Health

6 Health Tips For Women to Achieve a Healthy and Successful IVF Process

Published

5 years ago

May 13, 2020

As with any big medical procedure, there is plenty of prep time before the big day. Some of these procedures are performed at a clinic or hospital and involve a team of doctors and nurses, machines, and so many wires and needles your head may start to spin.

Other methods can be done from your home and don’t take a lot of effort at all. IVF is no different.

For couples who are looking to start a family, you may have looked into the various procedures and methods that are available for conception. Of course, there is the natural way, but couples may have been unable to conceive, thus turning to various assisted reproductive techniques. IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is one such technique.

By leading a healthy lifestyle and careful planning, this is what’s going to give you the greatest chance of IVF success. Below, we’re going to go over some tips and how they can help you.

Health Tips to Get Your Body Ready For IVF Success

1. Leafy Greens

It’s something that you’ve been hearing since you were a small child, “Eat your vegetables!” Why does it have to be that one of the most nutritional parts of your meal has to be the most disgusting?

When it comes to eating vegetables, you should be targeting those leafy greens, like spinach and kale. Mix them with some extra virgin olive oil and add them to a salad or morning omelet. Leafy greens are high in folic acid, which plays a pivotal role in preventing any possibility of birth defects.

They will also provide a solid amount of fiber to your diet. In fact, reports show that fiber intake during pregnancy reduces your risk for celiac disease.

2. Fruit

Like peas in a pod, you can’t talk about vegetables without eventually talking about fruit. Fruit is just as important to your diet and you should be making those a regular snack.

Two fruits to target before your IVF treatment are oranges and strawberries, both of which have a high level of folic acid. It’s easy to incorporate them as they’re so delicious.

3. Healthy Fats

Even though “fat” has had a negative connotation connected to food for quite some time now, there are plenty of healthy fats you can consume to improve your overall health as well as the health of your eggs.

Turn away from saturated fats found in red meat or dairy products and make sure you’re consuming foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados, extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

That means you can devour guacamole and substitute the nuts and seeds as snacks instead of relying on chips or cookies.

4. Lean Meats and Less Dairy

Combining these two L-themed tips, you should get your protein from lean meats by stocking up on chicken, fish, and turkey. When you’re choosing fish in the supermarket, make sure you’re avoiding any deep-sea fish that are likely to be high in mercury.

With your dairy products, limit your milk and cheese intake. A glass of milk a day is fine because it’s going to provide you with the calcium you need. It’s also a good idea to switch to low-fat dairy products overall.

5. Things To Cut Out

There are certain things you should be cutting out of your diet and lifestyle completely, such as salt, smoking, drinking, and staying out late. Staying out late is a big one simply because rest is detrimental to the overall functioning of your body. According to sleepfoundation.org, some of the best ways to ensure you get proper sleep is to create a sleep schedule and even to exercise aids in a good night’s sleep.

Salt is also something that needs to be cut out and substituted with something else. You can substitute salt with various herbs and spices instead, as salt can dehydrate you over time. Cut out high caffeine use as well. Smoking should definitely be on the out with you and your partner, as that affects both your long-term health and the chance of IVF success.

An occasional glass of red wine isn’t going to hurt anything, but those nights of going out or after-work drinks should probably be cut out from your diet as well.

6. Plenty of Exercise

The best rule is to keep doing what you’ve been doing, but don’t push yourself too much. Now is not the time to start training for a marathon or beat your latest CrossFit mark… you’re preparing your body for IVF and a potential pregnancy, so go easy on the workouts.

If there’s one thing you should cut back on, it’s running. Running usually has adverse effects on pregnancy and should be replaced with light jogging, hiking, a spin class, and even swimming. If you’re not exercising, then it’s time to start. Plan a short walk every day with your partner to make sure you’re moving and staying active.

Planning Ahead

These tips are definitely ways to improve your chances of IVF success but it’s also important to be realistic and understand that every woman’s body react differently to the process… meaning there’s a chance that you could get pregnant and there’s a chance that it may not happen. But by implementing these health tips, you’re giving yourself a better chance at IVF success.

Health

Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, Discusses The Hidden Healthcare Crisis in Remote Regions

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

Image source: Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, and Health Wagon

Access to healthcare remains a challenge for many individuals living in rural and remote areas, where medical facilities are scarce or difficult to reach. Many residents endure long travel times for even basic medical services, leading to delayed diagnoses and worsening health conditions. The lack of healthcare professionals further compounds the issue, leaving communities with inconsistent or inadequate care.

While technology and government initiatives have made strides in addressing these disparities, Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, notes how there are many obstacles still hindering widespread improvement. Bridging the healthcare gap requires a combination of innovative solutions, infrastructure development, and policy changes to ensure that medical services reach those who need them most.

Limited Access to Medical Care

Many remote regions struggle with a severe lack of healthcare facilities, leaving residents with minimal options for medical treatment. Hospitals and clinics are often located hours away, making even routine checkups a logistical challenge.

A shortage of medical professionals further worsens the situation, as many doctors and nurses prefer to work in urban areas with better resources and career opportunities. As a result, rural communities often rely on understaffed clinics or visiting healthcare workers who may not be available consistently. This leads to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment for chronic conditions. Many rural clinics operate with limited medical supplies, making it difficult to provide comprehensive care even when healthcare professionals are available.

In some cases, patients must travel long distances just to receive basic care, often at great personal and financial costs. The burden of transportation, time off work, and the uncertainty of available treatment discourage many from seeking medical attention until their conditions become severe.

Health Risks and Consequences

Delays in medical care often mean that conditions that could have been treated early turn into serious health complications. Many individuals in remote areas develop chronic illnesses that go undiagnosed for years simply because healthcare services are too far away or difficult to access. Diseases that are manageable with regular monitoring, such as diabetes or hypertension, frequently spiral out of control due to the lack of consistent medical supervision.

Beyond physical health, the absence of adequate healthcare also takes a toll on mental well-being. Isolation and limited access to mental health professionals leave many struggling with anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions without proper support. In small, tight-knit communities, stigma around mental health can make it even harder for individuals to seek help, further exacerbating the crisis.

Preventable diseases continue to spread in these areas due to the lack of vaccinations, screenings, and early interventions. Without proper healthcare infrastructure, outbreaks of common illnesses can have devastating effects, particularly on children and the elderly. The combination of poor access, financial barriers, and limited awareness creates a cycle where minor health concerns escalate into life-threatening conditions.

Challenges in Expanding Healthcare Services

Building and maintaining healthcare infrastructure in remote regions comes with considerable hurdles. Poor road conditions and unreliable transportation make it difficult for medical professionals to reach patients, and in some cases, ambulances are unavailable, forcing residents to rely on personal vehicles or community efforts to transport those in need. In areas with extreme weather conditions, seasonal challenges further complicate healthcare delivery, cutting off entire communities during certain times of the year. These conditions make it nearly impossible for emergency medical teams to provide timely assistance in critical situations.

Funding remains a major obstacle, as rural healthcare facilities often struggle with limited financial resources. Many small clinics operate on tight budgets, lacking essential medical equipment and supplies. Without sufficient investments, these facilities cannot expand their services, making it harder to attract and retain qualified healthcare workers. As a result, many professionals opt to work in urban settings where they have access to better salaries, career advancement, and modern medical technology.

Role of Technology in Bridging the Gap

Advancements in technology are offering new ways to connect patients in remote areas with medical professionals. Telemedicine has made it possible for individuals to consult doctors without having to travel long distances, reducing delays in diagnoses and treatment. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and mobile health apps allow patients to receive medical advice without needing to visit overcrowded or distant healthcare facilities. In addition to telemedicine, artificial intelligence is being used to assist in diagnosing conditions remotely, helping bridge the gap in specialist care.

Despite its potential, implementing technology-driven healthcare solutions in rural regions is not without obstacles. Many areas lack reliable internet access or the necessary digital literacy to make full use of telehealth services. Even when technology is available, the cost of devices and connectivity can create another barrier, preventing low-income households from benefiting fully. Addressing these issues requires a combination of infrastructure development, education, and financial support to ensure that technology can be effectively integrated into rural healthcare systems.

Efforts to Improve Rural Healthcare

Governments and nonprofit organizations are actively working to address the healthcare challenges faced by remote communities. Investment in medical outreach programs, mobile clinics, and training initiatives for local healthcare workers has helped bring essential services to those who need them most. Some regions have introduced incentive programs to encourage doctors and nurses to work in underserved areas, offering student loan forgiveness, housing assistance, or higher salaries.

Community-led initiatives also play a crucial role in improving healthcare access. Local volunteers and advocacy groups often step in to provide educational workshops, vaccination drives, and wellness programs tailored to the specific needs of their communities. These grassroots efforts help bridge gaps where formal healthcare systems fall short, ensuring that residents receive at least some level of medical support.

Future Prospects for Remote Healthcare

Innovations in medical technology, policy changes, and raising awareness are shaping the future of rural healthcare. The expansion of telehealth services, combined with improved infrastructure, has the potential to make healthcare more accessible and efficient. Continued investment in mobile medical units and community-based programs could ensure that even the most isolated areas receive the care they need. Research into low-cost, portable medical devices is also opening new doors for remote diagnostics and treatment.

Sustained progress will depend on collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and local communities. Long-term solutions require more than temporary programs; they demand systemic changes that prioritize equitable medical access. If these efforts continue to grow, rural healthcare systems may finally move toward lasting improvements that benefit future generations.