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The true mark of adulthood comes not from your first alcohol-induced blackout, nor from the painful filing of an income tax. The first time you can call yourself a full grown adult is when you wake up with a random bout of <keyword id="6391809" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="back-pain" source="Orion">back pain</keyword>, and make the rookie mistake of assuming that a good day of rest will solve it.<br /><br />Chronic back pain is a debilitating condition affecting millions, but recent scientific research has highlighted an impressively simple remedy: <keyword id="20259678" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="walking" source="keywords">walking</keyword>. A study revealed that individuals who engage in regular walking routines experience significant relief from lower back pain. <br /><br />Walking, a low-impact <keyword id="6358589" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="exercise" source="Orion">exercise</keyword>, offers multiple benefits. It enhances blood circulation, promotes the release of endorphins (the body's natural painkillers), and helps maintain the health of spinal structures. Unlike high-intensity workouts, walking is accessible to almost everyone and doesn't require special equipment or expensive gym memberships.<br /><br />The study involved a diverse group of participants, all suffering from <keyword id="22288482" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="chronic-lower-back-pain" source="keywords">chronic lower back pain</keyword>. Over the course of the research, those who incorporated regular walking into their daily routines reported marked improvements in pain management compared to those who remained sedentary.<br /><br />One of the key findings of the study was the correlation between the duration and frequency of walking and the extent of <keyword id="20386325" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pain-relief" source="keywords">pain relief</keyword>. Participants who walked for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, experienced the most significant improvements. These results suggest that even moderate, consistent <keyword id="20053428" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="physical-activity" source="keywords">physical activity</keyword> can make a substantial difference in managing chronic back pain.<br /><br />The simplicity and accessibility of walking make it an attractive option for those looking to alleviate their back pain without the need for medications or invasive treatments. Healthcare professionals are increasingly recommending walking as a first-line intervention for chronic back pain, underscoring its effectiveness and ease of implementation.<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in <em>The Lancet</em> and can be accessed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00755-4">here</a>.

Walking just half an hour every day, five days a week may be enough to relieve chronic lower back pain, study finds!

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Core exercises improve your posture, but can hurt your back if done wrong, a personal trainer says.</li><li>To correctly do movements like planks or bicycle crunches, focus on engaging the right muscles.</li></ul><p>Core exercise can be a great way to prevent injury, but if building your abs causes a back ache, it's time to change your routine, according a personal trainer.</p><p>Some simple cues can help fix your form to help prevent back pain during core workouts and get you better results, boxing coach <a href="https://www.instagram.com/builtbygod/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kollins Ezekh</a> told Insider. </p><p>Done correctly, core exercises can help improve your posture and reduce aches outside of the gym, too, he said.</p><p>"A weak core is probably one of the main contributors to lower back pain," Ezekh said.  </p><p>Picking the right exercises, warming up correctly, and doing the right amount of work with proper form can help you build a stronger, more stable core for pain-free fitness. </p><h2><strong>Always warm up before exercising</strong></h2><p>While it can be tempting to save time by jumping right into a workout, a basic warm-up helps prepare your muscles, prevents injury, and can help you be more aware of maintaining good form, Ezekh said. </p><p>An <a href="https://www.insider.com/warm-up-mistakes-do-not-stretch-cardio-before-a-workout-2021-11">ideal warm-up</a> should involve all the areas of the body that will be active during the workout with similar movement patterns as the exercise you plan to do.</p><p>For example, if you're working on planks or push-ups, be sure to warm up your shoulders and back, as well as your core, Ezekh said. Warming up helps make sure you use the muscles you intend to work, instead of having other parts of your body (like your back) inadvertently taking the brunt the exercise. </p><p>For any core exercises, one effective way to warm up is deep breathing to practice <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-engage-ab-muscles-yoga-expert-2021-11">actively engaging your core</a>, he said.</p><p>As you inhale and exhale, think about your belly button rising and then pressing back toward your spine, helping you feel your <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/mental-health/diaphragmatic-breathing">diaphragm</a> (the muscle at the base of your chest). </p><h2><strong>Master simple exercises like planks</strong></h2><p>While social media is full of eye-catching "six pack abs" workouts that involve complex movements, or fast, dynamic routines, the best core exercises are simple, and can be done at home without weights or equipment, Ezekh said. </p><p>Movements like planks, <a href="https://www.insider.com/low-impact-exercise-build-core-strength-muscle-stability-coach-advice-2022-5">hollow body holds</a>, and similar variations all use body weight to strengthen core muscles, and can be challenging for all skill levels, while being easy enough for beginners to do correctly. </p><p>"It's about building the mind-muscle connection" Ezekh said. </p><h2><strong>Prioritize slow, controlled movement</strong></h2><p>A common mistake with core exercise is moving too quickly, which allows momentum to power the movement and stop your core from actually doing the work, Ezekh said.</p><p>You'll get more benefits by <a href="https://www.insider.com/bicycle-crunches-fix-mistakes-for-more-effective-core-workout-trainer-2022-1">performing exercises slowly</a> and controlling each movement or pose while focusing on squeezing the target muscles, he said.  </p><p>Another common mistake is forgetting to breathe, which can tire you out more quickly and make you less stable.</p><p>"People tend to hold their breath, and that makes everything harder," Ezekh said. "Sync your breathing with the exercise."</p><p>Inhale while lowering or bracing for an exercise, and exhale while pressing up or lifting. </p><h2><strong>Start with shorter sets </strong></h2><p>Ezekh said a common cause of back pain during ab workouts is trying to do an exercise for too long or performing too many reps, which can cause your form to break down. </p><p>Instead, work for as long as you're able to properly activate your core and maintain good form, he said. For example, start working on plank exercises with 10-15 second holds, squeezing your midsection to avoid putting pressure on your low back.  </p><p>"Thinking about tucking your elbows and pulling toward your toes, and toes toward your elbows," Ezekh said. </p><p>If you get too tired to maintain the stable position, rest and try again, and gradually <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-hold-plank-for-longer-strong-core-abs-2021-11">work up to one minute planks</a>. </p><p>As your core gets stronger, it can help you stay more stable and prevent injury during full-body exercise like squats and deadlifts, Ezekh said. It can also help protect your spine during everyday life, improving your posture so you're less likely to deal with backaches from a desk job, he said. </p>

4 techniques to build core muscles without back pain

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="13900629" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="monkeypox" source="Orion">Monkeypox</keyword> has been detected in the US, Australia and a number of European countries. </li><li>It usually causes flu-like symptoms and puss-filled boils that get better within two to four weeks.</li></ul><p>Monkeypox — a rare disease usually found in Central and West Africa and those who have travelled there — has been detected in the US, Australia and a number of European countries in recent days in what has been described as an "unusual" spread. </p><p>On Friday morning, German and Australian officials were the latest to confirm cases, Reuters <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/germany-detects-first-case-monkeypox-military-medical-service-2022-05-20/">reported.</a></p><p>Those came after New York City <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">health</keyword> officials said they were investigating a "possible" monkeypox case on Thursday — the second infection in as many days after the first US case of 2022 was confirmed on Wednesday.</p><p>Jennifer McQuiston, the deputy director of the Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology at the CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Disease, told the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-africa-canada-massachusetts-eb02e45db3060238b8e3d5e588144d1c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Associated Press</a> on Wednesday: "I do think we are preparing for the possibility of more cases." </p><p>Scientists are trying to understand why monkeypox appears to be spreading outside of Central and West Africa.</p><h2>Monkeypox rarely spreads outside of Central and West Africa</h2><p>As of Friday morning, monkeypox cases were confirmed in: the UK, the US, Portugal, Canada, Sweden, Australia, France, Italy, Germany, and Belgium.</p><p>The first known case of the current monkeypox outbreak was announced in the UK on May 7 in an individual who had traveled to Nigeria. Later cases had no link to the first case and had not travelled to where monkeypox is endemic. The total number of cases on Friday was 20 the UK Health Security Agency said. </p><p>The UKHSA said it is investigating why a "notable proportion" of early cases were among those who self-identified as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men, since monkeypox is not a known sexually transmitted infection. The CDC also said many cases "are occurring within sexual networks." </p><p>Dr Susan Hopkins, UKHSA's chief medical adviser, described the spread in a statement as "rare and unusual." </p><p>She said on Wednesday: "These latest cases, together with reports of cases in countries across Europe, confirms our initial concerns that there could be spread of monkeypox within our communities."</p><h2>How does <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-monkeypox-spreads-among-people-in-the-us-and-europe-2022-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monkeypox spread</a>?</h2><p>Unlike COVID-19, which is highly contagious, monkeypox doesn't usually spread easily among people.</p><p>Monkeypox spreads via large respiratory droplets when people are in close contact; direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids; or indirect contact via contaminated clothing or bedding.</p><h2>Symptoms include fever, backache and pus-filled boils</h2><p>Most people that catch monkeypox have <a href="https://www.insider.com/monkeypox-symptoms-cases-europe-uk-spain-portugal-2022-5">mild flu-like symptoms, </a>such as fever and backache, and a rash that clears by itself within two to four weeks. The rash starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the genitalia. The rash features boils that fill with pus and ultimately crust over and fall off. </p><p>It can be hard to tell between monkeypox and other common rashes such as chicken pox. Swollen lymph nodes are a hallmark feature of monkeypox, according to the World Health Organization.</p><p>Dr. Inger Damon, director at the CDC's Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, said in a statement on Wednesday: "We're asking the public to contact their healthcare provider if they have a new rash and are concerned about monkeypox." </p><h2>How dangerous is monkeypox?</h2><p>The condition can be deadly in some cases. </p><p>The proportion of those with monkeypox that die from it ranges from 1% to 10% depending on the strain, <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON381" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to the WHO.</a> The two strains are: the West African clade and Congo Basin clade.</p><p>UK health officials said on May 16 its cases were from the West African clade — and scientists from Portugal's National Institute of Health identified the same strain, according to <a href="https://virological.org/t/first-draft-genome-sequence-of-monkeypox-virus-associated-with-the-suspected-multi-country-outbreak-may-2022-confirmed-case-in-portugal/799">sequencing</a> released on Friday.</p><p>That strain is associated with a lower risk of death, of around 1%, according to Paul Griffin, associate professor of medicine at the University of Queensland, Australia.</p><p>Griffin said, while it is important awareness is raised, "there are several important considerations with this <keyword id="12241888" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="virus" source="Orion">virus</keyword> that mean we do not need to overreact. It is relatively hard to spread, and we already have great vaccines and potentially some treatments available also."</p><h2><strong>How is monkeypox treated?</strong></h2><p>Treatment for monkeypox is mostly supportive — as for a cough or cold, for example. Most people recover without treatment within a few weeks.</p><p>There is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but the vaccine for smallpox can be used to control outbreaks.</p><p>According to the WHO, the smallpox vaccine can provide up to 85% protection against monkeypox, and people vaccinated against smallpox in childhood may experience a milder disease.</p><p>Britain is offering the smallpox vaccine to some healthcare workers to boost protection, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/britain-offers-smallpox-vaccine-monkeypox-cases-spread-europe-2022-05-20/">Reuters reported</a>. </p><p>Two antiviral drugs, called cidofovir and tecovirimat, can also be used to control outbreaks of monkeypox.</p>

5 facts you need to know about the monkeypox outbreak as the virus spreads in US and Europe

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Body aches can come from lack of blood flow to the area or referred pain from another muscle.</li><li>Getting up and walking around might help, but some specific stretches can target problem areas.</li><li>Try a chair lunge to <keyword id="568879" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Stretch">stretch</keyword> your hip flexors, or Gloating Glutes to loosen up your butt muscles.</li></ul><p>From backaches to couch butt, your body might be feeling the effects of a year of mostly sedentary living.</p><p>It's not surprising that people who started working from home during the pandemic may be dealing with some new aches and pains, <a href="https://roger.coach/">Roger Frampton</a>, a movement coach based in the UK, told Insider. We're moving a lot less than we used to, and even the smallest movements count.</p><p>"It's just that lack of movement - that little walk out the door, the rushing around the house, changing of clothes and stuff like that, which we don't need to do as much these days," Frampton said. "You could literally roll out of bed and, within minutes, you've got a coffee in your hand and you're staring at a screen."</p><p>Such a static lifestyle isn't natural, Frampton said. Your body is built to move, and simply getting up and walking around the room might help bring some blood flow to your idle muscles. But for other aches, targeted stretching may be more effective</p><p>Here are some stretches to help with the most common pandemic aches and pains, from your neck to your glutes.</p><h2><strong>You can bring some blood flow to your lower back while sitting at your desk</strong></h2><p>Both Frampton and Vanessa Chu, co-founder of <a href="https://stretchdspace.com/">Stretch*d</a>, said back pain is one of the most common complaints they've heard from clients during the pandemic.</p><p>Lower back pain can stem from lack of blood flow to the area, Chu said. Just like you might wake up feeling stiff because your body hasn't moved for hours, she said <a href="https://www.insider.com/simple-desk-yoga-poses-for-working-from-home-calming-stretches-2021-2">sitting in a desk chair all day</a> can be "a total doozy for your body" - so getting up and walking around can help.</p><p>Chu also suggested some stretches you can do while sitting in a chair or on the edge of your bed. Start by sitting with your feet planted on the floor about hip distance apart.</p><p><strong><div type="image" title="twist n dipper" height="564" width="1270" msid="81194188" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>For the Twist n Dipper, interlace your hands behind your head and twist your body from side to side. Once you feel warmed up, you can add a dip, leaning forward to bring your elbow outside the opposite knee and holding for a few seconds. Repeat 10 times on each side.</p><p>Starting from the same seated position, you can open your legs a bit wider and try the Forward Reacher. Tuck your chin toward your chest and fold forward, reaching your arms toward the ground for a few seconds. Repeat 10 times, or until you feel your back loosen up.</p><p>These movement-based stretches are also helpful for building flexibility, Chu said.</p><h2><strong>Once you've warmed up your lower back, try stretching out your hip flexors</strong></h2><p>Lower back aches may also stem from referred pain, meaning that it comes from tension in another part of the body. For instance, when you're seated all day, your hip flexor muscles may feel tight from holding that position.</p><p>Frampton suggested a chair lunge to open up the hips. Simply plant one foot on a chair, drop your lower knee towards the ground, and hold for a minute. You'll probably feel this one right away, so make sure you don't overdo it and strain your groin.</p><div type="image" title="twisted triangle" height="520" width="1280" msid="81194190" hostid="261"></div><p>Another option is Stretch*d's Twisted Triangle, Chu said. While seated in a chair, cross one ankle over your other knee, and use your hand to gently push your top knee towards the ground until you feel the stretch (a few seconds will do). Again, 10 stretches per side should do the trick.</p><h2><strong>Stretching out your neck and shoulders may ease your stress</strong></h2><p>Sitting hunched over a computer is an all-too-common posture these days, and you may be carrying some extra stress in the neck and shoulders as well, Chu said. </p><p>People tend to unconsciously bring their shoulders towards their ears when they're stressed, but luckily stretching can help ease your anxiety along with the associated pain.</p><p>"As you start to open up that area, you also naturally may start to feel a little bit less stressed too," Chu said. "A lot of these stretches work with your parasympathetic nervous system to tell your body to relax."</p><p>To release some tension in your neck, Chu recommends the Yes, No, and Maybe stretches. All three exercises involve moving your head and using your hand to lend some gentle assistance. Like the other movement-based stretches, you can hold each position for a few seconds before coming back to center, and try 10 reps on each side.<strong> </strong></p><p><strong><div type="image" title="no maybe" height="563" width="1264" msid="81194191" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Saying "yes" looks like tucking your chin to your chest with your hands at the back of your head for support. For the No stretch, place two fingers on your jawbone and guide your chin towards your shoulder. And for Maybe, put a hand on top of your head and bring one ear down to your shoulder - you can also sit on your other hand or grab the bottom of your chair for an extra stretch.</p><p>Frampton recommends another stretch for opening up your chest and shoulders. Sit on the floor with your knees bent, feet planted, and your hands behind you. You'll feel your muscles lengthen as you scooch your butt forward and bend your elbows, but you can also push your chest forward for a deeper stretch. Hold for a minute and repeat as needed.</p><h2><strong>For a sore butt, loosen up your glutes</strong></h2><p>The gluteus muscles are one of the largest muscle groups in the body, so it can be hard to keep them loose, Chu said.</p><p>As anyone who's done too many squats knows, using those muscles too much can leave you with a sore behind. But sitting down all day can also be a pain in the butt, so it's important to stretch your glutes and make sure the area is getting some blood flow.</p><p>Chu suggested the Gloating Glutes stretch, which she compared to a lying down pigeon pose. Simply lie on your back, bend one knee, grab your shin, and draw it towards your chest. Hold for a few seconds and switch legs.</p><div type="image" title="gloating glutes" height="1544" width="2880" msid="81194195" hostid="261"></div>

9 stretches that will ease your pandemic body aches, from back pain to couch butt

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Prenatal <keyword id="6355812" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="yoga">yoga</keyword> is a gentler form of yoga designed to build strength and balance in pregnant people.</li><li>Benefits of prenatal yoga include easing low backaches, labor pains, anxiety, and stress.</li><li>Common prenatal yoga poses include child's pose, Malasana squat, triangle pose, and bird dog.</li></ul><p>Prenatal yoga is a gentler, low-impact form of yoga specifically designed for pregnant people and their changing bodies. You can begin practicing it as soon as you become pregnant. </p><p>With your doctor's sign-off, you can continue prenatal yoga throughout your <keyword id="6357793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pregnancy">pregnancy</keyword> as long as you are comfortable and continue to modify positions as needed. </p><p>Here are the benefits of prenatal yoga as well as some sample poses and safety guidelines. </p><h2>Benefits of prenatal yoga </h2><p>Prenatal yoga focuses on making a pregnant person more comfortable during bodily changes while teaching calming breath practices. </p><p>"Prenatal yoga avoids positions which can be uncomfortable or unsafe, lengthens muscles that usually get stiff, and strengthens the pelvic, spine, hip, upper body, and leg muscles," says <a href="https://www.patricialadis.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Patricia Ladis</a>, a physical therapist and certified breathing behavior analyst with her own practice. </p><p>There are many potential <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-yoga/art-20047193" target="_blank" rel="noopener">benefits of practicing prenatal yoga</a>, including: </p><ul><li>Decreased <a href="http://insider.com/exercises-for-lower-back-pain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lower back pain</a></li><li>Better balance and coordination</li><li>Improved mental <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> and <a href="http://insider.com/what-is-mindfullness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mindfulness</a></li><li>Awareness and acceptance of your changing body</li><li>Strengthened muscles</li><li>Less pain during delivery</li></ul><p><strong>Latest research: </strong>In a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26118705/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 review</a>, researchers looked at eight studies on the effects of prenatal yoga on pregnant people. In studies of healthy people, prenatal yoga reduced the duration and pain of delivery and lowered stress, <a href="http://insider.com/what-is-generalized-anxiety-disorder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anxiety</a>, and <a href="http://insider.com/what-is-depression" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depression</a>. For pregnant people who were obese or of advanced age, prenatal yoga reduced the risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension and <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-gestational-diabetes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gestational diabetes</a>.</p><h2>Prenatal yoga poses </h2><p>Not all prenatal yoga poses may be comfortable for you, but here are a few common ones you can try. If it feels good, attempt the following poses two to three times a week. </p><p>Hold comfortable poses for 30 seconds to one minute in the first and second trimester, and less than 30 seconds - about the length of five long breaths - in the third trimester, says Einhorn. </p><p>Check with your doctor if you are concerned about practicing any prenatal yoga poses, says Ladis. </p><h3><strong>1. Modified Parsva Balasana (Bird Dog) </strong></h3><div type="image" title="pose 1" height="1876" width="2501" msid="81879960" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Purpose:</strong> Helps with hip and shoulder stability while strengthening the abdominals and <a href="http://insider.com/best-glute-exercises" target="_blank" rel="noopener">glutes</a>, says Einhorn. </p><p><strong>How to do it:</strong> Place your hands and knees on the mat in a table pose. Lift your opposite arm and leg at the same time. Repeat on the opposite side.  </p><p><strong>Modifications:</strong> Use the wall as support or raise only the arm or the leg.</p><h3><strong style="color: #000000;">2. Child's Pose</strong></h3><div type="image" title="pose 3" height="1876" width="2501" msid="81879963" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Lessens the belly's pressure on the spine, relieving lower back and pelvic pain, says Ladis.</p><p><strong>How to do it: </strong> Kneel on the mat with your hips spread apart and toes together. Reach your fingers in front of you, put your head down and lean back slightly. </p><p><strong>Modifications: </strong>Keep your knees spread wider apart while bending down, especially as the belly grows. You can also lay your head on a pillow for extra support.</p><h3><strong style="color: #000000;">3. Malasana Squat</strong></h3><div type="image" title="pose 2" height="1875" width="2501" msid="81879966" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Releases tension in the hips and strengthens the thighs, says <a href="https://www.nightlightyoga.com/">Kathrin Werderitsch</a>, a yoga teacher with her own virtual studio.</p><p><strong>How to do it: </strong>Stand with feet slightly more than hip-width apart, and toes pointed slightly out. Slowly lower into a squatted position with hands clasped at your center and elbows pushing knees out. </p><p><strong>Modifications: </strong>Place a block under your hips for added support. </p><h3>4. Triangle pose</h3><div type="image" title="pose 5" height="1876" width="2501" msid="81879971" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Stretches the hips and shoulders while opening up the <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19380.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diaphragm</a> - the muscle that helps bring air in and out of the lungs - for deeper breathing. </p><p><strong>How to do it: </strong>Place feet slightly more than hip-width apart, with the front foot pointing forwards and the back foot parallel to the bottom edge of your mat. Be sure your front heel is aligned with the arch of the back foot. Lean front hand down next to its corresponding foot, and then place the other hand up in the air. Look up towards the raised hand or down to the floor - whichever feels more comfortable for your neck. </p><p><strong>Modifications: </strong>Put your hand on your thigh or a block for a more comfortable stretch. You can also shorten the stance between legs. </p><h3><strong>5. Warrior II </strong></h3><div type="image" title="pose 4" height="1876" width="2501" msid="81879976" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Opens the hips and upper body while relieving back pain, says Einhorn.  </p><p><strong>How to do it: </strong>Place one of your legs out behind you with the outer edge parallel to the back of the mat. Your front foot should be facing forward and in line with the arch of the back foot.  Bend the front leg and stretch your arms out on either side. </p><p><strong>Modifications: </strong>Press one hand against the wall for support or kneel. You can also shorten the stance between the legs. </p><p>Prenatal yoga is relatively low-risk as long as you follow some tride-and-true safety guidelines.</p><h2>Safety guidelines for prenatal yoga </h2><ul><li><strong>Talk to your healthcare provider. </strong>Each person and pregnancy is different. Your healthcare provider can ensure your body is in a place to engage in prenatal yoga safely, says Werderitsch.</li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://insider.com/benefits-of-drinking-water" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Drink plenty of fluids</strong></a><strong>.</strong> Staying hydrated while doing prenatal yoga helps regulate body temperature and prevent dizziness, says Einhorn. </li></ul><ul><li><strong>Avoid certain postures.  </strong>After the first trimester, poses involving laying on your back are discouraged, says Ladis. Also, avoid doing backbends or stretches that push you beyond your normal range of motion. This is not the time to try mastering the splits.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Don't overdo it.</strong> Listen to your body as you try various prenatal yoga postures. If something hurts or is uncomfortable, stop immediately and rest, says Ladis. </li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway </h2><p>Prenatal yoga can improve comfort levels throughout pregnancy and better prepare you for delivery. You can do prenatal yoga throughout your pregnancy and should aim to practice it two to three times a week. Talk to your doctor before trying any prenatal yoga poses. If any pose makes you uncomfortable, don't push yourself and take time to recuperate. </p><a data-type="600af9780de493230d284c29">7 science-backed physical and mental health benefits of yoga</a><a data-type="60672c74c47d9c70d74264dc">6 surprising things midwives do besides help deliver your baby and why you should seriously consider using one</a><a data-type="605a7cd05c20d05889140ad3">What to expect in a hatha yoga class and why the practice has become so popular</a><a data-type="5fdbd0f76479506614708e7f">Should you do Pilates or yoga? Which is best for weight loss, burning calories, and toning your muscles</a>

Prenatal yoga can make pregnancy more comfortable and even reduce labor pain - here are 5 common poses to try

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The second trimester marks the middle of your <keyword id="6357793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pregnancy">pregnancy</keyword> and lasts from weeks 13-26.</li><li>You can look forward to learning the baby's sex, feeling the fetus move, and reduced nausea.</li><li>During the second trimester, the fetus will grow from the size of a peach to a head of lettuce.</li></ul><p>The second trimester of pregnancy spans weeks 13-26 and usually marks a turning point for you and your baby. This trimester is often referred to as the "honeymoon period," because symptoms from the first trimester, like <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-helps-with-pregnancy-nausea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">morning sickness</a>, start to fade, says <a href="https://www.drsherry.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sherry Ross</a>, MD, an OB-GYN with her own private practice.</p>Related Article Module: When do pregnancy cravings start and which cravings are a red flag<p>In the second trimester, the baby grows rapidly and can hear sounds and voices from outside the womb, says Ross. Highlights during this period include finding out the sex of the baby (if you want to) and feeling the baby move. </p><p>Here's a breakdown of what you can expect in the second trimester. </p><h1>13 to 14 weeks pregnant</h1><ul><li><strong>How big is the baby: </strong>Around <a href="https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/986" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3.5 inches</a> and 1.5 ounces, about the size of a peach.</li><li><strong>What's developing in the womb: </strong>The baby's blood, bones, and genitals.</li><li><strong>What are common symptoms: </strong>A common <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/13-to-27/13-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">symptom</a> around this time is an increased <a href="https://www.insider.com/sex-positions-while-pregnant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sex drive</a>, due to the <a href="https://www.insider.com/sex-positions-while-pregnant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pregnancy hormones</a>. And your belly and breasts will continue to grow, says Ross.</li><li><strong>What to look out for: </strong>At your next ultrasound, your healthcare provider may ask you if you want to know the sex of the baby. Ross says your healthcare provider will also conduct additional tests to look at your baby's anatomy and check for any developmental risks like Down's syndrome. </li></ul><h1>15 to 16 weeks pregnant</h1><ul><li><strong>How big is the baby: </strong>Around <a href="https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/1058" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4.75 inches</a> and four ounces, roughly the size of an avocado.</li><li><strong>What's developing in the womb: </strong>The baby's facial expressions and hearing, so the baby can start to hear noises like your heartbeat.</li><li><strong>What are common symptoms: </strong><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047732" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Symptoms</a> like skin changes (<a href="https://www.insider.com/best-ingredients-for-hyperpigmentation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">melasma</a>), nasal congestion, dizziness, leg cramps, headaches, and white <a href="https://www.insider.com/pregnancy-discharge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaginal discharge</a> are common during this trimester, says Ross. </li><li><strong>What to look out for: </strong>You may start to feel your baby move from <a href="https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/pregnancy/trimesters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">week 16</a> onwards. Initially, the movements will feel like a fluttering sensation, known as "quickening." You may not feel them every day at first so don't worry if it's not consistent.</li></ul><h1>17 to 18 weeks pregnant</h1><ul><li><strong>How big is the baby: </strong>Around <a href="https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/1058" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five inches</a> and eight ounces, about the size of a sweet potato.</li><li><strong>What's developing in the womb: </strong>The beginnings of eyebrows, eyelashes, and lines along the baby's hands.</li><li><strong>What are common symptoms: </strong>You may have <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/13-to-27/18-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stomach pain</a> during the second trimester, due to constipation, gas, or growing pains. This may be normal or an indication of something more serious.</li><li><strong>What to look out for: </strong>"<a href="https://www.insider.com/bleeding-during-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vaginal bleeding</a>, uterine cramping, leakage of clear or bloody fluid, or pelvic pressure could be troubling second-trimester <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=pregnancy-whats-normal-and-whats-not-1-4076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">complications</a>," says Ross. She says frequent urination, increased discharge, lower back pain, headaches, and diarrhea are also <a href="https://www.beaumont.org/conditions/pregnancy-warning-signs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">symptoms</a> that you should report to your healthcare provider. </li></ul><h1>19 to 20 weeks pregnant</h1><ul><li><strong>How big is the baby: </strong>Around <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/week20.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">six inches</a> and 11 ounces, roughly the size of a cantaloupe.</li><li><strong>What's developing in the womb: </strong>A thick waxy coating that protects the baby.</li><li><strong>What are common symptoms: </strong>As your belly grows and the skin adjusts, it may cause some pigmentation that typically shows up as a <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/13-to-27/20-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dark line</a> down the middle of your stomach. As the fetus grows it will put pressure on your stomach, lungs, kidneys, and bladder, which may cause a stretching sensation in your groin area which is known as <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/round-ligament-pain/faq-20380879" target="_blank" rel="noopener">round ligament pain.</a> On the upside, your hair may look thicker, shinier, and shed less. </li><li><strong>What to look out for: </strong>Week 20 is the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20046151" target="_blank" rel="noopener">halfway-mark</a> of your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may conduct an ultrasound around this time. If this is your first pregnancy, you'll start feeling the baby's movements by this time.</li></ul><h1>21 to 22 weeks pregnant</h1><ul><li><strong>How big is the baby: </strong>Around <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20046151" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7.5 inches</a> and one pound, approximately the size of a spaghetti squash. </li><li><strong>What's developing in the womb: </strong>The baby's taste buds and sense of touch, so the baby may start to experiment by sucking a thumb or stroking a limb.</li><li><strong>What are common symptoms: </strong>You may experience an increased appetite. You'll also likely see <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-stretch-marks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stretch marks</a> on your belly, breasts, or thighs that appear red at first and then fade to a silvery-white. As your body starts to prepare for the baby's arrival, your breasts may start to leak <a href="https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Colostrum-Your-Babys-First-Meal.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">colostrum</a>, a nutritious fluid that your body produces before your milk comes in. Ross says you may also experience <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/week22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Braxton Hicks contractions</a>, which are typically irregular and painless, almost like a squeezing sensation. </li><li><strong>What to look out for: </strong>Contact your healthcare provider if your contractions are frequent, intense, or painful, as that could indicate premature labor. </li></ul><h1>23 to 24 weeks pregnant</h1><ul><li><strong>How big is the baby: </strong>Around <a href="https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/1058" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eight inches</a> and 1.25 pounds, about the size of an ear of corn. </li><li><strong>What's developing in the womb: </strong>The <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/13-to-27/24-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lungs</a> and vital organs have developed to the extent that with neonatal care the baby has a chance of surviving if you deliver early; however, there is a possibility of disability.</li><li><strong>What are common symptoms: </strong>As you get closer to delivery, <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/week23.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">factors</a> like cramps, <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-heartburn-during-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heartburn</a>, anxiety, backaches, and needing to urinate can make it hard for you to sleep.</li><li><strong>What to look out for: </strong>The baby will typically get pretty active around this time, so you'll probably feel movements and occasionally even hiccups. </li></ul><h1>25 to 26 weeks pregnant</h1><ul><li><strong>How big is the baby: </strong>Around <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20046151" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nine inches</a> and two pounds, approximately the size of a head of lettuce. </li><li><strong>What's developing in the womb: </strong>The baby starts growing hair and may start responding to your touch or voice.</li><li><strong>What are common symptoms: </strong>Carrying the extra weight can cause back pain. You may feel bloated and have swelling in your face, hands, and feet, due to <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/13-to-27/25-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">water retention</a>. You may also leak a little urine when you sneeze or cough.</li><li><strong>What to look out for: </strong>Typically, between weeks 24 and 28, your healthcare provider will do a prenatal test to check for <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/week24.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gestational diabetes</a>, which is a form of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy and lead to complications.</li></ul><h1>Insider's takeaway</h1>Related Article Module: How much weight you should gain during each trimester of pregnancy, according to doctors<p>As the baby grows rapidly in the second trimester, you'll start to experience symptoms like stretch marks, gas, and constipation. </p><p>But you'll also likely have a lot more energy than you did in the first trimester, which can be a good time for you and your partner to start baby-proofing the home, finalizing your birth plan, and joining prenatal classes.</p><p>"This is an important trimester to make sure you are gaining the appropriate amount of weight, exercising regularly, and getting adequate amounts of sleep," says Ross. </p><a data-type="5dd69bde79d757697c271c74">Pregnancy symptoms you can expect each trimester of your pregnancy and how to alleviate them</a><a data-type="5dd1ddc879d757433c48c2d4">Yes, pregnancy can cause acne but there are safe ways to treat it</a><a data-type="5e556973a9f40c38900d9e4c">You can take probiotics when pregnant. Science-backed benefits are few</a><a data-type="5e53fa8fa9f40c04af1d65ad">What is a doula and how to know if one is right for your pregnancy</a>

Why the second trimester is often called the 'honeymoon period' of pregnancy

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Children younger than 5 years old should have very limited <keyword id="6453979" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Screen-time">screen time</keyword> and mainly use screens for educational purposes. </li><li>For children older than 5 and adults, there are not as strict guidelines, but you should be careful that screen time doesn't interfere with relationships or responsibilities. </li><li>Too much screen time has been shown to increase the risk for behavior problems in children, obesity, trouble sleeping, and back and neck issues.</li><li>The article was <a href="https://www.insider.com/insider-medical-review-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener">medically reviewed</a> by <a href="https://www.memorialcare.org/providers/gina-l-posner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gina Posner, MD</a><strong>, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. </strong></li></ul><p>Both kids and adults are spending more and more time using screens – for everything from work and school to socializing and having fun. But spending too much time using screens can have harmful consequences for your <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword>, your emotions, and brain development in children. </p><p>Here's what you need to know about how much screen time is healthy and when you need to set limits.</p><h2>How much screen time is healthy</h2><p>In the US, kids between ages 8 and 12 spend an average of<a href="https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 4 to 6 hours</a> per day looking at screens, while teenagers may spend as much as<a href="https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 9 hours</a> per day. Adults in the US spend even more time on screens – on average<a href="https://sites.psu.edu/ist110pursel/2018/02/21/americans-devout-more-than-10-hours-a-day-to-screen-time-and-growing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> just over 10.5 hours</a> each day.</p><p>There are no hard and fast guidelines for how much screen time you should get as an adult. But for kids,<a href="https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> experts have recommendations</a> based on age, to ensure that screen time won't interfere with a child's development.</p><ul><li><strong>0 to 18 months:</strong> Babies younger than 18 months<a href="https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> shouldn't be getting any screen time</a> unless they are video chatting with family members. "Instead, the recommendations are to focus on and encourage play, reading, and interactions between parent and child," says<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/mattke-angela-c-m-d/bio-20055584" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Angela Mattke, MD,</a> a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic Children's Center.</li><li><strong>18 to 24 months:</strong> At this age, kids can have some screen time, but it should be limited to<a href="https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> watching educational content</a> with a parent or caregiver. "We recommend they focus on exposing them to high-quality programming and apps such as PBS Kids, Sesame Workshop, and things discussed in<a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Common Sense Media</a>," Mattke says.</li><li><strong>2 to 5 years:</strong> At this point, kids can<a href="https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> start to have recreational screen time</a> outside of education, but it should be limited. The<a href="https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> American Academy of Child &amp; Adolescent Psychiatry</a> recommends getting no more than one hour on weekdays and three hours on weekend days.</li><li><strong>Older than 5:</strong> There is no one-size-fits-all approach for how much screen time older kids and adults should get, Mattke says. A general rule of thumb is that screen time shouldn't interfere with learning, relationships with peers and family, physical activity, sleep, or their mental health. </li></ul><p>For older kids and adults, it's hard to put an exact number on how much screen time is too much. However, research shows that there are many ways excessive screen time can<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000355.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> damage your physical and mental health</a>.  </p><h2>Negative effects of too much screen time</h2><p>Here are some of the most common issues that can arise when you spend too much time using screens. </p><h3>Behavior and learning problems in children</h3><p>Putting on the TV or playing a YouTube video may calm your child in the moment, but too much screen time can lead to behavioral issues over time. "Excessive TV viewing is associated with delays in cognition, language, and social-emotional development," Mattke says.</p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4365020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A 2015 study</a> found that two-year-olds who watched more than three hours of TV per day were three times more likely to have a delay in their language development, compared with toddlers who watched less than one hour. This may be because children <a href="https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/2536-screen-sense-what-the-research-says-about-the-impact-of-media-on-children-aged-0-3-years-old" target="_blank" rel="noopener">learn more easily</a> from interacting with people and objects compared with a screen.</p><p>Too much screen time can also harm children's' and teens' mental health.<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335518301827" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> A very large 2018 study</a> found that teens who used screens for 7 or more hours per day were twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety, compared with those who used screens for less than one hour.</p><p>The type of media a child sees can also have an effect on their behavior, as children can imitate actions they see on TV <a href="https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/2536-screen-sense-what-the-research-says-about-the-impact-of-media-on-children-aged-0-3-years-old">as early as 6 months old</a>. "There are strong associations between<a href="https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-TV-Violence-013.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> violent media content and child aggressive behavior</a>," Mattke says.</p><h3>Obesity</h3><p>Most of the time when you are looking at a screen, you are sitting or lying down. This means that as you spend more time on screens, you also spend more time being sedentary, which can<a href="https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines#apaadult" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> increase your risk of obesity</a>, along with chronic issues like <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2857522/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heart disease</a>.</p><p>Being in front of a screen can also make you more likely to mindlessly snack. A<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18316661/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 2008 study</a> found that children who cut down their screen time by 50% ate significantly fewer calories than those who kept their normal screen time schedule.</p><p>Adults who spend more time on screens are also at greater risk for obesity. A very large <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WZ2tK1iIUZGb21yNdwwQuFjgI8PxoDTNRT5UDaGPk9I/edit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2003 study</a> that followed middle-aged women over six years found that for every two hours spent watching TV each day, women were<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12684356/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 23% more likely</a> to become obese.</p><h3>Sleep problems</h3><p>"There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that media use negatively affects sleep for both children and adults," Mattke says. This is partly because electronic devices emit a type of blue light that can<a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/screen-time-and-insomnia-what-it-means-teens" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> lower your levels of melatonin</a>, a hormone that regulates when you sleep and wake up.<a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-insomnia"></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-insomnia"></a>A<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388165/"> 2019 study</a> found that too much screen time can lead to symptoms of insomnia in teenagers. Teens who used screens for more than 3 hours per day had a significantly harder time falling asleep than those who used screens less often.</p><p>The negative effect of screens may be most harmful in the hours before bedtime.<a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/why-electronics-may-stimulate-you-bed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> About 90% of Americans</a> say they use a technological device less than an hour before they go to bed, which can<a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/why-electronics-may-stimulate-you-bed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> reduce the essential rapid eye movement (REM) sleep</a> that makes you feel rested the next morning.<a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/why-electronics-may-stimulate-you-bed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/why-electronics-may-stimulate-you-bed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Experts recommend</a> that you stop using screens ideally two hours, or at the least 30 minutes before you go to sleep.</p><h3>Back and neck issues</h3><p>Looking down at a phone or tablet screen for too many hours can put a lot of strain on your neck muscles and the small bones at the top of your spine. This is because it creates a slumped posture which is <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/stretch-to-ease-screen-time-related-neck-and-shoulder-pain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unnatural </a>for us to keep for extended periods.</p><p>A<a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2458-10-324" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> very large 2010 study</a> found that teens who spent more time using screens were more likely to report having headaches and backaches than less frequent screen users.</p> <p>If you need to spend extended time using a screen,<a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/stretch-to-ease-screen-time-related-neck-and-shoulder-pain" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> experts advise</a> that you use a device to prop up the screen so you can see it without bending your head forward.</p><h2>The bottom line</h2><p>It's almost impossible to avoid using screens in our daily lives, but we can set limits on how many hours we spend on devices. For kids, it's best to follow<a href="https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> expert guidelines</a> to avoid early issues with learning and behavior. As an adult, you need to decide what works best for you – if you are concerned that your screen use is causing issues, talk to your doctor or a mental health provider about how you can adjust your daily habits.</p><h1>Related stories about <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/mental-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mental health</a>:</h1><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-does-social-media-affect-teenagers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How social media affects the mental health of teenagers</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-deal-with-anxiety-loneliness-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak-2020-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to deal with anxiety and loneliness during the coronavirus outbreak</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-can-i-lower-my-heart-rate-from-anxiety" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to lower your heart rate from anxiety, or a panic attack</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-social-media-affects-relationships" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How social media affects relationships, from partners to friends</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-does-social-media-affect-teenagers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How social media affects the mental health of teenagers</a></strong></li></ul>

How much screen time is too much? Follow these guidelines for your child to avoid harmful health effects

<p><em>The<span> </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider Picks</a><span> </span>team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.</em></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://amzn.to/2SHthjc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>DMOS/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Shoveling snow might not be much fun, but it need not be a loathsome burden, either. All you need is a great snow shovel to help you get the job done. </strong></li><li><strong>The <a href="https://amzn.to/2SHthjc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DMOS Alpha Shovel</a> is our top pick because its serrated blade easily cuts into and lifts large blocks of snow and because the shovel disassembles and packs down small enough to fit in the trunk, in a closet, or even in a backpack.<br /></strong></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Winter is great because of all the holidays, the seasonal beers, and of course the chance to romp about in the snow. But winter also has its drawbacks. On those days that are not holidays and on which we are not enjoying a few beers and romping, many of us are instead cursing our way through the frigid morning as we dig our car out of a snowdrift just so we can get to work. Shoveling snow is a task few people enjoy, but it's one that we can't well skip if we want to leave the house without snowshoes and/or a dogsled and team of huskies.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the right snow shovel, removing all that wintry precipitation from your stoop, driveway, deck, and walkways need not be a daunting chore. A proper snow shoveling technique paired with a decent piece of hardware will make the process faster and easier, and will also reduce the chance of injury. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Which, by the way, is a concern not to be taken lightly: <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118101356.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One major 2011 study</a> concluded that during an average winter as many as 11,500 people end up in the emergency room after a snow shoveling-related injury. Lower back injuries are far and away the most common, representing more than a third of total injuries. Which is no surprise, really, because snow can be surprisingly heavy stuff. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An average cubic foot of snow weighs about 62 pounds. So after a heavy snowfall that dumps, let's say, a foot of snow on the ground, an average driveway alone (let's use 12 by 30 feet as our frame of reference or 360 square feet) might have as much as 22,300 pounds of snow piled up on it! So yeah, that's where the backache comes from.</span></p><h3>How to choose the right shovel for you</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When choosing the best snow shovel for your property, first think about yourself. If you have any physical issues caused by age, injury, or illness, then opt for a tool that uses wheels, focused leverage, or even a motor to help minimize the effort needed to move that snow. If you're healthy as a horse, a more traditional snow shovel might be fine, but you still need to consider the volume of snowfall you'll be facing and the terrain at hand. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even a fit person can be overwhelmed by hours of shoveling and should consider a tool that gives them an edge even if it costs a bit more. And don't forget that a bigger shovel is not always better - a shovel that's too wide for your narrow stoop might be counterproductive, and so on.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When possible, don't forget to spread salt before the snow starts, and get out there as soon as possible after it stops, before the stuff can freeze into a more solid mass. Also, don't rule out spending the winters in Los Angeles. It never snows and there are lots of great museums, restaurants, and retail shops there.</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are the best snow shovels you can buy:</span></h2><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Best snow shovel overall: <a href="https://amzn.to/2SHthjc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DMOS Alpha Shovel</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best ergonomic snow shovel: <a href="https://amzn.to/2njXlGh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Snow Joe SHOVELUTION Snow Shovel</a> </strong></li><li><strong>Best electric snow shovel: <a href="http://amzn.to/2i6RTkI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Toro Power Shovel Electric Snow Thrower</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best small snow shovel: <a href="http://amzn.to/2jBr1cU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AAA Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best classic snow shovel: <a href="https://amzn.to/2jAuVmm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Suncast Snow Pusher Snow Shovel</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best snow pusher: <a href="https://amzn.to/2C6I1RG" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manplow REV42 Revolution Snow Pusher</a></strong></li></ul><p><em>Updated on 01/07/2019 by Steven John: Added two new shovels, replaced older items, and updated prices and formatting.</em></p><h3>Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.</h3> <p class="tagline"><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p>

The best snow shovels you can buy to defeat any snow bank that stands in your way

<br /> Just when India was recovering from the bitter taste of <keyword id="2894644" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="MaggieinSoup">#Maggieinsoup</keyword>, Indians got another health risk warning. Days after lead was found in instant food Maggi, an analysis, done by <keyword id="178996" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Metropolis-Healthcare">Metropolis Healthcare</keyword>, of blood samples collected over a period of one year from across the country has revealed that over 23 per cent of the total samples tested positive with <keyword id="520366" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="lead-poisoning">lead poisoning</keyword>.<br />
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<br /> "A pan-India analysis of 733 blood samples collected over last one year has revealed that 23.47 per cent (172 samples) of the total samples tested positive with Lead poisoning," Dr Sandeep Warghade, Consulting Pathologist Metropolis Healthcare told PTI. He added that lead poisoning can be hard to detect and even people <keyword id="6366244" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="WHO">who</keyword> look healthy can have high levels of lead.<br />
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"At high levels of exposure, lead damages the brain and central nervous system and can lead to coma, convulsions and even death. Signs and symptoms of lead poisoning usually don't appear until dangerous amounts have accumulated," Warghade added.<br />
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According to a WHO study, lead exposure is estimated to account for 1,43,000 deaths per year with the highest burden in developing regions.<br />
Lead poisoning is a cumulative toxicant, particularly harmful to young children and can affect multiple body systems, he said. Major sources of blood lead include leaded contaminated soil, drinking water, petrol emissions, household dust, battery recycling, silver refining, paints (especially yellow), pigments, printing presses, ceramic pottery glazes, cosmetics, colours (including vermilion, spices, Holi colours), crayons and painted pencils, plant foods. In growing children, it causes low IQ, hyperactivity, attention deficit, learning disabilities and anaemia, he said.<br />
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Warghade cautioned that lead poisoning cases in young children are high as they tend to lick or eat lead-containing paint when it peels off the walls or while playing with toys.<br />
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Lead from a mother's blood can pass to the foetus during pregnancy, possibly giving rise to genetic disorders.<br />
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"Exposure of pregnant women to high levels of lead can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight, as well as minor malformations. Women with high blood lead levels develop early osteoporosis, lower backache, joint pain and persistent anaemia," he said.<br />
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(image credits: hgreatermalaysia.com)

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