Infertility can be caused both by female factors and male factors. There are many causes of infertility, but there are also times when the cause cannot be determined. Some of the causes for female infertility include:

• Being overweight, underweight or having an eating disorder
• Intense exercise
• Age – the possibility of infertility increases with age
• Stress or depression
• Hormonal imbalance
• Brief or irregular menstrual cycles
• Substance abuse – smoking, heavy drinking, drug use
• Tumor or cyst
• Thyroid problems
• Damaged reproductive organs
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
• Tubal disease
• Endometriosis

If you are trying to conceive, you may consider having an evaluation for infertility if you experience the following:

• If you are under 35 and have not become pregnant after one year of having regular sexual intercourse without birth control
• If you are over 35 and have not become pregnant after six months of having regular sexual intercourse without birth control
• If your periods are not regular
• If you or your partner has a known fertility problem

Your OB-GYN can conduct a basic fertility evaluation. Depending on what is found, he or she may refer you to a physician who specializes in fertility – a reproductive endocrinologist. A physical examination can help determine what is preventing conception. There are a wide range of options available to assist couples in achieving a successful pregnancy. They include lifestyle changes, behavioral modifications, drug treatments and surgeries.

Additional Resources:

• American Fertility Association
• RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine

Virginia Women’s Center is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

Limited-­‐Production Eiffel Tower Forever Collection Available for Purchase Exclusively at Korbella.com

Source: www.korbella.com

Korbella(TM), a maker of fine fashion jewelry, has introduced its flagship limited-­‐production Eiffel Tower Forever collection. The collection celebrates the romance of Paris and its most famous icon. The designs reflect the classic architectural structure of the Eiffel Tower, and the centerpieces of the collection contain actual Eiffel Tower artifacts, created from the Tower’s original spiral staircase.

In 2011, Korbella Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Paul Michael Bedell, purchased an original section of the Eiffel Tower’s spiral staircase from a collector who had sold the companion piece through an auction at Christie’s. The staircase, once connecting the lower tower floors to the top, was removed in 1983 for safety reasons.

• One spiral staircase section remains on permanent display at the Eiffel Tower itself
• Three others were donated to French museums
• The remaining sections were auctioned off to collectors and institutions across the globe.

While some of the staircase segments have commanded prices approaching $1 million, Korbella now makes it possible to own your personal piece of the world’s most beloved icon in beautiful jewelry.

Source: www.korbella.com

“Paris has always occupied a special place in my heart,” said Bedell, who first became inspired to create the line during a family vacation to Paris. “Each piece from the Eiffel Tower Forever collection channels the soul of the City of Love, and is created with the intent to evoke one’s personal memories and dreams of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.”

About the Eiffel Tower Forever Collection

Comprised of seven designs, five of which are limited-­‐production pieces, the Eiffel Tower Forever collection draws inspiration from the strong architectural cues of the Tower, including the ubiquitous X form and its world-­‐renowned latticework structure. Authentic pieces of the Eiffel Tower staircase are cut and polished into small round or square metal artifacts that are then framed in sterling silver, 18k gold vermeil, or solid 18k gold (by special order) and set into five different styles. Korbella jewelry is crafted in the United States by highly skilled jewelers and artisans with decades of luxury brand experience. Price ranges from $190 to $1,170, providing a special keepsake for past, future, and hopeful Paris visitors alike.

In addition to the stunning Korbella pieces made from a genuine section of the Eiffel Tower, the collection includes beautiful accessory earrings crafted from new materials. To view the entire collection, visit www.Korbella.com.

Birthday Random Acts of Kindess ~ Pass it on~

The Youth Life Center

Ever have a day so fabulous that you have to share it with every human that you know and then some you don’t? Well, I had one of those days and my hope is that you will be inspired to have the exact same kinda day too.

So my friend and the star of the day Jaime Swingley says to me, “I have this idea and I need help with this (all excited and almost out of breath in a cute way). My birthday is coming up and I just read about this woman who did 40 Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) for her 40th and I want to do something similar. Get thinking and lets do this. My response: “Hail yes!”

She then sent out a group email to her besties asking for ideas and donations and I think it’s safe to say that they poured in. This wasn’t just something thrown together either. Everyone involved brought something to the table. People baked, donated money, time, supplies, ideas and ultimately the day was, to put it simply, an amazing success.

Thank you to the Hair Theater

Jaime’s first mission of Birthday RAK was bestowed upon three of us girlfriends and it involved a trip to The Hair Theater. Owner, Liz Andrews was in on the BRAK and had two wondeful stylists, Lauren and Drew arrive three hours early to to give us three ladies a wonderful pampering scalp massaging shampoo followed by stylying and straightening our hair like celebrities. Jaime footed the bill and payed for the next unknowing lucky lady along with a card saying: “pay it forward”.

Next stop: Starbucks where gift cards were purchased for handing out to brighten days of coffee-loving fools like ourselves.

We then headed back to her house for what looked like a party, and felt like a party, but was really a mass assembly. Jaime had baked cookies, purchased supplies, candy, M&M’s were bagged with ties, lasagna ready to go, and we were left to address 72 Valentine’s Day cards for seniors.

In the other room were the slackers mixing a homemade sugar scrub (courtesy of another friend’s blog for deserving St. Mary’s nurses. I call them slackers merely for fun since they claimed to work harder than us card-writers.

We sat around the table and cut up, laughed and told stories while addressing those cards. It was awful I tell you… just torturous. The starbucks cups everywhere and the laughing was just criminal.

St. Mary’s ER nurses.

Once we were all set to go, everyone loaded up where the group went from about nine down to 4 and we hopped in the car and set off on a mission. Our first stop was St. Mary’s where we delivered the homemade sugar scrub along with bagged M&M’s. The drop at the ER was received with big, huge, contagious, incredulous smiles that filled our hearts.

We then took off for the Fire Department #1 where we dropped cookies and lasagna for a bunch of eager and happy recipients. I don’t think they minded the interruption in their day either.

We didn’t mind a firehouse full of handsome firefighters either… nevermind that part.

We stopped and had lunch at Station 2 which was just part of the fun and we were off to Jaime’s faithful dryclearners/seemstress who has saved her during times of clothing distress. See it seems our good friend Jaime is a candy pilferer. Okay, not really, but she enjoys their tasty counter treats and she stocked them up on candy and cookies with a big fat thank you for all you do.

Then we dropped off 72 creatively decorated Valentine’s Day cards to some of my favorite people on the earth! The seniors over at Christian Village in Mechanicsville, where the daily highlight is the mystery in the mailbox. I’ve watched them for years head to those mailboxes in anticipation of something good in there and from I what I hear they think they got hit by cupid. Who doesn’t love a Valentine?

Our day continued on as we went to the Youth Life Center at Delmont where an after school program was in need of supplies and snacks. We all walked through through the door during quiet time and the lights were dim. There were a few little voices whispering “thank you” as we piled things in the corner.

I wanted to run to the store right then and by cuties and bananas and all kinds of stuff. One of our BRAK participators, Brooke Abrahamsen, Artistic Director at Christian Youth Theater knows about this foundation because of the relationship CYT has with them. Their young thespians go once a month and do a theater class, volunteer their time on “FUN FRIDAY” for Youth Life. They also donate tickets to see the performances and this just reminds us once again what a very connected small world we live in.

The day was fun, full of laughs, overflowing with purpose, bonding with complete strangers, inspiring for those of us who were fortunate enough to participate and those who were receivers and in my case…both. Be inspired!!! Take the opportunity to not only enjoy some RAK’s yourself, but do it with some of your favorite people because it’s too wonderful to enjoy all by yourself. Thank you Jaime Swingley for passing on your inspiration and instead of self celebrating… let’s celebrate each other.

We have decided to continue our RAK’s with the senior facility, Christian Village and maybe after my person BRAK in April we might have added something else to our monthly contribution. You don’t have to do much to make a big difference for others and ultimately yourself.

If you decide to have your own BRAK, feel free to contact me for the sticker design, created by the lovely Jeanne Nugent, also of CYT.

Registration must be completed by September 29, 2013

NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM .

Class 1
Up in Winter, Down in Summer – How to Adjust a Thermostat. Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.
Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hrs beginning at 7:00 PM..

Class 2
Which Takes More Energy – Putting the Toilet Seat Down, or Bitching About It for 3 Hours? Round Table Discussion.
Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3
Is It Possible To Drive Past a Wal-Mart Without Stopping?–Group Debate.
Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4
Fundamental Differences Between a Purse and a Suitcase–Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.
Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks. 

Class 5
Curling Irons–Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Bathroom Cabinet? Examples on Video.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning At 7:00 PM

Class 6
How to Ask Questions During Commercials and Be Quiet During the Program - Help Line Support and Support Groups. 
Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM 

Class 7
Can a Bath Be Taken Without 14 Different Kinds of Soaps and Shampoos? Open Forum ..
Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours. 

Class 8
Health Watch–They Make Medicine for PMS – USE IT!
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9 
I Was Wrong and He Was Right!–Real Life Testimonials.
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined since this is typically a sell-out!

Class 10
How to Parallel Park In Less Than 20 Minutes Without an Insurance Claim. Driving Simulations.
4 weeks, Saturday’s at noon, 2 hours.

Class 11
Learning to Live–How to Apply Brakes Without Throwing Passengers Through the Windshield.
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined 

Class 12
How to Shop by Yourself.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

~By Anonymous (I only wish I could find the source for this!)

Since January 6-12, 2013 was designated as Folic Acid Awareness week, this post will examine the important components of prenatal vitamins, when to start taking them as well as some of the side effects that may occur.

Prenatal vitamins contain many different vitamins and minerals, but the three most important components are folic acid, iron and calcium.

Folic acid: Folic acid is a B-vitamin that is necessary for your baby’s cell growth. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, which are rare disorders where the brain and spinal cord fail to form properly. Two common and serious neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly. When folic acid is taken before and during pregnancy, 50 to 70 percent of neural tube defects can be prevented. Your baby’s neural tube (which will become the brain and the spinal cord) develops during the first month of pregnancy, when you might not even know you are pregnant.

Iron: The iron in red blood cells helps carry oxygen to your organs, tissues and your baby. During pregnancy, you need more iron in your diet to support the growth of your baby and to produce extra blood. The recommended amount of iron during pregnancy is 27 milligrams, which can be found in most prenatal vitamins. Iron also helps prevent anemia, a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells.

Calcium: Calcium is important to help maintain your bone density, especially since you will be carrying extra weight in the second and third trimester. Calcium is also important for the development of your baby’s tissues and bones.

When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?

We recommend that you start taking prenatal vitamins about three months before you start trying to conceive and definitely once you stop using contraception, as the amount of time it takes to conceive varies greatly from person to person. If you become pregnant before you start taking prenatal vitamins, you should start taking them immediately once you find out you are pregnant as there are still benefits to be had.

What kind of prenatal vitamin should I take?

There are many different brands of prenatal vitamins and you should speak with your health care provider to see if he/she has a recommendation for you. Prenatal vitamins also come in different forms – capsule, soft gel, liquid or chewable. Many prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy, but there are some that need a prescription. Depending on your circumstances or health/pregnancy history, your health care provider might recommend that you take a separate or additional supplement.

Will I experience any side effects from taking prenatal vitamins?

Some women feel queasy after taking prenatal vitamins. Taking your vitamins with a snack or before you go to bed at night can help reduce queasiness. Constipation can also be a side effect you experience from taking prenatal vitamins. Some ways to prevent constipation include: drinking more fluids, eating more fiber and integrating physical activity into your daily routine (as long as it is okay with your health care provider). If these techniques do not help, you may want to talk to your health care provider about using a stool softener.

For other things to consider if you are planning pregnancy, read this post on “Preparing to Conceive.”

February 14, 2013 to be V-Day’s Largest Day of Action Ever

On February 14, 2013, the YWCA of Richmond will join with activists around the world for ONE BILLION RISING, the largest day of action in the history of V-Day, the global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. The YW will join with other local activists and advocates from One Billion Rising RVA at the Richmond Coliseum from 11AM-2PM for a rally and events designed to celebrate women’s empowerment and add to the voices calling for an end to global violence against women. (See video below).

What It’s About

ONE BILLION RISING began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. On February 14, 2013, V-Day’s 15^th anniversary, the YWCA of Richmond will join activists, writers, thinkers, celebrities, and women and men across the world as we express their outrage, demand change, strike, dance, and RISE in defiance of the injustices women suffer, demanding an end at last to violence against women.

“The YWCA of Richmond has a long history of providing a voice for women in Richmond,” said Chief Executive Officer, Linda Tissiere. “For more than 125 years we’ve been a proud advocate for women and children in our community. Over that time, our mission has changed to reflect changing needs and today we serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence through a number of programs.” YWCA of Richmond programs include community counseling, emergency and transitional housing, hospital accompaniment, and case management for survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. “Joining the call to action issued by One Billion Rising is an opportunity for us to share our local mission in the context of this global action to call attention to the crisis of violence against women. It is empowering to add our Richmond voices to the voices of women across the globe,” Tissiere added.

Activities take place throughout the months of February and March and the YWCA of Richmond invites the community to join them on February 14 at 10AM at their downtown location, 6 North 5^th Street, to create posters and a banner for a group march to the Coliseum at 11AM.

“We invite our neighbors and fellow advocates to join us an hour before the rally beings at the Coliseum. We’re just 5 blocks away and we will provide supplies to make a large banner and individual posters as well as light refreshments before marching to the Coliseum as a group,” said Tissiere.

To learn more about actions in Richmond, visit the website.

One Billion RisingRVA  Program

8:00 Downtown Awareness March - Meet at Nina F Abady Festival Park- in front of the Richmond Coliseum – 6th St. Marketplace, Richmond, VA 23223

Rally – 11 AM 2 PM 11:00 doors to the Coliseum open

11:00 -12:00 Arrival – explore the offerings on the floor and enjoy: Hoopers, Glow dancers, Resource tables, Sponsors booths, Slam poets, Mini-Vagina Monologues piece performances, music/bands/ Capoiera dancers, drumming, Slaying the Dragon interactive display

11:55 Ssssshhh! Big Surprise! Bring your dancing shoes!

12:00 to 1:15

One Billion Rising Rally

 

The event is hosted by the VAHCC Women in Business at their Quarterly Luncheon on May 10, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. RSVP by May 4 and purchase tickets for $20 per person on the website.

Mission of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (VAHCC) – The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (VAHCC) is a non-profit organization with the mission of building bridges between the Hispanic business community and the mainstream business community in order to create, promote, and enhance business opportunities for its Members and Partners.