In many modern societies people are waiting longer to start their families, often until their early or mid thirties.  Because of this, questions have arisen about how age affects the ability of a woman to get pregnant.

Women typically have a decrease in fertility beginning in their early 30s.  On average, a woman in her mid-30s or older will take longer to conceive than a younger woman.  At age 30 to 35, fertility is 15 to 20 percent below maximum.  From age 35 to 39, the decrease is 25 to 50 percent.  From 40 to 45, the decrease is 50 to 95 percent.

Age-related declines in fertility may be at least partly due to less frequent ovulation or to other problems such as endometriosis.  Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to that lining the uterus attaches to the ovaries or fallopian tubes and interferes with conception.

If you are over 35 and trying to conceive, you should see a physician after trying for around six months.  Some studies have shown that about one-third of women between age 35 and 39 and two-thirds of women over 40 have fertility problems.  When they do get pregnant, women older than 35 may have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and placenta previa. There is also a potentially higher risk of having a baby with low birth weight, and of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.

Many cases of infertility can be treated successfully.  While women over age 35 may have more difficulty conceiving, they also have a greater chance of bearing twins. The likelihood of naturally conceived (without fertility treatment) twins peaks between ages 35 and 39.

Eating disorders among men are on the rise, with recent NHS findings showing that as many as a quarter of people who suffer from eating disorders are male.
The NHS Information Centre (NHS IC) research – The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007 – published last month, surveyed 7,461 people in England over 16. It found that an alarming 6.4 per cent of adults had a problem with food, a figure much higher than previously thought.
Females are ten times more likely than males to suffer from anorexia or bulimia, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. However, the NHS research suggests that eating disorders are becoming more common in boys and men.
Eating disorders in men can take different forms to those in women, as they “tend to be more focused on body image,” Mary George from eating disorder charity Beat, said. She explained that “visits to the gym become obsessive as does the desire to change body shape – this then becomes accompanied by controlling calorie intake which leads to a full blown eating disorder.”

Common disorders
The most common forms of eating disorder are anorexia nervosa, where individuals starve themselves and excessively exercise to lose weight, and bulimia, in which they binge on food and then purge through vomiting or laxative use. Anorexia accounts for around one in ten cases in adults, according to figures from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), whereas bulimia accounts for a third of all cases, with other disorders such as compulsive eating making up the rest.
The disorders can range in severity and can be a major cause of serious psychological distress. The physical impact of a disorder such as anorexia can be devastating, resulting in drastic weight loss, low mood, a loss of periods in women, and in more acute cases, heart problems and osteoporosis.
In its eating disorder guidelines, NICE states that some studies have identified eating disorders as having the highest mortality rate of all mental disorders, illustrating the potential severity of these disorders.

A taboo subject
“Many men don’t realise that they have an eating disorder and are reluctant to seek help when they do feel they have a problem,” commented Beat’s Mary George on why eating disorders are usually associated with women.
The silence surrounding male anorexia and bulimia has meant the issue has become something of a taboo subject, but it was cast under the spotlight last year when former deputy prime minister, John Prescott, admitted that he had suffered from bulimia in the past.
Following Mr Prescott’s revelation, Ms George said the charity’s helplines “had ten times the normal number of calls for men who hadn’t realised they had an eating disorder until then.”
The authors of the NHS survey concluded that although research into male eating disorders was expanding, “men with eating disorders are a group that have been neglected in research, policy and clinical practice in this area”.

A complex issue – for both sexes
Problems with food can begin when it is used to cope with those times when someone is bored, anxious, angry, lonely, ashamed or sad, or when it is used as a crutch to help relieve painful situations, says Beat.
The recent tragic death of 18 year-old Alice Rae refocuses from beyond the statistics the very real and human cost of anorexia. Alice died in January of this year; found dead in bed by her mother at the family home in Houghton, Hampshire, after battling with anorexia.
The fashion industry has come under recent scrutiny for its promotion of ’size zero’ models and the message this gives out to young women about body image. But specialists, such as the National Centre for Eating Disorders, suggest reasons why someone should develop an eating disorder are complex, and each case is individual. Factors such as low self-esteem, family relationships, problems with friends, dealing with grief, problems at work or university, or sexual or emotional abuse can all play a part.

Help at hand?
Eating disorders are serious mental health issues and can be very distressing for both those with the disorder and their families, as studies show.
According to a report published by Beat in February 2008 entitled Failing Families?, 79 per cent of families surveyed said that an eating disorder had caused lasting damage to their lives. Relationship breakdown; problems at work caused by the need to take time off to provide care and support; damage to friendships and social life and a negative impact on other children in the family were all listed as factors.
Despite NICE guidance advising that “families and carers should be informed of self help and support groups and offered the opportunity to participate in such groups”, Beat’s survey found that only 12 per cent of families felt they had access to the amount of support they needed and 23 per cent had no support at all.
The NHS survey reinforces this need for improved support and treatment of those with eating disorders, finding that four in five adults (81 per cent) who screened positive for an eating disorder were not receiving any counseling, medication or therapy for a mental or emotional problem.
In response to the NHS report findings, Conservative health spokesperson Anne Milton said: “These figures are shocking. We are failing to get across to young people today the dangers they face when they abuse food. At one end of the scale we have some frightening statistics on obesity and on the other end of the scale we have many people suffering from this tragic illness.”

The food you eat has a huge impact on your body’s long term performance.
Given this – and the fact that we’re basically on a slow decline to death from the moment we’re born – you’d think we’d care more about what goes into our mouths. Instead, we gorge ourselves on fast food and spend thousands of dollars on anti-aging “miracle” treatments that claim to undo the years of damaged we’ve inflicted on ourselves by ingesting things we can’t even pronounce.
There are plenty of foods, however, that can nourish you and help keep age-related demons like cancer, dementia and osteoporosis at bay. They’ll also whittle your waistline, which is something that study after study shows increases longevity and improves overall health.

Here is a list of eight foods you should add to your diet in order to add years to your life :

1. Garlic
Garlic is a nutritional superstar that adds a wealth of taste to dishes without adding excess calories. Allicin, which is responsible for garlic’s strong smell and biting flavor, is an extremely potent antioxidant, and research published by the National Academy of Sciences shows that eating garlic appears to boost the body’s natural supply of hydrogen sulfide, which is manufactured by the body as an antioxidant and means of transmitting cellular signals that relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. Dr. David W. Kraus, associate professor of environmental science and biology at the University of Alabama and author of a large-scale study on the health benefits of garlic, advises crushing garlic and letting it sit for 15 minutes before cooking it in order to trigger a reaction that boosts the healthy compounds in the plant.

2. Eggs
Experts used to believe egg yolks were extremely unhealthy, they’ve now revised their assertions to recognize the benefits of the nine essential amino acids and six grams of healthy protein contained in one egg. Eggs also contain lutein (helpful in the prevention of macular degeneration), zeaxanthin (similarly good for your eyes and possibly helpful in preventing cataracts), and choline (important in the regulation of the brain, nervous and cardiovascular systems); they’re also one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring Vitamin D. Note that lack of Vitamin D is the cause of many cancers, but especially of breast and prostrate cancer. You should also know that there is no real link between egg consumption and heart disease. The link between Hollandaise sauce and butt flab is well-documented, however, so please ease up on the Benedict.

3. Blueberries
According to a study conducted by Tufts University, the pigments, or anthocyanins, in blueberries appear to be an antidote to oxidative stress, one of the main components of the aging process. They also help your brain produce dopamine, which is critical to happiness, memory and coordination. Tufts researchers found that ½-cup of blueberries daily effectively reversed declining memory and loss of coordination in laboratory rats. Frozen blueberries make a great addition to protein shakes or yogurt, and fresh berries are delicious as an alternative to the sugary candy that will make you fat and probably kill you.

4. Leafy Greens
Spinach and kale – the stuff that made you gag when you were younger but also made Popeye strong enough to fight dudes three times his size – are full of antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds like sulforaphane, beta carotene, vitamin C, and fiber. Spinach is also loaded with folate, which was shown by an Australian study published by the Journal of Nutrition to dramatically improve short-term memory. Greens are a great thickener for soups and smoothies, but they’re also far more delicious than you remember when sautéed in olive oil, salt and pepper.

5. Broccoli
Another dark-green, antioxidant-rich veggie, broccoli is part of the Cruciferous family of plants that aids the body in fighting against toxins and many forms of cancer. Several nutritional experts believe that eating broccoli raw or steamed helps to preserve important enzymes that are lost in the cooking process, but any broccoli is good broccoli when it comes to its overall health benefits. Broccoli is also a plant source of calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis later in life and aid in the body’s absorption of Vitamin D.

6. Salmon
You’ve probably heard by now that oily fish like salmon and tuna help to prevent heart disease by keeping arteries lubricated, but salmon is also an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which, according to omega-3 expert Stephen Cunane, Ph.D., are essential to brain development and health. In fact, Alzheimer’s rates in different countries are consistent with the amount of fish present in the average citizen’s diet. Omega-3’s are also known to aid in weight loss, improve mood and help soothe certain skin conditions. Be mindful of where your fish comes from, though: wild salmon get their adorable pink color from eating krill and shrimp, but farmed salmon are fed food coloring to achieve the same hue. Wild Atlantic Salmon is currently thought to be the safest salmon option.

7. Beets
Doug was right; beets really are nature’s candy. They’re surprisingly sweet, especially considering their low calorie content (approximately 22/beet), and they contain folic acid, one of the most important B vitamins. Preliminary research demonstrates that Betanin, an antioxidant found in the vegetable, could play a significant role in the prevention of heart disease by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Animal studies also show that eating beets significantly slows the growth of skin and lung cancers, so these babies are poised to become disease-fighting superstars in the not-so-distant future.

8. Flaxseed
Just like salmon, flaxseeds are chock-full of Omega-3 fatty acids (and happen to be one of the few plant sources of that provide the nutrient). Being plants, they also contain several phytoestrogens (as the name suggests, plant estrogen that mimics the healthful effects of estrogen in the body), one of which is lignin, now thought to improve cholesterol, as well as easily absorbed plant protein. Ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil can be added to everything from oatmeal to pasta dishes in lieu of fattier and more expensive fish.

When babies are teething, they’re generally miserable from the pain, swelling and tenderness in their gums. In this article we describe the symptoms of teething and give you a few simple things to do.

What are the symptoms of toddler teething?
Most parents find that problems associated with teething improve after their baby’s first few teeth have broken through. Then, just after his first birthday, the dreaded symptoms return:
• red and swollen gums
• red flushed cheek or face
• ear rubbing on the same side as the erupting tooth
• sleepless nights
• loss of appetite
• gum rubbing, biting or sucking
• general unhappiness

The reason is likely to be the arrival of his molars, the large teeth at the back of the mouth. Big and blunt, these teeth can take a while to push through, causing pain and misery in the meantime. (You may remember the ache your wisdom teeth created when they arrived which will give you an idea of what your toddler is going through). Plus, once the first teeth are through, the rest of the teeth may erupt in clusters, some on the same day or within five days of each other.

Some parents report that their baby develops a high temperature, loose bowel movements or diarrhoea just before a tooth breaks through. Most experts do not believe that teething causes these conditions, as they don’t occur consistently when a baby is teething. It’s best to treat them as completely separate problems and always consult a doctor if necessary.

What are the best ways to soothe painful gums?
Gentle pressure with something cool is often the best way to relieve the pain of teething. You could simply rub his gums with your finger though you need to be a little careful: he may well object to the intrusion and tell you so with a painful bite! Better still give your toddler something else to chew on:

• A peeled, raw carrot straight from the fridge or a frozen stick of cucumber or banana is good for him to chew on and is a useful shape to reach the precise spot that is hurting him. Stay with him when he is eating it, however, to make sure he doesn’t choke on any pieces he bites off.
• A cool dessert spoon or partly-frozen wet flannel to chew on are also useful tools and offer interesting textures to keep him amused.
• A cool teething ring or dummy may also help

You may find that your toddler will lose his appetite when he is teething. Chilled foods, like yoghurt or simple fruit purees, will soothe his gums and may be more tempting.

Drinking from a breast or bottle can be a particular problem. Sucking causes more blood to rush to the swollen areas, making them particularly sensitive. Drinking from a cup may be easier for him in the short-term. There will be times, however, when your toddler will reject all of these offerings and at these moments, a cuddle is the best therapy you can supply.

Should I use teething gels or homeopathic remedies?
Teething gels usually contain a local anaesthetic and an antiseptic or disinfectant, which work together to ease the pain and prevent infection. A little rubbed onto the sore gum with a clean finger has a numbing effect that lasts for about 20 minutes. Do not use teething gels more than six times a day.

If you are still breastfeeding, you should avoid using them immediately before a feed as they can numb your child’s tongue, making it hard for him to suck successfully. They might also numb your areola (the dark skin around your nipple) making feeding difficult for both of you.

Many mums swear by homeopathic granules (available from chemists). These come in small sachets that you pour into your toddler’s mouth. You can also get powders or tablets to dissolve in warm, cooled boiled water as a drink. Check that the brand you are buying is sugar-free. Some teething granules contain lactose or other ingredients ending with “~ose”. These are forms of sugar so check the label carefully.

Sugar is a prime cause of tooth decay so you don’t want to be covering your toddler’s new pearly white teeth in it at regular intervals throughout the day.

Should I give infant paracetamol?
If all else fails, and your toddler is in real distress, give him the correct dose of infant paracetamol. It’s an effective pain killer and can make him feel more comfortable quite quickly.

However, make sure that there isn’t something else causing him to be upset. Ear infections are often mistaken for teething and will need medical attention. Also, if he has a high temperature, or if he cannot be comforted, you should certainly consult your doctor as it is unlikely to be due to teething.
How long will teething last?

The good news is that you are now on the home straight. In most children, the teeth erupt as follows:
• first, (anterior) molars come through between 12 to14 months.
• next, the canines (the pointed teeth on each side at the front), which rarely cause problems, appear between 16 to 18 months.
• then, the second (posterior) molars arrive between 22 to 30 months

There is some variation in when teeth erupt from child to child, but children usually have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they are two and a half years old. Some may still be teething at three years old. Your child will keep these first teeth until sometime around his sixth birthday when he will reach his next dental milestone: the loss of his first milk tooth.