Get Enough Dietary Protein

Protein helps your body replace damaged cells and make new ones. Women who are pregnant, children and teens should be especially careful to get enough protein.
Meat is a good source of protein, but because it's often high in cholesterol it shouldn't be relied on as the only protein source, the agency states. Fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, whole grains, soybeans, peas and dairy products are also fine sources of protein.
Most adults need between two and three servings of protein a day, but it can vary based on your health needs and age. One serving of protein is about two or three ounces (picture a deck of playing cards to estimate size) of cooked meat, chicken or fish. One-half cup of cooked dried beans, an egg, an ounce of cheese or about two tablespoons of peanut butter will also meet a serving of protein, the agency notes

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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