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Every year, my family and I go to Colorado to ski. Over spring break, we made our annual trip to Vail. Generally speaking, I ski blues confidently and vehemently avoid moguls and black diamond hills. However, over break, I was faced with the feat of skiing a black diamond. This was a complete accident as I got lost trying to ski down the mountain, and I had no other choice but to go down it. Looking down at it, I was terrified and contemplated taking off my skis and just walking down the hill. I knew this would not be a realistic endeavor because the slopes were just about to close, and there was so much traffic going down the hill. I took a deep breath and started my journey down this intimidating path. Despite how scared I was, I reminded myself to make wide turns and not to look down at the hill. Slowly but surely, curve by curve, turn by turn, I made it to the bottom safely without falling or getting an injury. I smiled, proud that I accomplished something I never imagined I would achieve.

In this stressful time as the semester wraps up, I remind myself of this moment during spring break. I was extremely overwhelmed by the sight of that black diamond hill and knew that if I skied straight down it, I would lose control and seriously injure myself. Like that hill, if you attack all of your academic and extracurricular responsibilities at once, you are going to paralyze yourself and will not effectively complete everything. We must remember to divide all of our work into manageable chunks and triage everything based on priority. Making careful turns on a black diamond hill is a perfect metaphor for this: take everything piece by piece. As college students, we are inevitably going to be faced with difficult tasks as required by our classes and activities, but our success in them depends on how we approach these hurdles. If we pile them on ourselves like a giant weight, we are the only ones impeding our success. I cannot emphasize enough how important the first step to manage life as a busy college student is to take a deep breath. We have to remember that academic stresses are like a steep, black diamond hill that must be approached with care and assiduity. Finals are approaching, and to my fellow students reading this, freshmen and seniors alike, I urge you to view them in the same way that I viewed that hill after I skied down it, unscathed. My overarching point is that some things in life can be extremely hard to deal with, but conquering them comes from effectively managing them.

Vineet Chauhan is a freshman majoring in economics and English. His column,The Genuine Freshman,runs every week on Tuesday.

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The Genuine Freshman: Take it One Turn at a Time - Daily Trojan Online

Are you scared to take medicine because of the side effects? (Photo: Michal Jarmoluk, StockSnap)

If youve ever taken any medication in your life, you have personal experience with some level of side effects related to that drugs use. The degree of side effects varies from drug to drug and person to person on a massive scale. When Ive been outside all day and my allergies are bothering me, Benadryl does manage to stop my runny nose, but it also makes me drowsy. So I end up going to bed earlier than usual, but by the next morning, Im back to normal. I once took a drug for depression that made me consistently sleep 1418 hours a day, and even when I was awake, I was almost always drowsy.

Plenty of people avoid medications entirely because of the fear of potential side effects like the ones I've had, but Im here to tell you to not give up. I understand your reasoning and your fears, but the potential benefits, for me, always outweigh the potential side effects.

I dont begrudge anyones hesitations, especially since part of it can also be related to religious beliefs. Keeping your body pure means saying no to any foreign pollutants, be they alcohol, tobacco or even medications. I cant tell you whats best for you, but I can give you my personal experience. Id ask you to keep an open mind, because "possible side effects" is a scary phrasebut it doesnt mean every medication is going to come anywhere close to ruining your life.

Basically any medication can come with side effects, but sometimes, they're so minor that you don't even notice them. The most common side effects people generally see include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dehydration and dry mouth. Antidepressants or mood stabilizers can cause dizziness, drowsiness, an increase in depression or irritability. It's more likely that you'll gain weight on these drugs, but some of them will actually cause you to lose weight. They can also disrupt sleep and have sexual side effects.

However, in my personal experience, the majority of drugs Ive taken have resulted in no side effects serious enough to stop taking them. Ive experienced two of the side effects together with a single medication only twice. Even though Ive changed medications (with my doctors supervision) several times, the primary reason has not been side effects. Its been that the drug simply wasnt helping me effectively, so we tried to find a better option.

Im not going to deny that sleeping 1418 hours a day was awful. I absolutely hated it, and I hope I never have to deal with that again. However, as bad as it was, I stopped taking that particular medication within two or three weeks. I called my doctor, explained the problem, and we switched to something else. The result? Ive been taking the second drug for six years with (as far as I can tell) no noticeable side effects.

Now, it did take time for the drug to actually help, as it required starting at a small dosage, working my way up and then eventually going back down slightly to find the right amount. However, now that Im at the right dosage, my mood swings are under much better control, and my doctor says (if Im lucky) I may never have to change what Im taking again. In the grand scheme of my life, I can now safely look back and say those few weeks of constant sleep didnt hurt me in the long run.

Were all capable of being hypochondriacs when it comes to our personal health. So although I do recommend you be aware of potential side effects of any medication, I dont recommend you go online and memorize the entire list of potential side effects of any particular drug. Why? Because then youre just as likely to have a placebo effect and confirm your worst fears as you are to actually suffer any real problems.

Its a difficult line to toe, but the best thing you can do is keep talking to your doctor about what you may be facing. Once you start taking your new medicine, keep a daily journal of as much information as you likesleep schedules, eating habits, energy levels and your overall mood. If some strange new physical effects or behaviors start to emerge, its probably time to call your doctor and research as much information as you can find.

One day, I may wake up and need a stronger dose of the medicine Im currently taking. I might wake up and realize the drug has stopped working altogether and must be replaced. Finally, even after decades of no serious problems, I could eventually have a severe reaction to the drug. Unfortunately, none of this can be predicted, because our body chemistry changes as we age, and we simply dont know what the result of that will be.

Yes, its scary, but I know the risks. I still believe that my mood and depression symptoms are greatly improved because of my medication and my doctors help. At some point, we all have to make these very personal decisions, but we shouldnt feel helpless or alone. I cant tell you whats best for you, but again, I ask you to keep an open mind. Weigh all your options individually, because its not just your own health at stake: How you feel and function help determine the quality of life for your friends and family as well.

Jay McKenzie loves soccer, history and feeling great. He's on a quest to eat better and exercise more, and he wants to share his experiences along the way. You can email him at jaymckenzie86@gmail.com with comments or questions. The opinions expressed in this column belong solely to the author, not Nooga.com or its employees.

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Fresh and Fit: Side effects shouldn't prevent you from trying new medications - Nooga.com

TLC's bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan gets some pretty dramatic weight loss from his gastric bypass surgery patients. You're probably wondering how "My 600-lb Life" patients like Chad Dean shed 300-400 pounds. The reality TV doc shared his secrets and you're in for a surprise. What's not on Dr. Now's bariatric surgery diet is as shocking as what is.

Dr. Nowzaradan of "#My 600-lb Life" has a cult following among patients and rightly so. He has saved their lives. They lovingly call him "Dr. Now" and the nickname fits. The good doctor demands immediate action to end morbid obesity. And that begins with weight loss prior to gastric sleeve implant. Patients like 850-lb Steven Assanti and 900-lb Sean Milliken are too dangerously overweight to safely undergo procedures. They have to lose weight to get weight loss surgery. And Dr. Now knows there's not much time before lymphedema, cellulitis and lifestyle diseases kill them. So, his 800-calorie diet is ruthless but necessary.

Before surgery, the reality television physician puts "My 600-lb Life" patients on an essentially liquid diet of 800 calories. Once they drop enough weight, patients live independently in Houston for a few months while awaiting gastric bypass surgery. This is in part because they need to demonstrate that they can control eating habits and continue to lose weight when not under medical care.

After bariatric surgery, the stomach is significantly smaller. So food must efficiently meet their needs without adding bulk. And you might be surprised to learn that vegetables are the bulk-adding culprit. So why then do all diets suggest eating mostly fruits and vegetables? For people who need to shed less weight, eating fruits and vegetables works. But not for those with reduced stomach capacity. The reality TV doc explains that vegetables fill the stomach without curbing hunger. Dr. Now's diet increases veggie intake after patients get used to the new routine.

Protein and fiber are critical. Protein intake is controversial and Dr. Now's diet calls for 60 grams a day. But, he cautions, not all protein is created equal. Patients need to balance caloric intake and portion control so they must eat small servings (3-4 ounces) of low-calorie protein (with no transfat or saturated fat) like fish, white meat chicken and turkey, nuts and seeds, beans and lowfat dairy. This gives more bang for the buck. Fiber flushes the system, provides essential fatty acids and burns fat. #RealityTV #Weightloss

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'My 600-lb Life' Dr Now's bariatric weight loss diet, anti-obesity foods shock - Blasting News

By Sarah Toy, Special to the Telegram & Gazette

BOSTON Alejandra Duartes former job at a Worcester industrial laundry facility wasnt easy. It involved a lot of heavy work packing and transporting up to 600 pounds on a routine basis. When she became pregnant, she told her supervisor and asked for a lighter workload.

Instead, her supervisor increased her workload and hours. Duarte saw her number of 10-hour shifts increase from four to five and was given the additional responsibility of training new workers.

She said I could accept the work as it was or stop working there, Duarte told the Legislatures Committee on Labor and Workforce Development during an April hearing, testifying in support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

The bill (H 1038/S 1023) would require employers to offer pregnant women reasonable accommodations as long as they do not pose undue hardship on the employer. The law would also protect workers from being denied opportunities based on the need for accommodation and from being required to take leave if reasonable accommodations could be made.

Duarte told lawmakers she continued to work the increased load because she didnt feel like she had other options; she was undocumented at the time and did not speak much English. She couldnt afford to lose her job with a baby on the way, she said.

One Sunday, after working a series of 10-hour shifts at the laundry facility, Duarte said she felt a sudden sharp pain in her abdomen. The next day, she found that she was bleeding and went to see her physician, who told her she would lose her baby.

Five days later, she gave birth to a stillborn boy.

Walking through the hospital hallways empty-handed was one of the hardest things I have ever done, she said, her voice breaking. She returned to work soon afterward, she said, because she could not afford to lose her wages.

I am very hurt and angry by the way I was treated, she said. Women getting pregnant is a normal part of life, and workplaces should be prepared to help them work safely.

Stories like Duartes are what make passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act so important, said Linda Matys OConnell, the acting executive director of advocacy group MotherWoman.

As the law stands, only a worker with a disability has the right to seek changes to their job, but the legal definition of a disability specifically excludes a normal pregnancy, according to Rebecca G. Pontikes of the Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association.

This is where you get the loophole that pregnant women fall through, said Pontikes.

During a normal pregnancy, a woman can experience back pain, swollen ankles and an increased need to urinate, according to Dr. Julia Johnson, the chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UMass Memorial Medical Center and a professor at UMass Medical School.

Issues like these may require certain accommodations, said Johnson. She tells her patients to be careful about lifting too much weight and to avoid rigorous activities that may affect their back and legs.

If their job does involve strenuous activity, its important for them to talk about it with their employer, she said. In pregnancy, you do have to be careful with those things.

In 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health published clinical guidelines for occupational lifting in uncomplicated pregnancies, recommending certain weight limits based on different stages of pregnancy.

Johnson thinks it is important for employers to provide frequent or longer bathroom breaks for pregnant employees. She also thinks businesses should provide an area for expressing breast milk. Both accommodations are in the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Other accommodations in the bill include providing seating, lighter duty, assistance with manual labor and temporary transfer to less strenuous or less hazardous positions, if needed.

Christopher J. Crowley, executive vice president and treasurer of Worcester-based Polar Beverages, said work at their plant is mostly automated but inevitably involves heavy lifting, with cases of soda weighing between 22 and 40 pounds.

When youve got a pregnant woman working for you, you wont have her hurling cases around, he said. When someones pregnant and working 10 or 12 hours a day, take a break. Go sit down.

Polar doesnt have a company policy when it comes to accommodations for pregnant women, he said.

You just have to use common sense and common decency, he said. I havent had a scenario when Ive had to say no.

He acknowledged that a large employer like Polar may find it easier to accommodate pregnant workers than smaller companies.

We have many more options, he said.

Rep. David M. Rogers, D-Cambridge, the lead sponsor of the House bill, said the commonwealth owed everyone an equal opportunity to be successful.

There was evidence brought to me that pregnant women in the commonwealth were experiencing what is essentially discrimination, he said. Its not good for women, but its not good for us as a society either.

He said he was optimistic about the bill being passed this legislative session.

This is the first one out of the gate thats been endorsed by the Speaker of the House, he said. Speaker Robert A. DeLeo has expressed support for the legislation and in early March said the House would take up the bill as soon as possible.

A similar bill ran into resistance last legislative session when the Associated Industries of Massachusetts took issue with it. MotherWoman then worked with AIM to develop the current draft, which AIM now supports.

Christopher P. Geehern, AIMs executive vice president of marketing and communications, said AIM had never objected to the issue of pregnancy accommodations. The problem was last sessions bill itself.

Were pleased to support the bill this year, he said.

OConnell of MotherWoman said she was satisfied with what they came up with.

Pregnant women are not asking for privilege, said OConnell. We are just asking for a level playing field.

Sarah Toy is a graduate student in theBoston University Statehouse Program.Material from the State House News Service was used in this report.

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Pregnant Workers Fairness Act fills loopholes in state, federal law - Worcester Telegram

Do you ever wonder how TLC's Dr. Younan Nowzaradan gets such dramatic weight-loss results from his gastric bypass patients on "#My 600-lb Life"? Thanks to the good doctor, show participants like Chad Dean and Sean Milliken (to name recent ones) have shed hundreds of pounds. The reality television surgeon dished up his famous baratric surgery diet. And what's on the menu might surprise you!

Before gastric bypass surgery on "My 600-lb Life," patients must lose weight. Does this shock you? Many people think #Bariatric Surgery will fix obesity in one fell swoop. They don't realize that there is "homework" before they can have a gastric sleeve (or other device) implanted. The purpose of this is two-fold. Most patients come to the reality TV show far too overweight to safely undergo surgery. Steven Assanti weighed 853 pounds. Losing weight before surgery is also an act of good faith. It proves to Dr. Now that patients will follow through.

With the morbidly obese, the bariatric surgeon doesn't have time to mess around. They are dying of infections like cellulitis. Crippling lymphedema tumors destroy joints and become infected, and not one vital organ isn't hurt by extra weight. Diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart failure and other diseases compound health risks. Dr. Now is well nicknamed as he literally has to act now. He expects patients to lose 50 pounds a month, and they do on his rigid 800-calorie a day diet.

Patients often think that Dr. Nowzaradan expects them to lose weight too fast. 50 pounds in a month is a lot for a normal sized person. But these are abnormally obese people whose weight is snowballing. They can shed 50 pounds in a month because they gain that fast, eating 5-10 times what the average person eats. 800 calories is extreme but only temporary while they're in the hospital. Patients are allowed 1,200 calories daily living independently prior to surgery. Those who follow the bariatric surgery diet, like Chad Dean, lose. Those that don't, like James K, don't.

The diet focuses on daily nutrient quantities as much as calories. Dr. Now talks in ounces of food, recommending 6-8 ounces of protein for men and less for women. But he also makes patients eat 60 grams a day. So protein sources have to be lean and efficient. He encourages dairy for protein and calcium. Bread sources need to contain high fiber to burn fat. The diet cuts soda, refined sugar and transfat and boosts MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids). But Nowzaradan realizes that patients need some sweets or they'll never manage. He recommends fruits with seeds (blueberries and strawberries) for fiber. After surgery, patients avoid vegetables as they add bulk without curbing hunger. Later, veggies are added in.

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'My 600-lb Life': Dr. Now dishes up surprising gastric bypass weight-loss diet - Blasting News

Spring and summer time go hand in hand with outdoor fun, sporting events and other family activities.

The summer is also known as trauma season for emergency departments as Florida temperatures rise and children are out of school.

But there are simple precautions you can take especially when going to outdoor events such as The Players Championship.

1. Stay hydrated. Heat illnesses are serious and can cause your organs to shut down if severe enough. Drink plenty of liquids, preferably water or sports drinks. Some events will have bottled water or water stations to fill your own water bottles. The key is to stay hydrated to replenish sodium and other electrolytes you lose when sweating.

2. Wear proper clothing and footwear. Light-weight, loose fitting clothes with light colors and hats also help to keep you cool.

Many activities involve a lot of walking. But be sure to wear proper tennis or walking shoes. High heels can lead to falls and broken ankles while flip flops or sandals can invite insect bites and sunburns on your feet.

3. Continuously apply sunscreen. Keep sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, on throughout the day and be sure to reapply every two hours to maintain proper protection. Take advantage of shading or indoor facilities. Even though you may feel great, its good to go inside and take a break.

Visitors from northern states or other countries often are not used to Floridas temperatures and underestimate the heat. Ninety degrees here does not feel the same as 90 degrees in New York City because of the humidity. The sun here is much more powerful than people realize.

4. Dont overdo. Bring a chair and rest, if needed. If you start to feel sick, be sure you know where the first aid stations are located or ask. Some warning signs of heat exhaustion are weak and rapid pulse rate, fast and shallow breathing, low blood pressure, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and fainting.

In the event of a cardiac arrest, many large public venues also now have automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which are portable devices that can deliver an electric shock to the heart.

5. Bring a daily supply of your medicines. If you take a prescription such as for diabetes or high blood pressure, dont forget to take your medicine and/or insulin as scheduled.

6. Be aware of your surroundings. In this day and age, its always important to stay alert and pay attention to any unexpected situations that may occur or even just severe weather. Know where exits are located and how to safely leave an event.

Summer is a fun time, but when youre outdoors, remember to be aware of the temperatures and the environment around you. I want your summer to be a safe and healthy one.

Jeffrey Smowton, MD, is board-certified as an emergency medical specialist and internist, and is also chief of emergency medicine at Baptist Medical Center Beaches, 1350 13th Avenue South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

Free skin cancer screenings sponsored by Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center will take place at The Players on Thursday through Sunday, May 11-14, in a private tent adjacent to Baptist Healths First Aid Station, near the Nicklaus Gate and across from The Grove.

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Simple steps to stay healthy during outdoor sporting events - Florida Times-Union

If you notice a few of your hardworking, community-minded friends are looking a bit refreshed lately and you know darn well that with fundraiser season in full bloom, they havent had time to sneak in surgery then its probably the work of the team at Esprit Medical Spa.

CoolSculpting, is a great fat (and age) reducer in the chin area, and local women have discovered the process is pain-free and results happen within weeks, after multiple treatments.

And the chin is that special area that does not discriminate between women who are thin and those who are not.

When it comes to the chin, weight loss doesnt really matter. Its hereditary, Amy Renner Austin, MSN, FNP-BC, said Some can lose weight and still have the chin.

CoolSculpting is an innovative fat freezing technology designed to safely target and kill fat cells without damaging surrounding tissue. Once fat cells are treated they are gone for good as the body naturally processes the fat and eliminates the dead cells.

The team at Esprit has been booking appointments for beach season, as well; the most popular procedures at the spa are for the areas of the lower abdomen and the flanks (love handles).

There are lot of people interested in the treatment, Austin said.

There is no surgery, no needles, no downtime associated with the CoolSculpting treatments that are FDA-cleared as safe and effective. Most patients return to normal activity immediately after the procedures and most patients see results after one session. Some treatment plans may require multiple sessions just depending on desired results.

It is not weight loss. It is targeted fat reduction for those problem areas, Austin said. We can treat under the chin, back fat, bra fat, abdomen, flanks/sides, inner/outer thigh, underneath the buttock and the arms.

Esprit Medical Spa is operated by the medical professionals of HealthStar Physicians, including Austin, Mikki Brooks, FNP-BC and three trained nurses, under the supervision of Dr. Bonnie Vick. The spa is located in the Family Practice area of the main HealthStar facility at 420 W. Morris Blvd.

Pricing for the various CoolSculpting procedures is determined on a case-by-case basis.

It is priced by the applicator, Austin said. Someone may come in and need two applicators; someone else may need four applicators. There are different needs for different areas: abdomen, flank, banana roll (just below the butt) and bra fat, both front and back.

The FDA approval for CoolSculpting treatments means a number of trials were completed by the agency It means the procedure is safe, with no permanent damage, Austin said. There is very little discomfort, if any, experienced. Any redness dissipates within 15 to 20 minutes; there may be slightly more on the flank areas. Ive never had a patient have significant bruising.

Most of the procedures are completed within 45 minutes or less. The areas of the outer thigh can take up to 75 minutes, Austin said. The spa offers private areas with television screens and selections of movies for patients.

We turn off the lights; they watch a movie and then they go, Austin said.

Austin has been doing CoolSculpting for about six months and said the response has been good.

We have people who come in and get their belly done, then they want to have their flanks done, or vice-versa, Austin said. The oldest person was 85; the youngest was 23; we do all age ranges. It is safe for basically everybody and anybody.

The procedures are considered cosmetic and are not covered by insurance; however, Esprit Medical Spa offers Care Credit financing.

Consultations are free; the spa also offers Botox and Juviderm and other fillers.

For any spa service, we do free consultation, Austin said. We can talk to you about pricing, options and all that stuff. We discuss risks, side effects and look at your health history. We also talk about expectations. We will tell people who are very obsese, it will reduce some fat, but you are not going to see dramatic weight loss. It is targeted fat reduction.

CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to target and kill only these fat cells. Cooling is applied causing fat cells to undergo apoptosis (cellular death) and they begin to collapse. Over the next 8-12 weeks the body uses its natural macrophages to digest and consume the dead fat cells and lipids within the cells.It doesnt impact an individuals kidneys, liver or cholesterol.

After treatment, about 20 percent of fat cells are destroyed in the treated area. This means permanently less fat in the treated area. Untreated areas have no change.If an individual gains a lot of weight after his or her procedure, the remaining fat cells in the area can enlarge, but there will still be fewer fat cells present there.

HealthStar Family Practice is located near the west entrance of the main HealthStar building in downtown Morristown, first doors on the left. For more information, or to make an appointment for a consultation, call 423-586-2410.

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Cool Care: Esprit brings chilling new technology to the Lakeway Area - Citizentribune

Riley the 7-month-old pit bull is returned safely to the Santa Maria Animal Shelter. (Santa Barbara County Animal Services / Facebook photo)

Riley the 7-month-old pit bull is returned safely to the Santa Maria Animal Shelter. (Santa Barbara County Animal Services / Facebook photo)

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Riley, a 7-month-old pit bull stolen from the Santa Maria Animal Shelter on April 13 has been returned.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department made the announcement on Wednesday. According to the press statement, Riley was returned to the shelter by a "local animal advocate."

A Facebook post by the Santa Barbara County Animal Services identifies the animal advocate as Debbie Warren.

The Public Health Department did not provide details on how Warren got possession of Riley, or whether law enforcement was involved. KCOY 12 spoke with Warren who did not want to go on camera, but said a tip led her to Riley's whereabouts.

The individual that stole Riley from the shelter has not been arrested at this time.

Riley was checked out by a veterinarian at the Santa Maria Animal Shelter and appears to be in good health despite having lost some weight.

The following statement from the Public Health Department reads:

"We look forward to finding Riley and all adoptable shelter animals their forever homes.Santa Barbara County Animal Services would like to thank the community for their support during this time. Thousands of Facebook and other social media posts made a big impact to help with the safe return of Riley."

KCOY 12 Central Coast News, KKFX Fox 11 News, and NewsChannel 3 will have a full report tonight. We will update this story as new information becomes available.

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Riley, 7-month-old pit bull, returned safely to animal shelter - KEYT - KEYT

WOODTV.com

Learn to manage your weight at Mary Free Bed WOODTV.com The hospital has had patients who were unable to safely have surgery until they lose weight (i.e. hip and knee replacements). In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say nearly 70% of adults in the United States are overweight. The goal ...

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Learn to manage your weight at Mary Free Bed - WOODTV.com

Serena Williams at the Australian Open in 2016.

Editor's note: On Wednesday April 20, Serena Williams confirmed she is pregnant.

Tennis star Serena Williams hinted today that she may be pregnant, but is it safe for her to continue serving up hard hits on the court while she's expecting?

Earlier today (April 19), Williams, who is 35 and recently got engaged, posted a picture of herself to Snapchat with the caption "20 weeks," according to Sports Illustrated. However, Williams later deleted the post. If Williams' pregnancy began 20 weeks ago, this would mean that she was pregnant when she won the Australian Open in January.

Experts say that, in general, playing tennis is safe for pregnant women, at least in early pregnancy, although it could be risky in later pregnancy.

"Tennis is still a good sport for the average woman who's pregnant because it is a moderate cardiovascular form of activity," said Dr. Jonathan Schaffir, an obstetrician/gynecologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, who is not involved in Williams' care. However, pregnant women should play at the level they are accustomed to playing, Schaffir said. This means that, because Williams is conditioned to play at a high level, she could continue to play at that level in early pregnancy, Schaffir said. But for the average woman, it wouldn't be advisable to play for as long or as intensity as Williams does, he noted.

Williams is "an elite athlete who is probably in peak physical form," Schaffir said. "The kind of tennis that [she] plays is a much higher intensity and duration" than what the average woman plays, he said. [11 Big Fat Pregnancy Myths]

Pregnant women should speak with their health care provider before starting any exercise regimen during pregnancy, Schaffir said.

In general, if a woman is otherwise healthy and isn't at high risk for certain complications during pregnancy, she can safely engage in most types of exercise, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). In fact, regular exercise during pregnancy has a number of health benefits, including reducing back pain, decreasing the risk of gestational diabetes, strengthening the heart and blood vessels, and promoting healthy weight during pregnancy, ACOG said.

However, pregnant women are generally advised to avoid sports that put them at increased risk for falls, including downhill skiing, water skiing, surfing, off-road cycling, gymnastics and horseback riding, according to ACOG. Women are also advised to avoid sports that could put them at risk of getting hit in the belly, such as ice hockey, boxing, soccer and basketball.

Schaffir said he doesn't consider tennis to be a sport to avoid in early pregnancy, because there is a low risk of an impact to the body. However, later in pregnancy, a woman experiences changes to her body that could make playing tennis harder and more risky, and therefore not advisable, Schaffir said. [Blossoming Body: 8 Odd Changes That Happen During Pregnancy]

For example, pregnant women experience a shift in their center of gravity as their belly gets larger, which makes them more likely to lose their balance or fall, ACOG said. In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the joints to become more relaxed, which increases the risk for injury particularly if a woman makes sudden, quick movements.

Schaffir said that, because of these changes, he did not think that Williams would be able to continue to play at her usual high level in the later stages of her pregnancy.

"There are concerns [about] playing activities that involve quick turns and sharp movements in the end of pregnancy," and so pregnant women may have to stop or modify their play in these cases, he said.

All women who exercise in pregnancy should make sure to stay properly hydrated, because pregnant women may get dehydrated more quickly, Schaffir said. Pregnant women should also listen to their body while exercising if they feel lightheaded, dizzy, fatigued or short of breath, they should stop what they're doing and rest, he said.

Original article on Live Science.

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Serena Williams May Be Pregnant: How Safe is Tennis In Pregnancy? - Live Science

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