A Little...Homemade Detergent Part 2

In addition to making my own homemade detergent for clothes, I though there has to be a way to make my own dish detergent. I was especially interested in finding a way to better clean my dishes. I don't know about your dishes, but since the government removed phosphate from the detergent, my dishes have just not been clean. After further googling the subject...I came up with what I think is the best recipe.

Here it is:

1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda (I sometimes do 1/2 cup Washing Soda & 1/2 cup Baking soda)
2 packets Lemonade Flavored Kool-Aid aka Citric Acid (use ONLY lemonade and unflavored to prevent coloring your dishwasher)
1/4 Pickling Salt
Combine all ingredients in a container with a lid and shake until combined. Add 1 tablespoon to each cup of your detergent dispenser. Use white vinegar in your rinse cup.

After much tinkering with the recipe...this appears to be the best combination. No more cloudy dishes or icky residue. And again the best part...I am paying less than 10% than I used to when I was buying store bought detergent. Now that's a little great!!

A Little Thanksgiving...Turkey Facts

Thanksgiving is around the corner. And in the spirit of eating Turkey, I thought I'd share some random turkey facts with you all.

• A male turkey is a tom. A female is a hen. Babies are called poults.
• A mature turkey has 3,500 feathers.
• The largest turkey on record was 86 pounds.
• Wild turkeys can run 20 miles per hour and fly 55 miles per hour.
• Only the tom turkey gobbles. The hen makes clucking noises. A tom's gobble can be heard a mile away.
• Forty-Five million are eaten at Thanksgiving.
• At current Thanksgiving feasts, over 675 million pounds of turkey are consumed.
• It is NOT the turkey that makes you sleepy after a Thanksgiving feast. Tryptophan can only make you sleepy if taken on an empty stomach without protein - hardly the case on Thanksgiving! It's the carbohydrates in the other foods we eat with our meal that make us sleepy - neither of which are traditional from the original pilgrim's diet.
• Turkey is a lean meat packed with health benefits. It is low in fat and contains less amounts of saturated fats total, fat and less cholesterol than other types of meat. Turkey is also packed with protein. A single serving of turkey can provide the daily requirement of protein. Finally, turkey has good amounts of B vitamins, which play an important role in energy production.

Happy Turkey Day!!

A Little Health... Is It an Ear Infection?

Clinics has been busy lately. We are bombarded with "I think my kid has an ear infection." I know it is a question that plagues us as moms. How am I supposed to know when my child has an ear infection?? Hopefully I can help sort a few things out and give you a better idea when you should head to the pediatrician.

An ear infection, or otitis media, is inflammation and infection of the middle ear. The area affected is between the tympanic membrane (end of the outer ear) and the inner ear, including a duct called the eustachian tube.
Young children are especially susceptible to ear infections due to shorter eustachian tubes which lie at a more horizontal angle than an adult ear. Other risk factors may include second hand smoke exposure, daycare, pacifier use. Although no risk factors are 100%. It often seems that some kids will get dozens of ear infections, while others never do.
On most occasions, an ear infection follows or accompanies a cold, which can include cough, congestion, runny nose, and low grade fevers (less than 100.4°F). If a child has a bacterial ear infection, they will have a few classic symptoms, which include "earache" and fever of 102°F or more.

I know what you are thinking..."How can I tell if my 6 month old...2 year old...whatever month/year old...has an ear ache?" The best indicators are not sleeping and incosolability. You know those nights when you end up sleeping in a chair? That, accompanied with fever are your best bets that your child has an ear infection. When those things occur together, it's time to head to the pediatrician for some antibiotics.

Good luck and here's to hoping you stay ear infection free this winter!!

A Little...Halloween Health Tips

Fall is here and Halloween is just around the corner! And so the Holiday Season begins. It has been reported that the average American gains 7-12 pounds between Halloween and New Year's. Hopefully these tips regarding Halloween will get you started on the right foot so you keep the weight gain to a minimum.

1. Keep your goals firmly planted in your mind.
It's okay to have a few sweets from your child's stash (we all know that's where you get it). Just remember your health goals and consume in moderation.

2. Keep an eye on serving sizes and portions.
Any food (even not so healthy ones) can be worked into your diet. Again it's about moderation. Think about portions and serving sizes and stay within your goals.

3. Make a plan.
If you are like me, you grab a treat or two every time you walk past the bowl. This can add up to hundreds of calories before you know it. Plan ahead and count a few treats into your diet ahead of time. Count them out in advance and place them in a separate bowl or dish. Then put the big bowl of candy out of sight. This will keep you from feeling deprived and still allow you to stay on track towards your goals.

4. Avoid the "all-or-nothing" mentality.
Let's face it, no one's perfect. We all have "binge" days. Don't get the "I already blew it" mentality. Just start fresh the next day and add an extra workout to compensate for your candy binge.

5. What is in YOUR candy bowl?
While my husband prefers to give out the candy that we love to eat, I prefer to buy the stuff I don't like. That way if there are leftovers, I am not likely to overindulge. You can also consider healthier or lower calorie options such as dried fruits, nuts, raisins, cheese and cracker packets, popcorn, fruit roll-ups, marshmallows, or gummy bears. You could even go so far as to choose non-food alternatives such as miniature toys, glow-in-the-dark necklaces, and other fun goodies.

Good luck! And, Happy Halloween!!

A Little Tradition...Pumpkin Patch

I love this time of year. The crisp chill in the air, the changing leaves, and the PUMPKINS!!
To get my family in the Halloween spirit, we head out to our local Pumpkin Patch to select the perfect pumpkins. There is just something about heading to a Pumpkin Patch (that is better than picking up your pumpkin at the nearest grocery store). The tromping through the fields. The taste testing of homemade apple cider. The great outdoors. It instills the Halloween spirit and is a fun family tradition.
To find a pumpkin patch near you check out this site. Happy Pumpkin finding!!

A Little...Halloween Photography

Every Halloween I attempt to take professional looking photographs of my kids in their Halloween costumes. I have the fancy Nikon, the pumpkin backdrop, and the cute kiddos in cute costumes. But, every year I end up giving up and heading to my favorite photographer, Kathryn Michaels Photography.

Kathryn Michaels Photography is not just a "little great"...she's "a lot great"! Kathryn has an amazing ability to capture "you", even when your wee little ones are in costume!! Capturing the precious moments of our lives can be challenging. First you have to have the outfit and hair just right. Then you have to make sure they have had naps, are fed, and in good moods. If your kids are anything like mine, you know this can be a challenge at home or at the photographer's studio. What I've learned, is that no matter how chaotic life is, paying a professional photographer for professional pictures is worth it. I always walk away with fantastic photographs of my kiddos!! And I am so grateful for a Halloween keepsake of my kiddos in costume. (Unfortunately I am mid-move and don't have access to them right now to show them off.)

So when do I get these Halloween photographs? Ever year, I join Kathryn for her annual Halloween Charity Bash. Here's the scoop. You bring them 2 cans of food (or a $5 donation) to benefit the Utah Food Bank and they'll pose your kiddo in their custom-designed pumpkin patch and give you a FREE print! You heard me right... you get a FREE professional portrait of your little ones in their Halloween Costume in return for a Food Bank Donation!! Don't miss this fabulous event to benefit the Utah Food Bank on October 30th 2-6pm.

Kathryn has been photographing my family for 3 years and has been a dear friend for even longer. Our family treasures the photos she has taken and love being a part of this fun family Halloween tradition!!

Check out her website for more information at http://www.kathryn-michaels.com/

A Little Health...Flu Shots

With the fall-like weather on it's way, flu season will be upon us before we know it. Unfortunately, I don't think we will get lucky and have another mild flu season like last year. So, it's best to be prepared, by getting vaccinated!!
Flu guidelines are simple this year...GET VACCINATED!! Unlike the confusion of last year with multiple flu vaccinations, restrictions, and shortages...this year is straightforward. Everyone should be vaccinated. And, to make it even simpler, the expected seasonal flu strains and the H1N1 flu strain have been combined into ONE vaccination!! That means just one flu shot for most people this fall (there are special considerations for children under 9 so be sure to check with your child's pediatrician).
Of course getting vaccinated is a personal choice. However, I would encourage everyone to be a "Flu Fighter", because you aren't just protecting yourself...you are protecting the community as a whole.

A Little Health...Pink Eye

I work in pediatrics. Besides the continuous chief complaint of "I think I have strep", we get a lot of "I think my child has pink eye." So I thought I would share a little pearl of wisdom on how to determine if your child needs treatment with antibiotics drops. Hopefully this will save you an unnecessary trip to the pediatricians office.

If your child awakes in the morning with goopy eyes, but his/her eyes are clear or have only clear drainage the rest of the day...it is viral. We take a "Watch and See" approach and will not prescribe anything.
If your child awakes in the morning with goopy eyes, and his/her eyes continue to have yellowish-green goopy drainage throughout the day...it is bacterial. We will prescribe antibiotic drops.
Here's to hoping nobody in your family gets pink eye this fall. But if you do, now you know how to treat it.

A Little Parenting... Home-made Baby Food

With the birth of my daughter, I decided I wanted to provide baby food that was both good for her, as well as cost effective.  I went back and forth about whether or not I should home make her baby food.  After talking to dozens of moms, consulting message boards, and searching the web about the subject, I decided I would make at least some of my own baby food.

 The following is what I have learned:

-You make a real mess of your kitchen.  But it is very worth it!

-The rest of your family looks at you like you are crazy.  Why on Earth would you make your own baby food?  Disregard their comments.

-It has tons of benefits!!  It’s extremely affordable!!  And I know exactly what is going into my little one’s tummy.

-Vegetables are easy…meat a little bit more time intensive…and I haven’t ventured into fruits (simpler to just purchase in my opinion).

So, how do you make your own baby food?  It’s simple.  Purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, beans, or meat at your local grocery store or farmer’s market.  Cook them at home.  Most vegetables can be steamed.  Baking is also a great method for preserving flavor and nutrients.  Puree in a blender, Magic Bullet, or food processor, adding water to thin.   

 Freeze them.  I put mine in ice cube trays.  Each ice cube is approximately a one ounce serving.  Once they are frozen, pop them out of the ice cube trays and put them in freezer bags.  Label the bags with what it is and when you froze it.  In general, most foods are good for 3 months.  When your baby is ready for a meal, just pop a few into the microwave and you have a home made meal for your sweet little baby!

There are dozens of websites out there, but the best I have found is www.wholesomebabyfood.com.  They tell you everything from when to start certain foods…to how to prepare and store them.  Check them out!  

We have tried lots of different foods at our house, but the ones that turn out the best are white potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, peas, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and chicken.  Let me know what foods you have tried and liked.  Happy baby food making!

A Little Craft... Carseat Tent

Last fall I started to spot "carseat tents" everywhere!! I desperately wanted one...but seeing as they sell for nearly $50 and I did not know how to sew... I thought it was something that was just out of reach. I figured I would spend the winter attempting to keep my new baby warm and germ free with an awkwardly positioned blanket.

But alas... I do not accept defeat that easily!! After google searching the subject, I found many tutorials on how to sew the "carseat tent". I decided despite my almost entire lack of sewing experience and my lack of a sewing machine, I could do this!! 

 I bought the fabric, pins, thread, and velcro; borrowed a sewing machine; and after a little tutorial on the sewing machine and "how to" from my sister, I was ready to go.

They are really simple to make.  Even with very little sewing experience.  Here’s how:

Supplies

-1.5 Yards Patterned Fabric (I buy extra in case I make mistakes)

-1.5 Yards Coordinating Solid Colored Fabric

-Spool of Thread in Coordinating Color (I use the same color as the solid colored fabric)

-Sew-On Velcro Strips (I use the same color as the solid colored fabric)

-Straight Pins

-Measuring Tape

-Sewing Machine

Process

-Drape the fabric over your carseat to determine how big you want your carseat tent.  I did mine approximately 33 inches by 45 inches.  Yours may vary depending on the type of carseat you have.

-Pin the patterned fabric and solid colored fabric together, with the “right sides” in and cut to your desired size. 

-Sew the entire perimeter approximately ½ inch in from the edge.  Make sure to leave an opening approximately 6-8 inches (for flipping it right side out).  When you reach a corner, you can either make a square corner or round it by gently turning the fabric as you advance it through the sewing machine.  I prefer the rounded corners, as it gives the tent a softer look.

-Turn the fabric right side out and push out all corners and edges.  Iron to help work out any bumps or wrinkles.

-Sew a top stitch approximately ¼ inch in from the edge.  This sews shut the hole you needed, as well as gives a nice finished appearance.  Set this aside

-With the remaining fabric, pin (same as before) and measure two pieces measuring 7 inches by 4 inches.  Cut out your handles.

-Sew the entire perimeter approximately ¼ inch in from the edge.  Make sure to leave an opening approximately 1-2 inches (for flipping them right side out).  I keep the corners of these straight, because of their smaller size. 

--Turn the fabric right side out and push out all corners and edges.  Iron to help work out any bumps or wrinkles.

-Sew a top stitch approximately 1/8 inch in from the edge.  This sews shut the hole you needed, as well as gives a nice finished appearance.

-Cut your velcro to the desired length.  I do them just slightly smaller than the width of the handle.

-Fasten in place (one piece on the solid colored side and the other on the patterned colored side, so they overlap when attached) with a pin and sew on.  I stitch over it twice to ensure a strong hold.

-Position your handles where you would like them on the tent and secure with a pin.  I place mine directly in the middle lengthwise and 10 inches from either side.  To make sewing easier, I draw with a pencil a rectangle of where I plan to sew.

-Sew in place.  Again, I stitch over it twice to ensure a strong hold.

-Attach to car seat and you are finished!

I am proud to report that although the sewing machine, thread, fabric, pins, scissors, velcro, and I frequently get in fights...I ultimately win!! I don't think I could ever make $50 off of one of my masterpieces, but it serves it's purpose and is pretty darn cute!! I love the ladybugs!!  I've since made three more...one for my neice's new baby boy (a star pattern) and two for friends (one with fish and another with adorable polk-a-dots).  Happy sewing! 

A Little Health... Super Foods

I'm a firm believer of "moderation in everything". I try to make healthy choices when eating, as well as eat a well balanced diet. Which means, I indulge in the "good stuff" too. The following is 10 "super foods" that will help you achieve your healthy eating goals. They are packed with nutrients and will help you live longer.

1. Low Fat or Fat-Free Plain Yogurt. Yogurt has a higher concentration of calcium than other dairy products and contains a lot of other important nutrients including protein and potassium. Yogurt also has probiotics, which help your gut maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. I like to eat my yogurt with some fresh fruit for a healthy mid morning snack.

2. Eggs. Eggs contain 12 vitamins and minerals and are a great source of protein. And studies have shown that if you eat eggs for breakfast, you'll eat fewer calories during the day. My favorite way to eat them is scrambled.

3. Nuts. Nuts are packed with protein, heart-healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. They key with nuts is in portion control. Mixing nuts into a salad is an easy and tasty way to get your recommended servings.

4. Kiwis. Kiwis are one of the most nutritionally dense fruits. Just one large kiwi can supply your daily requirement for vitamin C. Additionally, it is packed full of antioxidants and is a good source of potassium and fiber. Kiwis are great on their own or as part of tasty dessert. Yum!

5. Quinoa. Quinoa is a lesser known whole grain, but one of the best you can eat, because of it's high protein, fiber, and iron content. Quinoa can be cooked just like rice and served with vegetables. I've actually never had it, but plan to add it to next week's menu.

6. Beans. Beans are great for your heart, because they are loaded with insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps lower your cholesterol and soluble fiber fills you up. Try my favorite beans, edamame (soy beans). You can get them at Costco in the freezer section.

7. Salmon. Salmon is packed full of omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect your heart. Salmon is low in calories and packed with protein and iron. Recommendations suggest ingesting fatty fish twice weekly. I also buy my salmon at costco. When I get home, I cut it into small fillets and freeze it. Then, when we want salmon, I just pop it out of the freezer and we are ready to cook.

8. Broccoli. Broccoli is a rich source of vitamins, A, C, and K. And as everybody knows, broccoli is packed with fiber. I'm all about easy meals, so when it comes to broccoli I get the Steam Fresh packs. In 5 minutes or less I have deliciously steamed broccoli to serve with any meal.

9. Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are the leaders in vitamin A content. Most people may think only of Thanksgiving when considering sweet potatoes, but I enjoy them year round in a variety of recipes from Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious Cookbook.

10. Berries. Berries are packed with antioxidants, water and fiber, and have the added benefit of being low in calories. Blueberries lead the pack, but any berry will provide positivce health benefits. 

Happy and Healthy Eating!

A Little Health... Boogie Wipes!

Our family is recovering from the dreaded summer cold.  As any mom knows, the boogies seem to hang around for weeks after the cough and fever are gone.  Both my little girls are now suffering from crusty boogers and chapped noses.  But finally, a solution...Boogie Wipes!!

Boogie Wipes are the product of two moms and a little innovation.  They invented Boogie Wipes in 2007 as "a solution to our kids' runny, red noses."  They, like most moms, were tired of trying to use saline spray, bulb syringes, and harsh dry tissues.  And thus, Boogie Wipes were born. 

Boogie Wipes are infused with saline, which helps soften the boogies.  They are super soft and just slightly damp.  They also come in some fun flavors, including Great Grape, Fresh Scent, Magic Menthol, and Simply Unscented.

So, go get some!! You and your kids will not be disappointed.  They are definitely...a little great!

A Little Health... HPV vaccination

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus transmitted through any kind of gential contact with someone who has HPV.  Many people who have HPV don’t know it, because the virus often has no signs or symptoms, which means the virus may be passed to a partner without knowing it.  HPV will affect an estimated 75% to 80% of males and females in their lifetime. For most, HPV clears on its own. But, for others who don’t clear certain types, HPV can cause genital warts in both males and females and may cause more serious problems including cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in females.

There are dozens of types of HPV, however there are 4 types that are important to understand, because they cause the most cases of HPV-related diseases in males and females.  HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts cases in females and males.  HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, 70% of vaginal cancer cases, and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases in females. 

There are currently two vaccinations on the market to prevent certain types of HPV.  They are Gardasil and Cervarix.

Gardasil is manufactured by Merck Pharmaceuticals. It has been on the market for a couple of years.  It helps protect against 4 types of HPV.  In girls and young women ages 9 to 26, Gardasil helps protect against 2 types of HPV (HPV 16 and 18) that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, 70% of vaginal cancer cases, and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases; and 2 more types (HPV 6 and 11) that cause 90% of genital warts cases. In boys and young men ages 9 to 26, Gardasil helps protect against 90% of genital warts cases.

Cervarix is manufactured by GSK Pharmaceuticals.  It has just recently come on the market.  It helps protect against the 2 types of HPV.  In girls and young women ages 10 to 25, Cervarix helps protect against 2 types of HPV (HPV 16 and 18) that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, 70% of vaginal cancer cases, and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases.  Cervarix is not currently approved for use in males.

Click here for more information on Gardasil and Cervarix.

Be informed!  Do you research!  And if Gardasil or Cervarix is right for you or your children, talk to your health care professional.

A Little Health... Ticks!

With summer in full force, people are headed to the mountains to hike, fish, camp, climb, etc.  It is important while you are out enjoying nature’s beauty to be mindful of certain dangers no matter how small.  Even as small as a tick.

Ticks are arthropods, like spiders, and have over 800 species worldwide.  Ticks are the leading carriers of diseases to humans in the United States and are second only to mosquitoes worldwide.  There are two main families of ticks, hard ticks and soft ticks.  Hard ticks have a hard plate and feed for hours to days.  Disease transmission occurs near the end of the meal.  Soft ticks have more rounded bodies and feed for less than an hour.  Disease transmission can occur within the first minute after the bite.  Their bites tend to be more painful.  The most common diseases transmitted by ticks include Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

How can you prevent tick bites?

• Avoid grassy areas and shrubs.
• Avoid tick season completely by staying away from the outdoors from April to September (not likely going to happen).
• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks can easily be seen.
• Tuck pants into boots or socks (sure to be a fantastic fashion statement)
• Apply insect repellant specifically designed to repel ticks. 
• Promptly check for ticks after spending time outdoors.
• Make sure to treat pets with flea and tick repellants.  

So, how will you know if a tick has bitten you?  You may see the tick.  However, often times you won’t see the tick at all.  Other things you may notice include itching, redness or burning at the site.  If disease transmission occurred, you will develop symptoms within a couple of days to weeks, which includes symptoms similar to the flu. 

Now, what should you do if a tick has bitten you?  If the tick is visible, you will want to attempt to remove it.  Long standing tradition has taught us to attempt to suffocate the tick using Vaseline, toothpaste, or other occlusive agent.  This can still be used with caution, because disease can still be transmitted while you are waiting for the tick to burrow out.  If you feel confident to do so, you may attempt to remove the tick with tweezers.  Using the tweezers, carefully flip the tick onto it’s back.  The key is then to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and apply gentle pressure until it comes free.  Avoid twisting and turning, as this could result in the head and mouthparts breaking off and remaining in your skin.  Once removed, flush it down a toilet, because crushing it could release disease.  When in doubt of your abilities to remove it carefully, seek a health care professionals help.  And, it is a good idea to consult a health care professional to discuss any treatment that may be needed.

So, what’s the good news?  The good news is most tick bites are probably harmless and won’t cause any problems.  But it is always better to be safe than sorry.

A Little Health... While Travelling

I love to travel!!  Whether it's close to home or across the world, I love to explore new places.  While it's fun to explore the world, a fabulous trip abroad can quickly come to a halt if you become ill. 

image:  worldnomads.com

Here are a few simple tips for good health while traveling abroad:

1.  Get a physical.  Has it been more than 2 years since your last check-up?  If so, it's a good idea to make sure you are in good health before traveling. 

2.  Get vaccinated.  Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date.  Also, check the CDC's Travel Website for a list of recommended and required vaccinations for individual countries.

3.  Get prescriptions.  Make sure you have all necessary prescription medications.  With heightened airline security it is increasingly important to carry your prescriptions in their original bottles and with a copy of the written prescription.  This is especially important for medications that are controlled substances, such as pain killers, sleep aides, etc. 

4.  Know your destination.  Read up on your destination.  Know what the risks are for the country you are visiting.  In some cases, it is a good idea to get a prescription for a broad-spectrum antibiotic.  This can be used as a "security blanket" in case you get very sick.  From traveler's diarrhea to more serious infections, an antibiotic can help you keep going.  Information pertaining to the health risks for individual countries can be found on the CDC's Travel Website. 

5.  Pack a small first aid kit.  Take the essentials with you.  Include band aids, Neosporin, anti-itch cream, antihistamines, OTC pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medications, etc. 

6.  Know your insurance policy.  It is important to know if and what your insurance company will cover if you become sick overseas.  If you have chronic health conditions, it may also be a good idea to purchase traveler's insurance.  Either way, know what your out of pocket expense will be if you get in a situation where you need health care abroad. 

image:  perfectescapes.com

So get out there and explore the world.  Just be a little health conscious while you do.

A Little Health... Low Sexual Desire

 A person’s sex life is a private matter.  Discussing sexual desire, even with a health care professional, can often be uncomfortable.  But it doesn’t have to be. 

The topic of sexual health and addressing low sexual desire was a major focus of a conference I recently attended.  I would like to share a few pearls that I obtained from the lectures.

First, ask a thousand different people what is normal in regards to sexual behavior and you are likely to get a thousand different answers.  What is normal to one person is not necessarily normal for another person.  This is true in reference to frequency, safe sex practices, habits, etc.  So don’t be overly concerned about conforming to the “normal”.  It doesn’t exist!!

Second, just because you have low sexual desire, doesn’t mean there is a major problem.  The definition of hypoactive sexual desire disorder is the persistent or recurrent deficiency (or absence) of sexual fantasies, thoughts and/or desire for, or receptivity to, sexual activity which causes personal distress.  You may have a deficiency or absence of sexual related activities, but if it doesn’t bother you, there isn’t a problem. 

Third, there a dozens of factors that contribute to low sexual desire.  Many are related to life situations, i.e. birth of a child, job stress, schooling, etc.  Others are related to age.  And sometimes, medications can impact sexual function.  Discovering what causes the sexual dysfunction is key to  finding an effective treatment.

Fourth, many women (and men) feel that there is nothing that can be done to solve their problem.  This is a false notion.  There are many treatment options, which are based upon the cause of the problem.  If you are experiencing issues with sexual desire I would encourage you to talk to your health care provider.  This is our job.  We are trained to discuss these delicate subjects with our patients and find a solution that best fits our patient’s needs.

So if you are suffering from a diminished sexual appetite, don’t be afraid!  Talk to your health care provider and find a solution that is custom fit to your needs.  

(editors' note:  this is also a topic to discuss with your mental health professional - as a tag team effort!)