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Spinach Tossed Pasta

What You Need

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked

1 cup water

1 pkg. (9 oz.) baby spinach leaves

1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Italian* Three Cheese Blend

Make It

BRING tomatoes, pasta and water to boil in large saucepan; stir. Cover; simmer on medium-low heat 10 min. or just until pasta is tender.
ADD half the spinach; simmer, covered, 2 min. or just until wilted. Stir. Repeat with remaining spinach.
SERVE topped with cheese.

Servings:

total:

6 servings, 1 cup each

Car Nut Frame

What you'll need:

• Small wooden frame
• Black acrylic paint
• Washers and bolts
• Permanent adhesive glue (recommended: GemTac jewel glue)
• Photograph of you

How to make it:

1. Remove glass from frame.
2. Paint frame black and let dry.
3. Use permanent adhesive glue to decorate outside of frame with nuts and washers. Let dry completely.
4. Insert a family photo and the glass into the frame.
   

Quick Szechuan Chicken



Original Recipe Yield4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 3 green onions, sliced diagonally into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

Directions

1. Place the chicken and cornstarch into a bag or bowl, and toss to coat. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces and garlic, stirring constantly until lightly browned. Stir in the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and water. Cover, and cook until the chicken pieces are no longer pink inside, 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the green onion, and cayenne pepper, cook uncovered for about 2 more minutes. Serve over white rice.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 206 | Total Fat: 4.9g | Cholesterol: 68mgPowered by ESHA Nutrient Database

Nutritional Information

Ten Minute Szechuan Chicken

Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 206

• Total Fat: 4.9g
• Cholesterol: 68mg
• Sodium: 744mg
• Total Carbs: 10.1g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.6g
• Protein: 28.7g

VIEW DETAILED NUTRITION
About: Nutrition Info

Seven Tips For Toddler Discipline

Here are a few simple toddler discipline strategies to help make life easier for both you and your child.



 1: Be Consistent
Try to keep to the same schedule every day. That means having consistent nap times, mealtimes, and bedtimes, as well as times when your toddler is free to just run around and have fun.

Consistency is also important when it comes to discipline. When you say "no hitting" the first time your child smacks another child on the playground, you also need to say "no hitting" the second, third, and fourth times your child does it.


2: Avoid Stressful Situations
By the time children reach the toddler stage, you've spent enough time with them to know their triggers. The most common ones are hunger, sleepiness, and quick changes of venue. With a little advance planning, you can avoid these potential meltdown scenarios and keep things relatively calm.

Try to make sure your child is home at naptimes, bedtimes, and mealtimes.Keep excursions short (that means finding another restaurant if the one you've chosen has an hour-long wait, or doing your grocery shopping at times when the lines are shortest).



3: Think Like a Toddler
Toddlers aren't mini-adults. They have trouble understanding many of the things we take for granted, like how to follow directions and behave appropriately. Seeing the scenario from a toddler's perspective can help prevent a tantrum.

Giving choices also shows that you respect your toddler and recognize the child's feelings. Asking your child if he or she wants to bring a favorite book in the car, or take along a snack, can make the child feel as though he or she has some control over the situation while you remain in charge.



4: Practice the Art of Distraction
Make your toddler's short attention span work for you. When your child throws the ball against the dining room wall for the 10th time after you've said to stop, it's pretty easy to redirect your child to a more productive activity, like trading the ball for a favorite book or moving the game outside.



5: Give Your Child a Break
Time-outs are one of the foundations of child discipline, but they may not be the best approach for the toddler stage. The negative implication of being sent away can teach kids that they're bad, rather than promote good behavior.

If you do give your child a time-out, limit it to just a minute or two at this age. Instead of calling it a time-out, which can be confusing to children under 3, refer to it as something more positive.



6: Stay Calm
When you're standing in the middle of the mall, looking down at your child who's screaming on the floor, and trying to ignore the stares of the shoppers around you, it's easy for your blood pressure to reach the boiling point. It's hard to stay calm, but losing control will quickly escalate an already stressful situation.



7: Know When to Give In
Certain things in a toddler's life are nonnegotiable. She has to eat, brush her teeth, and ride in a car seat. She also has to take baths once in a while. Hitting and biting are never OK. But many other issues aren't worth the headache of an argument. Pick your battles.

Infertility

Inability to conceive; Unable to get pregnant

Infertility means you cannot make a baby (conceive).
Infertility is grouped into two categories:

• Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become pregnant after at least 1 year of unprotected sex (intercourse).
• Secondary infertility refers to couples who have been pregnant at least once, but never again.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A wide range of physical and emotional factors can cause infertility. Infertility may be due to problems in the woman, man, or both.
FEMALE INFERTILITY:
Female infertility may occur when:

• A fertilized egg or embryo does not survive once it sticks to the lining of the womb (uterus)
• The fertilized egg does not attach to the lining of the uterus
• The eggs cannot move from the ovaries to the womb
• The ovaries have problems producing eggs

Female infertility may be caused by:

• Autoimmune disorders, such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
• Cancer or tumor
• Clotting disorders
• Diabetes
• Growths (such as fibroids or polyps) in the uterus and cervix
• Birth defects that affect the reproductive tract
• Excessive exercising
• Eating disorders or poor nutrition
• Use of certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Obesity
• Older age
• Ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pelvic infection or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Scarring from sexually transmitted infection or endometriosis
• Thyroid disease
• Too little or too much hormones

MALE INFERTILITY:
Male infertility may be due to:

• A decrease in sperm count
• Sperm being blocked from being released
• Sperm that do not work properly

Male infertility can be caused by:

• Environmental pollutants
• Being in high heat for prolonged periods
• Birth defects
• Heavy use of alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine
• Too little or too much hormones
• Impotence
• Infection
• Older age
• Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation
• Scarring from sexually transmitted diseases, injury, or surgery
• Retrograde ejaculation
• Smoking
• Use of certain drugs, such as cimetidine, spironolactone, and nitrofurantoin

In healthy couples under age 30 who have sex regularly, the chance of getting pregnant is about 25 - 30% per month.
A woman's peak fertility occurs in her early 20s. After age 35 (and especially 40), the chances that a woman can get pregnant drops considerably.

Symptoms

The main symptom of infertility is the inability to become pregnant. Specific symptoms depend on what is causing the infertility.
Infertility can cause many painful emotions in one or both partners.

Signs and tests

When you should seek treatment for infertility depends on your age. It is recommended that women under 30 should generally try to get pregnant on their own for 1 year before seeking testing.
Infertility testing involves a complete medical history and physical examination of both partners.
Blood and imaging tests will be done. In women, this may include:

• Blood tests to check hormone levels, including progesterone and follicle stimulating hormone
• Checking body temperature first thing in the morning to check if the ovaries are releasing eggs
• FSH and clomid challenge test
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Laparoscopy
• Luteinizing hormone urine test (ovulation prediction)
• Thyroid function tests

Tests in men may include:

• Sperm testing
• Testicular biopsy (rarely done)

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of infertility. It may involve:

• Education and counseling
• Fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Medicines to treat infections and clotting disorders
• Medicines that help the woman grow and release eggs from the ovaries

It is important to recognize and discuss the emotional impact that infertility has on you and your partner, and to seek medical advice from your health care provider.
You can increase your chances of becoming pregnant each month by having sex at least every 3 days before and during ovulation. It is especially important to do so 72 hours before ovulation begins.
Ovulation occurs about 2 weeks before the next menstrual cycle (period) starts. If a woman gets her period every 28 days, the couple should have sex at least every 3 days between the 10th and 18th day after the period starts.

Expectations (prognosis)

As many as 1 in 5 couples diagnosed with infertility eventually become pregnant without treatment.
More than half of couples with infertility become pregnant after treatment, not including advanced techniques such as in vitro fertiliziation (IVF).

Complications

Infertility can have a big emotional impact on you and your partner.
Depression, anxiety, and marriage problems may occur.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are unable to get pregnant.

Prevention

Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, may reduce your risk of infertility.
Maintaining a healthy diet, weight, and lifestyle may increase your chances for getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.
Take a prenatal or multivitamin containing folate before and during pregnancy. This lowers your risk for miscarriage and developmental problems in the baby.

Lemon Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting

Cupcakes

1

box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix

Water, vegetable oil and egg whites called for on cake mix box

3

tablespoons grated lemon peel

Frosting

4

to 6 medium strawberries (about 4 oz), hulled

1

container Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy white frosting

Garnish, if desired

12

strawberries, sliced

Lemon peel curls

        

Directions:

• 1 Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Make, bake and cool cake mix as directed on box for 24 cupcakes, adding grated lemon peel with the water.
• 2 Place 4 oz strawberries in blender. Cover; pulse 20 seconds to puree strawberries. Pour 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree into medium bowl. Stir in fluffy white frosting until well mixed.
• 3 Generously frost cupcakes. Garnish with sliced strawberries and lemon peel curls. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.

 

 

 

Huevos Rancheros with Pico de Gallo



Pico de Gallo

1

cup chopped tomatoes

1/4

cup chopped red onion

1/4

cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

1

clove garlic, finely chopped

1/4

teaspoon salt

Huevos Rancheros

1

tablespoon olive oil

4

soft corn tortillas (6 inch)

1

can (16 oz) Old El Paso® refried beans

4

eggs

2

tablespoons water

2

avocados, pitted, peeled and sliced

1/2

cup crumbled queso fresco cheese (4 oz)

Directions:        

• 1- In small bowl, mix all pico de gallo ingredients; set aside.
• 2- In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add tortillas, one at a time; cook 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until crisp and lightly browned. Drain on paper towels; cover to keep warm.
• 3- In small saucepan, heat refried beans over medium heat until warm, about 5 minutes.
• 4- Meanwhile, heat same nonstick skillet over medium heat. Break eggs, one at a time, into custard cup or small bowl; carefully slide egg into skillet. Add water. Cover; cook until whites and yolks are firm, not runny.
• 5- To serve, spread warm refried beans over crisp tortillas. Top each with 1 fried egg. Garnish with pico de gallo and sliced avocados. Sprinkle with cheese & enjoy!

 

 

 

Crunchy Broccoli Salad

Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Yield: 10 Servings

20 20

 

 

 

Ingredients

• 8 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup sunflower kernels
• 3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, onions and cranberries. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar and sugar; drizzle over broccoli and toss to coat. Chill until serving. Sprinkle with sunflower kernels and bacon. Yield: 10 servings.

Best Hamburger Ever Recipe

Original Recipe Yield 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded Colby or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat a grill for high heat.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion, cheese, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, egg, onion soup mix, garlic, garlic powder, parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
3. Grill patties for 5 minutes per side on the hot grill, or until well done. Serve on buns with your favorite condiments.

Detergent Packs Warning

Doctors Report Rise In Kids Eating Detergent Packs

by The Associated Press

                                                                               

DALLAS May 24, 2012, 06:19 pm ET

DALLAS (AP) — Miniature laundry detergent packets arrived on store shelves in recent months as an alternative to bulky bottles and messy spills. But doctors across the country say children are confusing the tiny, brightly colored packets with candy and swallowing them.
Nearly 250 cases have been reported this year to poison control centers. Though they remain a tiny fraction of the thousands of poisoning calls received every year, doctors are concerned. The symptoms they see in connection with ingesting the packets — such as nausea and breathing problems — are more severe than typical detergent poisoning. No deaths have been reported.
"We're not quite sure why it's happening," said Dr. Kurt Kleinschmidt, a Dallas toxicologist and professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "But we've clearly had some kids who have become much more ill. We look at these pods as being clearly more dangerous than the standard detergent."
Tide, Purex and other detergent manufacturers introduced different versions of the packets earlier this year. The lightweight, colorfully swirled plastic packets contain a single-use amount of detergent that dissolves in water. They're intended to be dropped into a laundry machine in place of liquid or powder detergent.
Several poison control centers started to get calls from parents about the packets in March and April, soon after they were introduced in earnest. Texas reported 71 instances of exposure this year, all but one in March or later. Missouri reported 25 cases related to the packets, and Illinois reported 26.
"If you look at the Tide Pods, they're bright blue and bright red and they look very similar to some of the ribbon candy," said Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Control Center in St. Louis.
Paul Fox, a spokesman for Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble, the parent company of Tide, says all cleaning products need to be handled carefully. He said Tide was working with poison control centers and advocacy groups to make sure parents know more about the risks.
"The packs themselves are safe, regardless of who manufactures them, provided that they are used for their intended purpose," Fox said. "The risk becomes when they're left like any other household product within reach of small, inquisitive hands."
While the detergent packets are a threat, poison control centers receive far more reports about other substances annually. In 2010, they fielded thousands of calls about potential poisoning to children under 5 from ibuprofen, diaper rash cream and other household substances.
However, doctors are alarmed about the packets because they appear to be more dangerous than just swallowing liquid or powder detergent.
Dr. Michael Buehler of the Carolinas Poison Center said there were several possible reasons why, including that the packets carry a full cup's worth of detergent in bite-size form or the detergent in the packet might activate more quickly or differently.
"The children get sicker, more severe, and they do this quicker than what we've seen with standard liquid laundry exposure," Buehler said.
In suburban Philadelphia, a 17-month-old boy was home with his mother when she "turned her back for the proverbial second," said Dr. Fred Henretig of the Poison Control Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The boy climbed up on a dresser and popped a detergent package in his mouth, Henretig said.
The boy vomited, became drowsy and started coughing. He was eventually put on a ventilator for a day and hospitalized for a week, Henretig said.
Poison control centers in several states have issued or are preparing warnings for local emergency rooms and parents. Washington state poison control center development director Terri Suzuki said her center has faxed alerts to emergency rooms and posted about the capsules on its Facebook page.
The Indiana Poison Control Center was expected to advise parents in coming days about the packets' risk. One child near Fort Wayne, Ind., tried to eat a packet and nearly had to be placed on a ventilator, said Dr. Brent Furbee, medical director of the Indiana Poison Control Center. Furbee did not know the child's age.
Detergent packets are common in Europe, but are a recent addition to the American market, Fox said. He said Tide Pods had done well against other detergent packets, but it was too soon to say if shoppers appeared to be replacing liquid and powder detergent with the packs.
Kiem Ho, vice president for marketing at Purex, whose consumer goods division is based in Scottsdale, Ariz., said its UltraPacks packaging comes with warning labels to keep out of reach of children.
"This is a new form of laundry product and we will continue to join other manufacturers to safeguard and educate consumers on the correct storage and use of these products in the home" Ho said in a statement.
___
Associated Press reporters Rick Callahan in Indianapolis, Doug Esser in Seattle, Maria Sudekum in Kansas City, Mo., Carla K. Johnson in Chicago and Matt Moore in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

How Stress & Anxiety Affect Your Child's Bedwetting

How Stress & Anxiety Affect Your Child's Bedwetting

Ideal Pregnancy Weight Gain

The guidelines for pregnancy weight gain are issued by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in May 2009. Here are the most current recommendations:
If your pre-pregnancy weight was in the healthy range for your height (a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9), you should gain between 25 and 35 pounds, gaining 1 to 5 pounds in the first trimester and about 1 pound per week for the rest of your pregnancy for the optimal growth of your baby.
If you were underweight for your height at conception (a BMI below 18.5), you should gain 28 to 40 pounds.
If you were overweight for your height (a BMI of 25 to 29.9), you should gain 15 to 25 pounds. If you were obese (a BMI of 30 or higher), you should gain between 11 and 20 pounds.
If you're having twins, you should gain 37 to 54 pounds if you started at a healthy weight, 31 to 50 pounds if you were overweight, and 25 to 42 pounds if you were obese.
Use a pregnancy weight gain estimator to find out how much you should gain (based on your height and pre-pregnancy weight) and to see how the pounds are distributed.

Baked Beans



Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (16 ounce) can pinto beans
• 1 (16 ounce) can great Northern beans, drained
• 1 (16 ounce) can baked beans
• 1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of drippings, crumble and set aside in a large bowl. Cook the onion and garlic in the reserved drippings until onion is tender; drain excess grease and transfer to the bowl with the bacon.
3. To the bacon and onions add pinto beans, northern beans, baked beans, kidney beans and garbanzo beans. Stir in ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and black pepper. Mix well and transfer to a 9x12 inch casserole dish.
4. Cover and bake in preheated oven for 1 hour.                

Grilled Veggie Platter



Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 3 small carrots, cut in half lengthwise
• 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch strips
• 1 medium yellow summer squash, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 medium red onion, cut into four wedges
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Dash salt

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the oil, honey, 1 tablespoon vinegar, oregano and garlic powder. Pour 3 tablespoons marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add the vegetables. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 1-1/2 hours. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.
• Place vegetables on a grilling grid. Transfer to grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 4-6 minutes on each side or until crisp-tender.
• Transfer to a large serving platter. Combine reserved marinade and remaining vinegar; drizzle over vegetables. Sprinkle with pepper and salt. Yield: 6 servings.
  
  Editor's Note: If you do not have a grilling grid, use a disposable foil pan. Poke holes in the bottom of the pan with a meat fork to allow liquid to drain.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving equals 144 calories, 9 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 2 g protein.

Originally published as Grilled Vegetable Platter in Simple & Delicious May/June 2009, p53

Popular Baby Name Alternatives

Top 10 baby boy names

• Aiden
  Alternatives: Adrian, Alden, Arden, Adriel, Adden, Alvin, Aaron
• Jackson
  Alternatives: Jackman, Jackston, Josiah, Jason, Paxton, Ashton
• Mason
• Alternatives: Brayson, Eason, Miles, Magnus, Marcus, Matson, Nolan, Owen, Tyson
• Liam
  Alternatives: Eliam, Hiram, Kiam, Landon, Leander, Leamon, Leland, Leo, Leon, Lincoln, Riam
• Jacob
  Alternatives: Jonah, Jonas, Yacob, Jake, Josiah, Judah, Jesse
• Jayden
  Alternatives: Jaylen, Jayson, Javon, Jay, Julian, Grayson, Gray
• Ethan
  Alternatives: Evan, Ian, Nathan, Edwin, Efraim, Eli, Alan, Arthur
• Noah
  Alternatives: Nolan, Noel, Koah, Noe, Noran, Jonah, Noi, Neo, Micah
• Lucas
  Alternatives: Luca, Lucah, Lucai, Lucan, Lucian, Lucius, Luis, Luke
• Logan
  Alternatives: Loran, Loren, Loden, Lonnie, Morgan, Luke, Lucas, Liam, Leo

Top 10 baby girl names

• Sophia
  Alternatives: Sonia, Sasha, Safia, Saphira, Soleia, Sophina, Josephina, Josefina, Serena, Selena, Sadie
• Emma
  Alternatives: Ella, Etta, Jemma, Emaline, Emmalyn, Emilia, Evelyn, Ina, Amma
• Isabella
  Alternatives: Bella, Izzy, Mariella, Isabeth, Isis, Savilla, Annabell, Arabella
• Olivia
  Alternatives: Livia, Ola, Olive, Oliviana, Lucia, Vivienne, Leila
• Ava
  Alternatives: Avery, Eva, Avalon, Avaya, Avanna, Avaline, Avangeline, Alla
• Lily
  Alternatives: Lilianna, Lilian, Lucy, Luciana, Lila, Letty, Lilya, Laurie, Lilybeth, Lilyanne, Leila, Hillary
• Chloe
  Alternatives: Chloea, Chloeann, Clarissa, Claudia, Cleo, Cleora, Cleta, Clora
• Madison
  Alternatives: Marisol, Magdalene, Jazalyn, Maggie, Maddie, Marley, Morgan, Maisy
• Emily
  Alternatives: Amelia, Amity, Beverly, Camille, Ember, Emerson, Emery, Everly, Reilly
• Abigail
  Alternatives: Abril, Avril, Aaliyah, Gabrielle, Gabriella, Gail, Gayle

Natural Family Planning

What is natural family planning?

Natural family planning is a method used to help a couple determine when sexual intercourse can and cannot result in pregnancy. During the menstrual cycle, a number of changes occur in a woman's body. By keeping track of these changes, couples can plan when to have intercourse and when to avoid intercourse, depending on whether they are trying to achieve or avoid pregnancy.
During each menstrual cycle, one of a woman's ovaries releases an egg. This process is called ovulation. The egg moves toward the uterus through the fallopian tubes, where fertilization may take place. An unfertilized egg may live for up to 12 hours. The egg will be shed later during the menstrual period if it isn't fertilized. A woman is most likely to become pregnant if sexual intercourse takes place just before or just after ovulation.

How does natural family planning work?

Two methods of natural family planning are currently taught. The first is the mucus or ovulation method. In this method, the days just before and just after ovulation are determined by checking the woman's cervical mucus. When a woman is most likely to become pregnant, the cervical mucus is stretchy, clear and slick. The mucus during this time looks and feels much like an uncooked egg white.
The second method is called the symptothermal method. With this method, the woman takes her temperature each day with a basal body temperature thermometer and writes it down on a chart. At the time of ovulation, a woman's temperature will rise slightly (about .9°F). The woman also checks the consistency of her cervical mucus like she does with the mucus method. She may also notice other changes, such as pain in the area of the ovaries, bloating, low backache and breast tenderness.
In both methods, couples use a chart to keep track of the changes in the woman's body.

How effective are these methods in helping a couple avoid pregnancy?

These methods can help a couple avoid pregnancy if the couple receives training from a specialized instructor and if they carefully follow all of the instructions provided. (Ask your doctor how to find an instructor who is specially trained in teaching natural family planning.) Both methods can be 90% to 98% effective (2 to 10 pregnancies per 100 couples) when they are practiced correctly. However, if a couple doesn't follow the instructions completely, these methods will be much less effective. In practice, these methods may not be as reliable as other forms of birth control.

Can natural family planning help a couple achieve pregnancy?

Yes. As many as 2 out of 3 couples who don't have fertility problems become pregnant if they have sexual intercourse on the days that the cervical mucus is clearest and most stretchable.

What about the rhythm method?

The rhythm method is based on calendar calculations of previous menstrual cycles. This method doesn't allow for normal changes in the menstrual cycle, which are common. The rhythm method isn't as reliable as the mucus method or the symptothermal method and is generally not recommended. Women who have no variation in the length of their menstrual cycles can use the rhythm method to know when they are ovulating (usually 14 days before the start of their period).

What about women who have irregular cycles or who are breastfeeding?

It is common for a women to have menstrual cycles that are irregular (either longer or shorter than 28 days). A woman who has irregular menstrual cycles may still be able to tell when she is ovulating by watching for the changes in her body.
Special instructions have been developed for mothers who are breastfeeding their babies. Ask your doctor for these instructions if you are breastfeeding.

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff

Reviewed/Updated: 07/10
Created: 09/00

15min. Marinated Grilled Chicken

Yield 4 Servings



Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Directions

1. Combine the first five ingredients; spread on both sides of chicken. Place chicken on plate. Marinate at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or for several hours in the refrigerator. Grill, uncovered, over medium coals, turning once, for 10-15 minutes or until juices run clear.

Footnotes

• Diabetic Exchanges: One serving equals 3 lean meat; also, 161 calories, 287 mg sodium, 73 mg cholesterol, 2 gm carbohydrate, 28 gm protein, 4 gm fat.

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad

 

Ingredients

• 1 head broccoli
• 6 to 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup raisins, optional
• 8 ounces sharp Cheddar, cut into very small chunks
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Trim off the large leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk at the end and wash broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into flowerets and the stem into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the crumbled bacon, onion, raisins if using, and cheese. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently.

Cherry Tomato Salad With Buttermilk-Basil Dressing Recipe

Cherry Tomato Salad With Buttermilk-Basil Dressing Recipe : Patrick and Gina Neely : Recipes : Food Network

Feta Shrimp Tacos

Feta Shrimp TacosPhoto by: Taste of HomeFeta Shrimp Tacos Recipe

• 

Feta Shrimp Tacos

• Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
• Yield: 4 Servings

25 5 30

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion
• 1 banana pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Miracle Whip Light
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches)
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Sliced avocado, optional

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the cabbage, onion and banana pepper. In another small bowl, whisk the Miracle Whip, vinegar, mustard and pepper. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Chill until serving.
• Sprinkle shrimp with taco seasoning. In a large nonstick skillet, saute shrimp in oil for 3-4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Place shrimp on tortillas; top with cheese, coleslaw and avocado if desired. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Facts 2 tacos (calculated without avocado) equals 527 calories, 18 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 153 mg cholesterol, 1,021 mg sodium, 55 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, 31 g protein.

Originally published as Feta Shrimp Tacos in Healthy Cooking February/March 2011, p33

Multiples Pregnancy And Prenatal Care

Women expecting multiples have many different and unique experiences than those women who are carrying a single pregnancy. Since multiples are at a greater risk of developing complications, your healthcare provider will want to see you more frequently.

How often should I expect to visit my healthcare provider?

Your first trimester prenatal schedule may not differ from that of a single pregnancy, however you may discover that your healthcare provider wants to see you every two to three weeks. Once you enter into your second trimester you should expect to have two prenatal visits per month. During the third trimester you should anticipate weekly prenatal appointments. Your healthcare provider may change the amount of appointments based on the health of you and your babies.

Why do I need to make more frequent visits?

Women who are having multiples are at a greater risk of experiencing complications during their pregnancy. Frequent prenatal visits allow your healthcare provider to monitor both your health and the health of the babies. This allows for proper prevention, detection, and treatment of any complications that could occur. If complications were to occur then your visits would become even more frequent. Your healthcare provider will determine the exact prenatal schedule that will benefit both you and your babies.

What kind of complications will I be monitored for?

The most common complications include:

• Preterm labor
• Preeclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
• Fetal well-being
• Gestational diabetes
• Fetal demise or loss

Cajun Black Beans and Brown Rice

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Pure Wesson® Canola Oil
• 1 cup instant brown rice, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup reduced-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz each) Ranch Style® Black Beans, drained, rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz each) Hunt's® Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes with Garlic, undrained
• 1 can (10 oz each) Ro*Tel® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained

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Nutrition Information*

Serving Size	4 servings (1-1/4 cups each)
Calories	207

View complete nutrition information

Directions

1. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add rice and chili powder; cook 2 minutes or just until rice begins to turn golden brown, stirring constantly.
2. Stir in remaining ingredients until combined. Cover skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and cook 15 minutes or just until rice is tender. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff rice with fork before serving.

 

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