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10 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health

Since 1949, the month of May has been observed as Mental Health Awareness Month and an opportunity to educate millions of people about mental health through the media, local events, and screenings.  As part of the “big picture” when dealing with fertility issues and treatments, mental health is just as important as your physical health.  So as we head into summer, check out these ten tips that can help boost your mental well-being.

1. Start your day with a cup of coffee.  Studies show that coffee consumption is linked to lower rates of depression, but remember to stick to just one cup. If coffee isn’t your morning drink of choice, try a cup of tea instead.  Even the non-caffeinated stuff can do the trick. 
2. Plan a vacation.  Did you know that when you have something to look forward to, it can boost your overall happiness for up to 8 weeks?  Go ahead, and book that vacation you’ve been daydreaming about!
3. Get creative.  Experiment with a bunch of new recipes, start a DIY project at home, paint or even just color in a coloring book.  When your creative juices are flowing, your mind is focused and you tend to be in an overall happier place. 
4. Laugh a little.  Laughter is a great way to ease anxiety, so hang with a friend that makes you laugh, see a funny move, read a silly book, or watch funny videos online.  We all have our own quirky sense of humor, so do whatever makes you smile.
5. Dance!  Hit your favorite dance club or simply dance around the house while you do your housework.  Dancing reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases endorphins (the body’s feel-good chemicals). 
6. Take a bath.  Give yourself the gift of a relaxing, warm bath at least once a week.  Add some Epsom salt to soothe aches and pains which in turn will boost magnesium levels and help with depression. 
7. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.  Among their many benefits, omega-3’s have been linked to decreased rates of depression.  Fish oil supplements work, but you can also try adding foods like wild salmon, flax seeds, or walnuts into your diet. 
8. Practice forgiveness.  Put the road rage aside and forgive the guy who totally cut you off.  Studies show that people who forgive have better mental health and are more satisfied with their lives.
9. Go outside for a walk.  Whether it’s a stroll through the neighborhood or a walk in the park, research shows that being outside can increase energy levels, reduce depression, and boost your well-being. 
10. Smile!  When you’re down, the hardest thing to do is smile.  We totally get it.  But keep this in mind, smiling can help lower your heart rate, calm you down, and help you have that all important positive mindset.

If you would like more information about IVF FLORIDA fertility centers, please give us a call for more information or to schedule a free consultation.  

Resource: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health

National Infertility Awareness Week 2016

April 24 is the beginning of National Infertility Awareness Week and throughout the week you will see us promoting infertility awareness through social media and at our South Florida fertility clinics.  The goal of NIAW is to bring awareness to a disease that affects over 7 million women worldwide.  NIAW is a great opportunity for anyone affected with infertility to communicate a message of hope and understanding.

Check out the facts below…

• Infertility impacts 1 in 8 couples of reproductive ages.
• One third of infertility issues are considered “unexplained” infertility.
• One third of infertility issues are attributed to males.
• Women between the ages of 20-24 have an 86% chance of conceiving after trying a year. As women age, this percentage gradually falls. Between the ages of 40 – 44, the chances decrease to 36%.

At IVF FLORIDA, our fertility clinics are showing our support with our #HaveAHeart campaign. This campaign is marked by the color orange (red = love, yellow=happiness), which has represented infertility since ancient times. During NIAW, don’t be surprised if you see touches of orange throughout our offices and even new shirts worn by our staff – a reminder to of our ongoing support system. 

To learn more about National Infertility Awareness Week and to see how you too can become a part of the NIAW movement, click here. If you are struggling with infertility please contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our South Florida fertility clinics today.

What does being Overweight have to do with Reproduction

In the United States, almost 2/3 of women and 3/4 of men are overweight or obese. Obesity increases the risks of several medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), sleep apnea, and respiratory problems, ultimately elevating the rate of all-cause mortality. In addition, obesity has several adverse effects on reproduction:

Menstrual Cycle Irregularities (As well as a lower chance of conception within 1 year of stopping contraception compared to normal weight women)

Ovulatory Dysfunction (BMI >27 women have 3 fold increased risk of anovulation)

Altered Endometrial Function

Obesity and Male Infertility (Not all obese men have infertility, but those who do have decreased semen quality, impaired erectile dysfunction, and elevated scrotal temperatures.)

Altered Ovarian Responsiveness and Oocyte Quality (Higher doses of fertility medications required)

Increased Risk of Miscarriage (Well established increased risk for miscarriage in obese women)

Maternal-Fetal Environment (Strong association with pregnancy complications such as: diabetes of pregnancy, hypertension of pregnancy, preterm delivery, stillbirth, and cesarean section. Infants are at increased risk as well, such as developmental defects and early neonatal death.)

Categories of adult obesity are based upon body mass index (BMI). Follow the link to calculate your BMI. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm

Always remember to talk to your IVF FLORIDA Doctor about any questions or concerns you may have, and for more information online, check out ASRM’s website for patients:

http://www.reproductivefacts.org/FACTSHEET_Weight_and_Fertility/

Coping with Infertility During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, but for some it won’t be as joyous due to an infertility diagnosis. The fertility doctors at IVF FLORIDA understand how difficult it is to attend parties and family functions, all while dealing with infertility. Below, we share tips to help you cope during this season.

• If there is a holiday event that you know will have people present that may ask questions about growing your family, etc., feel free to decline the invitation. If you feel obliged, make a quick appearance and attempt to avoid those who will make you feel uncomfortable.
• Have an answer prepared if someone asks about your plans for expanding your family. If you feel comfortable, you can let them know the situation, but it’s not necessary. Before the holidays, you and your partner should discuss what you will tell others, even if it’s a generic response.
• Make plans with your friends without kids if it is too painful to see children or pregnant women.
• Take a vacation away from the family functions if you simply can’t bare it.
• Volunteer in the community. This makes many people feel grateful for what they have. Either spend some time at soup kitchens or a retirement center.
• Don’t feel guilty about getting emotional. Whether at home or still at an event, take a breather away from everyone in the restroom to calm yourself down.
• Talk to someone. If you don’t feel you can talk to family or friends, call the RESOLVE helpline.

If you are struggling with infertility, our state of the art fertility center, IVF FLORIDA can help! Request an appointment today to expand your family in time for the next holiday season.

Smoking and Infertility

Struggling with infertility? Smoking could be a contributing cause to your troubles. IVF FLORIDA shares some facts about smoking and reproductive issues.