Monday, May 25, 2009

Thwarting Head Lice

Head lice are tiny, parasitic bugs that live in the hair and scalp, and are most common in school-aged children.Lice typically are not a serious problem, but they can cause uncomfortable itching, irritated skin, and may lead to infection.

Signs that your child may have head lice include constant scratching of the head, or tiny red bumps seen on the shoulders, neck and scalp. Lice eggs, called nits, will look like little dots on the hair that may be white or clear in color.

Lice are easily spread from person to person, so do what you can to keep lice from spreading.

Don't allow someone with lice to share anything used on the hair -- no hats, hairbrushes, combs, barrettes or hair elastics. Pillows and towels also should not be shared with someone who has lice.


Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Keep Your Feet Safe in Flip-Flops

Flip-flops may feel great to wear during summer, but your feet might not agree. Many flip-flops offer no or little protection for the feet, and can lead to pain or injury.

Suggestions to help protect your feet while wearing flip-flops:

  • Invest in better quality flip-flops, made of a soft leather.
  • Try to bend the flip-flop gently. While it should give at the ball of the foot, never purchase any flip-flop that completely bends in half.
  • Opt for flip-flops instead of walking barefoot in areas such as public pools, beaches, locker rooms and hotel rooms.
  • Make sure the flip-flops fit, and your feet don't extend beyond the edge.
  • Protect your feet with a sturdier shoe (never a flip-flop) when playing sports, doing a lot of walking, or working in the yard.
  • Throw out old, worn flip-flops.
  • Take care of any sores or irritated skin between the toes.

Choosing Baby's Playpen

A playpen can help parents get things done with the knowledge that baby can't wander off. But it's no substitute for parental oversight.

Here are suggestions to help you find a safe playpen :

  • If you choose a playpen with mesh sides, protect baby's fingers by making sure the holes are small -- 1/4 of an inch or less. The mesh must also be sturdy and properly attached to the device's edges.
  • The sides of the playpen must extend at least 20 inches above the floor.
  • The rails on each side should be well-padded to protect baby from a head injury.
  • Make sure that your infant can't reach any of the playpen's locks.
  • All hinges and supports should be enforced and protected.
  • If acquiring a used playpen, make sure its floor is in good shape, with no tears or worn spots.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Taking a Trip When You Have Diabetes

Diabetes doesn't have to keep you from traveling, but you still need some extra preparation before you begin your trip.

Suggestions to help you plan before you leave:

  • Make sure your diabetes is well-controlled. Before you leave for a long trip, a visit with your doctor to make sure you're healthy, and to get the immunizations you need, is a good idea.
  • Pack extra medication, syringes and other supplies.
  • Take a letter from your doctor that describes exactly what supplies you need, a list of your medications, and any allergies you have.
  • Always wear your bracelet or necklace that identifies you as having diabetes.
  • If traveling to a foreign country, learn how to say key phrases in the native tongue, such as "I have diabetes" and how to ask for sugar or orange juice.


Reasons for Adenoid Removal

Adenoids are glands that are found between the airway and the back of the throat. When the adenoids are removed, the procedure is called adenoidectomy.

Adenoidectomy is most often performed on children, and rarely on adults.

Reasons for why a child might need an adenoidectomy:

  • Difficulty breathing through the nose because of enlarged adenoids.
  • Frequent snoring.
  • Sleep apnea.
  • Recurrent ear infections that affect attendance at school or occur five times or more per year.
  • Frequent tonsillitis infections.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Kicking the Habit

Former smokers may tell you that quitting was one of the hardest things they've ever done. The physical and psychological withdrawal can be intense.

Tips to help you handle the cravings:

  • Drink lots of liquids, especially water.
  • Avoid sugar and fatty foods, and don't skip meals.
  • Exercise regularly and moderately.
  • Get more sleep.
  • Take deep breaths when cravings hit.
  • Change your habits. For example, eat breakfast in a different place, or take a different route to work.
  • Do something to reduce your stress. Take a hot bath, read a book, or exercise.

Take Care of Your Feet

If you hurt your feet, it may be difficult to exercise, to take care of responsibilities at home, and to even get around.

Suggestions to help keep your feet healthy and pain free:

  • Pay attention to foot pain, and see a doctor if your feet bother you at all.
  • Look for any abnormalities on your feet or toenails.
  • Keep feet and toes clean and dry, and toenails trimmed straight across.
  • Choose sturdy, comfortable shoes that fit well.
  • Avoid walking around in bare feet.
  • Change your shoes every day.
  • If you are diabetic, you should get an annual foot exam.

Suggestions for Better Sleep

If you're struggling to get a good night's sleep, your sleep environment and bedtime habits may need changing.

Suggestions that may help you sleep better:

  • Go to bed and try to wake at the same time each day.
  • Prepare for bed with a relaxing routine, such as taking a bath or reading.
  • Make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark.
  • Use a firm but comfortable mattress, and lots of plush pillows.
  • Never perform work-related duties in your bedroom.
  • Don't eat for at least two hours before you go to bed.
  • Exercise each day, but never just before bedtime.
  • Skip caffeine, alcohol and nicotine in the hours before bedtime.


Smoking and the Musculoskeletal System

Damage to the lungs is one of the first things people think about when it comes to the health detriments of smoking. But smoking can affect much of your body, right down to your bones and muscles.

Surgeons say smoking can have the following effects on the musculoskeletal system:

  • Increases risk of osteoporosis.
  • Reduces bone density.
  • Reduces blood supply to bones, causes bone cells to form more slowly, and impairs calcium absorption.
  • Reduces the effectiveness of estrogen therapy.
  • Raises your risk of hip fracture.
  • Raises your risk of rotator cuff injuries.
  • May contribute to low back pain and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Extends healing time after bone fractures.


Too Much Exercise Isn't Good Either

Getting regular exercise is great for your body and can help relieve stress. But as with any beneficial activity, you can overdo it.

Warning signs of over-exercise:

  • Difficulty exercising to your normal level.
  • Feeling uncoordinated.
  • Taking longer than usual to recover.
  • Faster heart rate (in the morning) and blood pressure levels at rest.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Headache and muscle aches.
  • Digestive or stomach problems.
  • More frequent illness, bone injuries or muscular injuries.
  • Problems sleeping.

Build Strong Bones

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak, brittle and may break easily.

Suggestions to help prevent osteoporosis:

  • Get plenty of calcium by eating or drinking dairy products, or by taking calcium supplements.
  • Get enough vitamin D, through exposure to sunlight (use sunscreen), supplements or milk products.
  • Eat a diet rich in vitamins and protein.
  • Get enough weight-bearing exercise (where your body works against gravity). Examples include lifting weights or climbing stairs.
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use.
  • Take medication to specifically treat or help prevent bone loss.

When Seniors Have Trouble Sleeping

Sleep disturbances -- including trouble getting to sleep or waking frequently throughout the night -- are common in elderly people.

Common reasons for sleep problems in older people:

  • Increased need to urinate.
  • Pain, particularly from arthritis.
  • Depression.
  • Neurological problems.
  • Alzheimer's disease.
  • Side effects of taking certain medications.
  • Alcohol use.
  • Not getting enough exercise.
  • Consuming too much caffeine.

Easing Back Pain During Pregnancy

While you're pregnant, all that extra weight can lead to significant back pain.

Suggestions to help prevent or relieve that pain in your back:

  • Avoid completely flat or high-heeled shoes; something in between with a low heel and supportive arch is best.
  • Don't lift heavy objects by yourself.
  • If you have to be on your feet for a long time, prop up one foot on a step stool or stair.
  • Sleep on a firm mattress or place a board between the mattress and box spring.
  • Bend at your knees rather than at the waist.
  • Place a small pillow behind your lower back when sitting in a chair, or use a chair with a lot of back support.
  • Sleep on your side, and place pillows between your legs.
  • Gently massage your lower back, or apply a heating pad or ice pack.


Pack a First-Aid Kit When Traveling

You don't want a minor injury or medical problem to derail your travel plans. So be sure to make room for a first-aid kit with some basic essentials, especially if you're traveling internationally.

This list of items to take with you on your next trip:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  • Antihistamine, motion sickness, cold and cough, and anti-diarrhea medications.
  • Bandages in different shapes and sizes, as well as gauze pads, tape and an elastic bandage.
  • Tweezers, scissors and safety pins.
  • Antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, hydrocortisone cream and bug spray.
  • A pair of rubber gloves and a thermometer.
  • A chemical cold pack for burns or sprains.
  • A bottle of sunscreen.

How To Get Fit After Baby is Born

While new moms are focused on taking care of their newborns, many are anxious to drop the extra pounds they gained during pregnancy.

Before you begin or resume an exercise program, speak with your doctor.

Here are suggestions to help get you started exercising after delivery:

  • Begin exercising at a slow pace, especially if you didn't exercise much during your pregnancy.
  • Always start your workouts with a warm up and end with a cool-down period.
  • Work out in a supportive sports bra.
  • Start out with regular power walks. You can take baby with you in a stroller.
  • Work your way up from walking to more difficult exercises.
  • Consider joining an exercise class that's designed for new moms.
  • Look for exercise programs at a local gym or fitness center, community center or college.