eating well, make sure to limit your alcohol intake and drink plenty of water.
• Get enough sleep. Sleep is restorative, and helps your body repair itself. Deep sleep helps blood pressure to regulate and can decrease stress. The amount of sleep that’s needed varies from person to person, but it’s generally somewhere between six to eight hours a night.
• Manage your stress. Stress is a major risk factor for heart disease, especially continuous stress or stress that is handled with unhealthy behaviors like smoking, overeating, or reacting with hostility. Look for ways to lower your stress and find ways to manage the stress you can’t avoid. Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and even just brief period of rest are all good stress reducers.
• Don’t smoke. It is somewhat surprising that anyone still smokes in this day and age, when we know how bad it is for our bodies. Smoking can damage your arteries and other blood vessels, raise your risk of developing blood clots, and cause inflammation that hurts your heart. What’s more, chemicals in cigarette smoke cause plaque build-up in the arteries that is a major cause of heart disease. The good news? The minute you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease begins to drop.
• Take care of your teeth. Poor dental health can raise your risk of a heart attack. In fact, multiple studies have shown a connection between bacteria from gum disease and tooth decay and heart disease, because that bacteria can travel through the bloodstream from your mouth to your heart.
• Talk to your doctor about medication. If your risk of heart disease is amplified by another condition, ask about medication that can help manage it. Your doctor may want you to take blood pressure medication, for example, or medication to combat high cholesterol. Brush twice daily, floss once a day, and see your dentist twice a year to protect the health of your mouth and your heart.

Interestingly, there is a link between heart health and erectile function. This is because the penis, like the heart, depends on healthy blood flow and blood vessels to work properly. What’s more, some of the same conditions that increase your risk for heart disease also increase your risk of erectile dysfunction. These include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and increased body weight. Interestingly, low testosterone creates a higher risk of heart trouble, but testosterone levels that are too high can also increase your risk of heart attacks and blood clots. Working with your doctor to stay in a healthy range can improve both your heart health and your fertility.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How Staying Hydrated Can Improve Your Reproductive Health

By now, you know that drinking water is good for you. It flushes toxins from the body, lubricates your joints, gives you better skin, and just basically makes all your body’s systems work a little bit better. Did you know, though, that staying hydrated can improve your reproductive health? Read on to learn more about this somewhat surprising fact.

First, let’s just point out that water keeps all of the organs and cells in your body functioning the way they should. This includes the reproductive cells, egg and sperm, along with the reproductive organs, the brain, ovaries, uterus, testes, and thyroid. Men need to stay properly hydrated so that semen production and volume stay at the right level. Sperm in semen thickened by dehydration will have trouble swimming.

For men, the need to drink water for a healthy reproductive system goes much deeper than that, though. Drinking enough water increases the plasma and blood volume in your body, allowing blood vessels and arteries to work more effectively and oxygenating the vital organs. When a person is dehydrated, the blood vessels and arteries conserve water by restricting blood flow to the organs. For men, this means that there will not be enough blood circulating in the penis to allow for a firm erection. Water also helps slow the aging process by flushing out toxins and free radicals, and when you’re hydrated, you have more energy for whatever you’re doing, including sex. Being dehydrated cases the body to release stress hormones that interfere with your natural hormone levels and make you feel fatigued. To sum up, drinking more water leads to a healthier sex drive, better erectile function, and better sperm quality.

Is drinking water as important for women as it is for men? Absolutely! For women, dehydration can result in poor egg health. It can also mean less cervical mucus, which is important for transporting sperm to the fallopian tubes. If she does get pregnant, her body will need water to create the right environment for the growing embryo. Water plays key roles in every aspect of fetal development, from fertilization through birth. It helps carry nutrients to the placenta, flushes toxins away, and makes the uterus a hospitable place.

So, how much water is necessary for good overall health, including reproductive health? A good rule of thumb is to drink enough ounces of water to correspond with the number of pounds in half your weight. You can tell if you’re properly hydrated because your urine will be pale, like straw or lemonade. Urine that is a deep, dark yellow means you are dehydrated. However, if your urine is colorless, you are drinking too much water, and this can cause your body to lose important salts and electrolytes. You can also tell if you are dehydrated if you are not urinating enough throughout the day. A healthy person should need to urinate seven to eight times each day. Paying attention to how much water you are drinking each day and making sure you’re not dehydrated can be an important part of starting your family.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people start healthy, happy families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How to Transition Your Toddler to Their Own Room

There are so many milestones in a toddler’s life, and the transition out of mom and dad’s room is a big one. Whether you have been co-sleeping or just had the crib in your room, and whether you are about to have a new baby or you just feel it’s time to reclaim your adult space, it can be upsetting to your child. After all, your little one has shared this space with you since birth! Your toddler may not make this big change easily, but there are some things you can do to help smooth the way.

• Take your time. If you are expecting a new baby, make sure to begin the transition long before the new little one’s arrival. That way, you can make the move gradual, for less drama. You never want your older child to feel supplanted or replaced by a younger sibling, because that can create lasting resentment. Begin the process by bringing some of your child’s most treasured belongings into the new room, like toys and stuffed animals. Play together in the new room, making it a place with positive associations, and incorporate the room into your bedtime routine, perhaps reading a bedtime story in that room.
• Make it a big deal. You want your child to feel excited about the move to the “big kid room.” Talk it up, getting excited about how much space there is for playing in that room, and start decorating it especially for your toddler. Give your child some control over the décor, allowing involvement in picking out the colors, the sheets, etc. Of course, you don’t need to hand over the reins to your opinionated little one, but do things like offering choices between two different colors or patterns. This gives the child a sense of control and makes the change feel less intimidating.
• Keep things the same as much as possible. For instance, if your child is not yet ready to leave the crib, move it into the new room rather than trying to change rooms and beds at the same time. Don’t change things like bedtime, and leave the bedtime routine as similar to the old routine as possible. When your toddler knows what to expect, the adjustment will be easier to manage.
• Fade yourself out of the picture. There is a technique called fading that is very useful in getting a child to sleep solo or in his or her own room. The first night, the parent sits on the bed with the child until the child falls asleep. The next night, the parent moves further away, perhaps into a chair beside the bed, leaving after the child falls asleep. Each night, the parent moves a little bit further away, until, finally, once the bedtime routine ends, the parent leaves the room. If the child wakes up in the middle of the night, the parent should return to wherever he or she was when the child fell asleep until the child goes back to sleep.
• Make it a party! What toddler doesn’t love a good party? Once your child has transitioned to the new room, throw a celebration to build excitement, perhaps getting your child a small surprise gift, like a new nightlight or lovey. Point out all the new and special things about the room, expressing excitement about what a cool big kid room it is.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people grow their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Teaching Your Children About Social Media Habits

The internet has been around for nearly 30 years and with it, a whole new world of possibilities and challenges. With the invention of social media, children can now stay connected to their friends and family in ways that weren’t possible before. However, it is important to teach your children good social media habits to keep them safe while they navigate this digital landscape. Let’s look at some tips to help you do just that.

Set Guidelines

The best way to start teaching your kids about good social media habits is by setting guidelines. As parents, you should set rules and expectations that your children must adhere to while using the internet and social media sites. This could include things such as time limits, limits on what kind of content they are allowed to post, or who they are allowed to be friends with online. Having these guidelines allows you to monitor your child’s activity online and ensure that they are taking appropriate steps towards safe internet use.

Teach Them About Online Etiquette

Another important factor in teaching your children about good social media habits is teaching them about online etiquette. This includes things like being respectful of other people’s opinions, avoiding inflammatory language or content, not engaging in cyberbullying or trolling behavior, and not sharing too much personal information online (such as age or address). Teaching your child about how to interact properly on social media sites can help protect them from negative experiences online.

Educate Yourself On Social Media Sites

It’s important for parents to educate themselves on the different types of social media sites available today so they can better understand what their kids are doing when they’re online. Knowing the different types of content available on each platform gives you a better idea of what type of activities your kids may be engaging in while using those sites and helps you guide them towards better practices for staying safe online.

Teach By Example

The best way for parents to help their children learn to navigate social media platforms safely is to lead by example—demonstrate good online habits yourself, such as being mindful of what you share, being respectful of other people’s views and opinions, and teaching your children how to communicate appropriately online. Teaching them methods on how to stay safe while online is also beneficial; teaching them when it’s appropriate to ‘talk’ with strangers or which types of activities or content should be avoided can go a long way in helping them stay away from harm’s way. Set time limits for yourself as well so your children can see that you aren’t above the rules.

Get Tips from the Center for Vasectomy Reversal Today!

Social media has revolutionized how we stay connected with our family members and friends, but it also presents some risks that need to be considered when allowing our children access to these platforms. By setting clear guidelines for our kids and teaching them about proper online etiquette, we can ensure that they are able to navigate the digital landscape safely while maintaining healthy relationships with their peers via social networks. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure that your kids are making good choices when it comes to their digital lives!

Contact the Center For Vasectomy Reversal today to learn more tips about how to introduce and manage social media with your children—we are here to help!

How Low Testosterone Can Affect Your Sperm Health

Low testosterone levels can have a serious effect on your sperm health. It’s important to understand why testosterone is so important for effective sperm production, and how you can keep your sperm healthy even if you have low testosterone. In this blog post, we will discuss the relationship between testosterone and sperm health, as well as the potential treatments available to ensure your sperm are in top condition.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the male body that helps stimulate reproductive organs including the testicles, prostate, and seminal vesicles. It is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair growth, deepened voice, and increased muscle mass. Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining proper sperm production and fertility.

The Role of Testosterone in Sperm Health

Low testosterone levels can lead to decreased sperm count, poor motility (movement), lower quality DNA integrity, and reduced overall semen volume. These factors can all contribute to infertility or difficulty conceiving naturally. Low testosterone levels can also lead to erectile dysfunction or reduced libido which can further impact fertility issues.

Signs That Your Testosterone Levels May Be Too Low

Low testosterone levels can have a huge impact on your health. If you are concerned that your testosterone levels might be too low, read on to learn eight signs that may indicate a problem:

• Decreased Muscle Mass: Muscle mass is an indicator of healthy testosterone levels. If you find that you are losing muscle mass even though you are exercising regularly, it could be a sign that your testosterone levels are dropping.
• Fatigue: Testosterone plays a role in energy production in the body. If you tend to feel tired throughout the day or find yourself needing frequent naps, it could be due to low testosterone levels.
• Loss of Libido: Low testosterone can cause changes in libido, including difficulty getting aroused and decreased sexual desire.
• Decreased Bone Density: One benefit of healthy testosterone levels is increased bone density and strength in men over 30 years old; however, low T-levels can lead to weaker bones and an increased risk of fractures and other injuries.
• Hair Loss: Hair loss is another common symptom associated with lower-than-normal testosterone levels; however, this condition is often attributed to genetics rather than hormone imbalances – so hair loss does not always mean that there’s something wrong with your hormones!
• Irritability: If you’re feeling especially irritable lately, or if small things seem to bother you more than usual, it could be related to lower-than-normal T-levels. A blood test will help determine whether hormonal imbalance may be at play here.
• Difficulty Concentrating: If you find yourself having difficulty concentrating on tasks at work or school lately – or simply having trouble remembering things – then low T-levels may indeed be part of the problem!
• Mood Swings: Mood swings can sometimes occur when testosterone levels become too low. While they aren’t necessarily dangerous (as long as they don’t interfere with daily life), they can indicate an underlying hormonal imbalance that should be addressed, if possible, through lifestyle changes or medical intervention from Centers for Vasectomy Reversal specialists.

Male Fertility Testing Services

The Center for Vasectomy Reversal has many years of experience providing comprehensive male infertility testing services designed specifically to identify any issues related to low testosterone or other issues impacting sperm health that may be preventing conception naturally– contact us today to learn more!

How to Make Bath Time Fun

For many parents, getting kids ready for the bath can be a challenge. But with a few simple tips, you can make bath time fun and exciting for your children. Here’s a look at some of the best ways to make sure that bath time is an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Games & Activities

One of the most effective ways to make bath time fun is to keep your kids occupied with games or activities while they are in the tub. Have them pick up their toys and hide them in the bubbles so they can find them later. Or give them a cup and have them try to fill it with water from various points in the tub. You can even get creative by making up stories about their favorite characters or singing songs that they enjoy. These activities will help pass the time and make sure that your little ones don’t get too bored during bath time.

Toys & Accessories

Another great way to make bath time more fun for kids is by providing them with toys and accessories specifically designed for use in the tub. Bubble makers, floating fish, squirt guns, rubber ducks—the possibilities are endless! Just be sure to choose age-appropriate items that won’t pose a choking hazard or any other safety risks for young children.

 Safety First

When it comes to making sure that your children have safe and enjoyable baths, there are several things you should keep in mind. Always supervise children while they are taking a bath and never leave them unattended in the tub—even if it’s just for a few minutes! Be sure to check all the toys and accessories before letting your little ones play with them and avoid leaving electrical appliances close to where they will be bathing or playing in water. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your kids stay safe while still having plenty of fun during their bath time adventures!

Making bath time an enjoyable experience for everyone involved doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful! With these tips on how to make bath time fun, you’ll be able to keep your children entertained while keeping safety as your top priority. Whether it’s through activities, toys, or games, there are plenty of ways to make sure that everyone has a good time when it’s time for your little ones’ next big adventure: bath time! So go on—make those bubbles pop and watch as those smiles grow bigger than ever before!

With over 20 years of experience, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal has some of the highest success rates in the country. If you are interested in learning more about our services or scheduling an appointment, please contact us today.

Common Challenges New Parents Face

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Though it comes with new joys and love, it is also no secret that it comes with its own set of challenges as well. From finding time to rest to managing finances, here are some of the common obstacles that many new parents face when becoming a family.

Sleep Deprivation

One of the most common issues for new parents is sleep deprivation. While there are no hard and fast rules for how much sleep babies need, newborns typically require 16-18 hours per day, and infants between 12-15 hours per day. During this period, parents often find themselves taking on the role of night nurse and sacrificing precious sleep to meet their baby’s needs.

It can be difficult to find ways to adjust your schedule to get more restful sleep during this time. However, it is important that both parents take turns watching over the baby at night so they can get enough restful sleep during the day or night. Additionally, napping when you can and making sure your partner is also getting enough rest can help make up for some lost sleep.

Managing Finances

Another common challenge faced by new parents is managing their finances. Having a baby means added expenses such as diapers, formula, clothes, furniture and more! This can put a strain on any budget. It’s important for new parents to create a budget so they know exactly where their money is going each month to avoid being overwhelmed with bills or debt later down the line. Additionally, considering using resources such as government programs or local support groups may help alleviate some financial stress when raising a child.

Saying Goodbye To “Me Time”

Having a child means having less time for yourself than ever before; suddenly all your free time will be devoted entirely towards caring for your new little one! As hard as it may be at first, try to keep in mind that saying goodbye doesn’t mean forever—it just means learning how to manage your time better so you still have moments throughout the day where you can focus on yourself while still taking care of your baby’s needs too. Take advantage of short breaks in between feedings or nap times by reading a book or taking a walk around the block; whatever works best for you and allows you moments of relaxation throughout the day!

Contact the Center for Vasectomy Reversal Today!

Becoming a parent brings about an incredible amount of joy but also introduces many unique challenges along with it. From navigating financial obligations to learning how to balance parenting with self-care, these are just some of the struggles that many new families face when welcoming their little one into their lives. Being aware of these challenges ahead of time can help prepare couples who are expecting so they know what lies ahead and how best to approach them!

The Center For Vasectomy Reversal offers important information about family planning options that couples should consider prior to welcoming their brand-new bundle(s)of joy into their lives! Contact us today!

Mistakes That Could Be Sabotaging Conception

If you’re struggling to conceive, you’re not alone. In fact, somewhere around one in five couples is unable to conceive after a year of having unprotected sex. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help boost your fertility and allow you to have a child. First, though, make sure you’re not accidentally making these mistakes that could be sabotaging your odds of conception.

• Putting the wrong things into your body: Smoking, drinking, and doing drugs can impede your fertility, and so can too much caffeine. There’s also evidence to suggest that women struggling with fertility issues can benefit from modifying their diet to include more fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, and fewer sugary, processed foods. There’s also research that shows a link between fast food consumption and delay in conception. And while fish can be a good source of protein, eating high-mercury fish can increase your risk of miscarriage and can negatively impact your baby’s brain should you be able to retain the pregnancy. While you’re watching what you eat, watch how you prepare and store food, too. Bisphenol-A, found in many common household items, can negatively affect fertility. Eat fresh food instead of packaged, store things in glass instead of plastic, choose glass containers over cans, and drink water out of glass or stainless steel bottles rather than plastic.
• Gaining or losing too much weight: You might know that obesity is one of the primary causes of infertility, but did you know that underweight women can also have trouble conceiving? A healthy BMI, between 18.5 and 24.9, is your best bet for successful conception and a healthy pregnancy.
• Using the wrong lubricant. Obviously, you’ll want to steer clear of lubricants that contain spermicide. However, there are often other ingredients that can negatively affect sperm motility. Look for a fertility-friendly lubricant designed with a pH balance that mimics your body’s natural state.
• Having sex too little or too much. When you’re trying to conceive, it’s important to know when you actually ovulate. Knowing your cycle can give you a general idea, as long as you count back 14 days from the beginning of your cycle. However, ovulation test kits can help you achieve greater accuracy. However, it’s a mistake to have sex only on the day you ovulate. Your fertility window is actually about six days; it starts four days before you ovulate and ends two days after. Should you just go ahead and have sex every day, to increase your chances of hitting the right one? No, this is also a bad idea, because the man’s sperm count will be depleted and need time to rebound. Your best bet is to determine your window of fertility and have sex every other day during that time.
• Doing too much or too little exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can keep you from conceiving as quickly as you’d like. On the other hand, women who participate in extreme exercise can disrupt their hormones and reduce their chances for conception. Your best bet is to shoot for 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, starting slowly and increasing your pace gradually as you become comfortable with it.
• Thinking this all only applies to the would-be mom. The health of the man in the relationship matters, too. Men trying to become fathers should follow the same guidelines about smoking, drinking, drugs, and diet, and maintain a healthy weight. It’s also wise to have a check-up, to make sure you’re healthy and ready to father a child.

If you are struggling to conceive, we are ready to help. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people grow their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.