Tips for a Successful Quit Smoking Day You've done your homework, made your plan, tossed out all your cigarettes and now the big day is here: Day One of your plan to quit smoking. You've probably heard that nicotine withdrawal is unpleasant and that most people need to quit several times before they reach their goal. But the good news is that, if you can make it through this first day and this first week, when nicotine withdrawal symptoms are at their worst, you will be on your way to success. One of th...
Ten Good Reasons to Try Yoga Some yoga styles are intense and vigorous, and others are relaxing and meditative. Regardless of which type you choose, yoga is an excellent way to stretch and strengthen your body, focus your mind, and relax your spirit. There are many branches of yoga, a 5,000-year-old discipline from India developed as a practice to unite the mind and body. All hatha yoga styles can help balance your body, mind, and spirit, but they achieve it in various ways. For example, the different s...
10 Reasons to Keep Fit as You Age A lot of us don't get the kind of day-to-day physical activity we need, and so we are physically "unfit." "Physical activity" means any movement of the body that is made by skeletal muscles – and requires energy to accomplish. "Physical fitness" means the ability of a person to do physical activity. Physical fitness can be measured by determining endurance, power and flexibility. How physically independent you are depends on how well you can function physically. That is...
10 Ways to Keep Your Family Safe Recent world events may have you feeling especially concerned about your family's safety. The biggest threats to safety, though, are very close to home. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), motor vehicle accidents, falls, accidental poisoning, drowning, and choking are the leading causes of unintentional death in the United States. Don't overlook some of the easiest ways to keep your family safe. These 10 tips can help. 1. Buckle up . In the event of a car acc...
11 Ways to Raise a Healthy Child As a parent, you are an important teacher of health care and health information for your child. Here are 11 recommendations to help you succeed at this important job. 1. Choose breast over bottle. Breastfeed and you will give your baby a health advantage from day one. Breast milk provides all the nutrients a newborn needs. It also has important antibodies that help babies fight infections. Research shows that breastfed babies have fewer ear infections and allergies and l...
5 Exercises to Prevent an Aching Neck One of the things many of us take for granted is a pain-free neck. It's only when we have a stiff or painful neck that we wish we had taken preventive measures. The exercises discussed below are to strengthen and stretch a normal neck. If you have preexisting neck pain or a spine condition, check with your health care provider before doing these exercises. There are several causes of neck pain, including poor posture and soft tissue abnormalities due to injury or we...
5 Food Fallacies When it comes to food, dieting, and weight loss, separating facts from fiction can be hard. It's easy to be misled, especially when you read about a new fad diet or see a commercial for a new miracle food. Here are five common food fallacies to avoid if you want long-term success. Myth: Skipping breakfast helps you lose weight. Reality: At first, this might seem like an easy way to cut down on calories. But skipping the important first meal of the day can backfire. Instead of helping yo...
5 Home Safety Threats You Might Overlook You're a careful parent who steers children away from things that could harm them. But hidden threats lurk in every house—sometimes where you least expect them. For safety's sake, look through your home often. Keep an eye out for not-so-obvious hazards. Here are five of them: Scalding tap water It is common for a home's water heater to be set above 120 degrees, and this can cause a scald burn to a child in seconds. Scalding hot tap water causes 3,800 injuries and...
5 Key Mistakes Parents Make with Car Seats You wouldn't think of not having a car safety seat for your infant or toddler, but are you using it the right way? Safe Kids Worldwide estimates that three out of four children are too small for seatbelts, or are incorrectly restrained in car seats or booster seats. Don't join the crowd; avoid these mistakes: Using a defective car seat . Don't buy a used seat; you don't know its history. Avoid old ones (more than 10 years old), especially with missing parts or ...
5 Ways to Avoid Colds and the Flu You don't want to spend this winter battling a runny nose, a nagging cough, or a fever. But colds and flu come with the season, right? They don't have to. Try this advice from the CDC. Get a flu shot The best time to get the flu vaccine is when it becomes available in your community, but getting the vaccine later is better than not getting it at all. The young, those older than age 65, and the chronically ill are most at risk for complications from seasonal flu. The CDC...
6 Facts on Obesity We've all heard the warnings about obesity and its health risks, yet many of us keep gaining weight. According to the CDC, more than one-third of U.S. adults, or 35.7% are substantially obese. People who are obese have an abnormally high and unhealthy proportion of body fat. This important public health issue is now epidemic. According to the CDC, the prevalence of obesity in the late 1970s was 15%. By 2004, it had doubled and reached 32.5%. An adult who is overweight has a body mass ...
6 Vital Nutrients Women May Be Missing Women's diets often fall short in vital minerals and vitamins. A woman's physiology can make it harder to hang onto some nutrients, too. Women also are more likely than men to develop an eating disorder, which makes it difficult to maintain healthy nutrition. Here are six nutrients that women are often deficient in, either because they lose too much of a nutrient, don't get enough of a nutrient, or both. Calcium Why you need it Calcium builds teeth and bones, curbs...
8 Mistakes Heart Patients Make If you've already been through one heart attack, you're at increased risk for another, but with a few smart moves you can reduce that risk. Unfortunately, many heart patients have mistaken ideas about what's good for them. Mistake 1: Thinking all heart attacks are the same. If your Aunt Mary had a heart attack even after a lifetime of eating low-fat foods and jogging every day, you may think changing your own lifestyle is not worth the trouble. Or, your friend the construc...
8 Ways to Avoid Common Self-Care Mistakes Treating common illnesses at home isn't complicated. Even so, doing it safely requires knowledge and a willingness to follow the rules. You don’t want to call your doctor over every little fever or sniffle. But when you’re calling the shots, you want to be confident you’re making wise health care decisions. Here are steps to take to avoid some common self-care mistakes. 1. Watch the dose Don’t take more medication than the label recommends. Some people think if ...
911 Basics: Responding to a Heart Attack Heart disease is the leading killer in the United States. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack and how to respond could save a life. The following guidelines can help you make the right decisions and take the right steps when seconds count. Heart attack symptoms The following may be symptoms of a heart attack. Not all of these warning signs occur in every attack. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur: Uncomfortable pressure, fulln...
A 7-Step Plan for Weight Loss According to the Weight-control Information Network, more than two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Each year, countless studies investigate various weight-loss tactics, such as low-fat versus high-fat diets, the benefits of snacking, and the importance of exercise for weight loss and maintenance. Data from large groups whose members lost weight on their own, and kept it off, also has been analyzed to determine how they achieved success. A successful weight-lo...
A Checklist for Depression What's the difference between a bad case of the blues and the painful mental disorder known as depression? According to the experts, impaired functioning is usually a clear-cut indication of a major depression. Here's a quick checklist of depression symptoms. If the list sounds familiar, you may want to see a counselor or a psychiatrist. Depressive mood. Do you suffer from feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or pessimism for days at a time? Sleep disturbance. Do you have ...
A Checklist to Help You Spot Hearing Loss Although most states now have mandatory requirements for hearing tests while a newborn is still in the hospital, some hearing-impaired children slip by the safeguards and aren't diagnosed by age 3, says the National Association of the Deaf. The reason: A lot of parents don't know the signs of hearing loss. Hearing loss also can accompany other disabilities and could be overlooked. Hearing impairment can occur in the frequencies detected and in loudness of sound ...
A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet When should your child first see a dentist? Experts at the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) say the ideal time is six months after the first tooth erupts. At this time, the dentist can provide or recommend information on baby bottle tooth decay, infant feeding practices, mouth cleaning, teething, pacifier habits, and finger-sucking habits. Prepare your child If possible, schedule morning appointments, when young children are alert and fresh. Prepare a preschoole...
A Chubby Baby Is Not a Sign of Obesity With childhood obesity on the rise, should parents worry about the weight of their babies? Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) say parents should ask their pediatricians to keep tabs on children's weight from birth on up. But they shouldn't obsess about the weight of a child younger than 2 years. Members of the AAP Nutrition Committee say there are no data to support the belief that children in this age group who are overweight are more prone to be ...
A Common Plastic Comes Under Scrutiny Polycarbonate plastic is durable, impact-resistant, and clear, making it an ideal material for baby bottles, refillable water bottles, sippy cups, and many other food and beverage containers. It is also found in eyeglass lenses, compact discs, dental sealants, and plastic dinnerware, and as a resin, it forms the protective lining for metal food and beverage cans. But recent research has raised concerns over the health effects of a chemical used in the manufacture of...
A Food Lover's Guide Drum roll, please. Here's your guide to the best foods to nourish you—body and soul. Here, too, are those foods best left for that occasional need to indulge in guilty pleasures. What follows is not a subjective guide; it's based on research showing that eating certain foods may help prevent heart disease and certain cancers and that eating other types of food may contribute to disease. Use this guide to help you replace less healthy foods with these classics. Food classics Pulp fru...
A Fowl Choice: Make It Turkey Does turkey show up regularly on your table? Americans are gobbling more and more of this lean bird. U.S. turkey consumption has more than doubled since 1970, the National Turkey Federation reports. What's more, we're not just flocking to turkey around Thanksgiving. Year-round, we're buying a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures of turkey. In your grocer's case, you'll find whole turkeys and parts--fresh, frozen, and smoked. You'll also see ground turkey, turkey cutlets, ...
A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs Here's a look at some of the more common medicinal herbs. Most herbs have not been thoroughly tested for effectiveness or interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. Products added to herbal preparations may also cause interactions. It is important to tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using. Chamomile (Flower) Considered by some to be a cure-all, chamomile is commonly used in the United States as a sedative, it...
A Guide to Cooking With Herbs Perhaps the most difficult thing about cooking with herbs is figuring out how to pronounce the word. Is it "herb," like the guy next door? Or is it "erb," with a silent "h"? Good news: Either pronunciation is acceptable, according to Webster. So now that we've got that out of the way, let's concentrate on what herbs can add to our cooking: in a word, flavor. But even more important is what they don't add: fat and sodium. Herbs are an excellent way to replace the flavor when...
A Guide to Eyeglass Lenses Eyeglasses can be prescribed for a number of conditions: myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (a defect in the eye that causes blurred vision), or age-related presbyopia, which robs your eye's lens of elasticity and makes it tough to focus on nearby objects. Your vision problem determines the shape of the eyeglass lens. Nearsightedness can be corrected by lenses that curve inward (concave); farsightedness can be corrected by lenses that curve outwa...
A Heads-Up for Football Safety In school sports, football is the leading cause of sports-related injuries for children in the U.S. And, thanks to some changes, it is safer than it used to be--especially for younger, lighter kids. Thirty or more years ago, kids were often encouraged to block and tackle using their heads, a move called spearing. But that maneuver put youngsters at risk for potentially fatal head and neck injuries. Blocking and tackling with the head was the direct cause of 36 football dea...
A Healthier Hero Whether they're called subs, hoagies, heroes, or grinders, long sandwiches stuffed with a variety of ingredients are a favorite lunch choice. The fillings you choose will determine how healthy your meal is. A 6-inch, Italian, cold-cut sub has 425 calories and 20 grams of fat, but a 6-inch turkey-breast sub has 300 calories and 6 grams of fat Here's how to keep your sub sandwich healthy: Opt for low-fat main ingredients, such as turkey breast, grilled chicken, roast beef, or ham instead ...
A Healthier Pasta Carbonara Pasta is always a favorite, and it's easy to make it a healthful choice. Instead of... 1 cup pasta carbonara made with vermicelli, bacon, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, egg, whole milk, parsley, and black pepper 425 calories/20 g. fat Try... 1 cup pasta carbonara made with vermicelli, turkey bacon, garlic, low-fat Parmesan cheese, egg substitute, low-fat milk, parsley, and black pepper 285 calories/14 g. fat You save: 140 calories/6 g. fat Instead of... 1 crostini royale...
A Healthy Kitchen Makeover From the food you stock in the freezer to the silverware you put on the table, your kitchen is your partner in health. When you fill your kitchen with the right tools and foods, you reap the benefits. If your kitchen isn't your ally, changing it may be easier than you think. The foods you should stock—fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, and whole grains—taste just as good and can be cooked just as quickly as less wholesome choices that lurk in your cupboard and refrigerator. Up...
Kids' Asthma Journal Do you want to gain better control over your asthma? Put it in writing! By following the examples below, you can use a journal to track day-to-day changes in your asthma. The information helps you and your health care provider take better care of your asthma. This may be something you can do with he. If your parent or guardian help from an adult. Make copies of this page before you write on it so you can use it again! Starting date: ____________________ Symptoms Check the boxes belo...
A Look at Senior Nutrition Not everyone's nutrition needs are identical. As we age, our bodies and metabolism change. Although older adults still need plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fiber, they need to add or subtract a few things from the diet they followed earlier in life. Many older adults have a decreased sense of taste and decreased absorption. They need to make sure they get enough water and nutrients, even if they must take supplements to get them. Although we all should drink...
A Must-Know Guide to Drug-Drug Interactions Drug-drug interactions can occur when you are taking more than 1 medication or drug. One medication can interfere with or alter the effects of 1 or more of the other medications you take. Such interactions can be dangerous because they can alter the way 1 or both of the drugs act in the body. They can also cause unexpected side effects. Interactions can increase the action of medications, decrease their actions, or result in a different and less predictable ef...
A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Child Care As a parent of a young child, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing who will care for your child while you’re at work. Here’s how to get started. Location Do you want your child to be cared for at home? Or, does it make more sense to bring your child to the caregiver? Once you’ve made this decision, the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies says, you should investigate common types of settings: In-home care. Havi...
A Positive Step Toward Fitness Are you having second thoughts about exercising? The way you think about exercise can be the crucial factor in sticking with your fitness program. If you look on it as a disagreeable chore, it becomes one. But if you develop an image as an active, dynamic person, you'll be more likely to stick to your fitness program. Some exercise advice: Find an exercise partner. If you work out on your own, you may end up being less active. If your spouse or a friend goes with you, you'...
A Prescription for Good Health Many people have a prescription for long-lasting health and well-being. It goes like this: Stay physically active, challenge your mind, and stay involved with others. Studies show that people who exercise their body and mind with hobbies, classes, and other social and intellectual interests live longer. They are also less likely to have minor depression. Here are some activities to keep you in top form: Maintain your brain. Like a muscle, your brain grows when you use it a...
A Prescription for Health in Menopause The best approach to menopause is to follow a healthy regimen. That includes dealing with smoking, nutrition, exercise, weight management, and stress reduction. Smoking Smoking is a leading cause of preventable illness and premature death. It increases the risk for heart and lung disease and osteoporosis, as well as lung and cervical cancer. It increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease. Smokers also may experience menopause up to two years earlier than nonsmokers....
A Primer for Preschooler Safety Your little ones can learn a lot about safety if you take some time to teach them. Keep your lessons simple and even very young children can learn how to stay clear of danger. Here's an ABC rule that you and your children can recite together. 'A': Always ride in a car safety seat Teach your child to get into his or her safety seat. Always make sure your child sits in the back seat of the car, completely buckled into his or her car seat, even if you're only driving to the ...
A Question of Taste--Or Is It Smell? Sometimes when we talk about taste, we're really talking about smell. Much of our experience of the "taste" of food is what we smell of the food in our mouths, experts say. Our taste buds are important, but smell seems to play a bigger role. Most people who complain of loss of the sense of taste are surprised to learn they are actually having problems with their sense of smell. A more accurate word for the sense of taste, experts say, might be the sense of flavor. Ai...
A Quick Look at Reflexes What happens when your health care provider taps on your knee with a rubber mallet? Your leg kicks forward, seemingly on its own. And in a sense, your leg has a mind of its own--in your spine. When the mallet hits your knee, it stretches the tendon just below the kneecap. That causes a signal to travel along a nerve to your spine, where a waiting motor neuron sends out an automatic command to contract the muscle attached to the tendon. When the muscle contracts, your leg gives a...
A Rational Diet for Bodybuilders In the 1970s, weight lifters — now called bodybuilders — bragged about eating a dozen egg whites every morning to help them get enough protein to build muscles. On TV, you would see them devour slabs of meat, stacks of toast, and giant milkshakes in preparation for the first workout of the day in late morning. In the 1980s and early '90s, protein supplements in the form of powders, gels, and pills skyrocketed in popularity. Things have changed. Many of the next generatio...
A Recipe for Food Safety Almost any food can be contaminated. Though most foodborne illness comes from raw animal foods—such as eggs, meats and dairy products—fruits and vegetables may carry germs, too. According to the CDC, alfalfa and clover sprouts were tied to thousands of cases of gastrointestinal illness and two deaths in the 1990s. In 2006, packaged fresh spinach was tied to more than 100 cases of illness and three deaths from E. coli contamination. The CDC says each year, foodborne diseases make...
A Red Face Could Signal Rosacea Most of us have seen someone with rosacea, a chronic skin condition that can cause facial redness, bumps, pimples, thick skin, and even bloodshot eyes. But we're often not sure just what we're seeing when we look this problem in the face. About 14 million Americans, mostly ages 30 to 50, have rosacea to some degree, the National Rosacea Society estimates. Many people mistake the flushing and appearance of pimples as a recurrence of a skin condition from their teen years. ...
A Safety Checklist for Parents You can help keep your children safe by following these precautions and using common sense. General steps Encourage your children to wash their hands frequently throughout the day, particularly after using the bathroom -- and always before eating. Keep their immunizations up to date. Be sure you know where they are, who they're with, and what they're doing when out of your presence. Check the references of baby sitters or care givers carefully. In the home Thousands of chi...
A Serious Look at Fainting Fainting (also called "syncope" [SIN-koh-pee]) is a brief loss of consciousness, which leads to falling down or needing to lie down, followed by a quick recovery. In a young, healthy person, 1 episode of fainting is not usually cause for alarm, although, in rare cases, it can be a sign of a serious health condition. Syncope is usually caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure that results in decreased blood flow to the brain. You may have sweaty palms, dizziness, lightheadedne...
A Simple Way to Keep the Flu Away You can avoid the flu this season by taking one simple step: Get a flu vaccination. Unfortunately, some people think that getting a flu immunization is too much trouble or costs too much. Or, they swear that a flu immunization will make them sick or make them more likely to catch the flu—or even colds. Seasonal influenza—the flu—is caused by one of several strains of influenza viruses (type A or B) that infect the nose, throat and lungs, making life miserable for a week...
A Warning on Medicinal Herbs Herbal remedies may be popular, but just how many of the hundreds of herbs on the market act on the body isn't clear. Many herbal remedies come from folk medicine. Although many studies on herbs have been done over the years, few have been well designed by Western standards. For instance, although Saint-John's-wort is effective for mild to moderate depression, and doctors know the active ingredient, they aren't sure exactly how it works. Remedies such as chamomile, ginger, a...
A Weighty Issue: Childhood Obesity At one time, an overweight child was more the exception than the rule. Unfortunately, the number of obese children in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate. According to a 2012 report from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the United States has the highest prevalence of obesity among developed nations. The percentage of young Americans who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. In 2009 to 2010, 17% of children and adolescents wer...
A Winter Cold: Not Inevitable For most people, catching the common cold is a common part of winter. Children have three to eight colds a year; adults get two to four. Although colds cannot be prevented--or cured--you can take precautions to reduce the chance of infection. What is a cold? A cold is a viral infection that affects the mucus in the lining of the nose and throat. A cold can last from a few days to a few weeks. Five types of viruses can cause colds, but at least one-third of all colds are cau...
A Woman's Guide to Beating Heart Disease Surveys show that few women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. Unfortunately, it's the nation's number one killer, and women are its prime target. Over one-third of the women who die in the U.S. each year die of heart disease. In fact, more women die of heart disease each year than breast cancer. The risk of heart attack and stroke increases with age, especially after menopause. It is important to note, however, that atherosclerosis, or plaqu...
A Woman's Guide to Cancer Screenings You run two miles every other day and lift weights twice a week. You've been trying to eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat. You don't smoke. When it comes to your health, you figure you've got everything covered. But when was the last time you saw your health care provider for a health screening? Preventive care screenings are vital to everyone's health. For women, Pap tests with or without human papillomavirus (HPV) tests, clinical breast exams, and mammogr...
Ability to Concentrate Isn't What It Used to Be When you are rolled into the operating room at the hospital, you want to know that the surgeon is ready to concentrate on your procedure. When you board a jetliner for your next vacation destination, you want to know that the tower crew is rested and ready to direct the pilot through dense airport traffic. Concentration is vital in some professions. Even in our everyday lives, though, we all need to concentrate—to avoid traffic accidents, to get the job fi...
About Balance and Safety Having good balance means you’re able to control and maintain your body’s position, whether you’re in motion or remaining still. Learning about the causes of balance problems can help you prevent falls and a loss of independence. Your medications Balance problems can result from taking certain medications. For example, some medicines that lower blood pressure can make you feel dizzy. This can be from prescription as well as over-the-counter medications. Check with your health ca...
About Stomachaches Most stomachaches are nothing more than indigestion or gas. But stomach pain also could be appendicitis, gallstones, a tubal pregnancy, or other serious conditions. The characteristics of the pain and its severity, location, and duration are clues to its cause. What to ask These are questions to consider when describing the pain to your health care provider: Where is the pain? Is it in the upper, middle, or lower abdomen? Is it on one side only or on both sides? Does the pain stay in ...
Act Now to Cut Your Health Care Bills It's important to reduce your medical expenses. This is true if you are in a consumer-directed health plan, such as a medical savings account, or have more traditional health insurance. No matter what your plan, you pay at least a percentage of every health care bill you incur. Of course, the best way to keep your medical costs low is to stay healthy by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and making other healthy l...
Activity Can Help Control Diabetes Being active is a great way to help control diabetes. Exercise helps lower your blood sugar. During physical activity, your body uses insulin much more efficiently than it does at rest. Exercise also helps you lose weight. Being overweight makes it harder for your cells to use insulin, and can lead to a condition called insulin resistance. Shedding extra pounds can help you control your glucose levels. Losing weight also helps you avoid other health problems, such as h...
Acute Severe Asthma Acute severe asthma was previously called status asthmaticus. It is a sudden severe asthma that does not respond to medications. It is a life-threatening emergency. If you think someone has acute severe asthma, call 911 right away. Treatment takes place in the emergency department and the hospital. Causes Anyone with asthma can have an acute severe flare-up. Causes include: Respiratory infections, like a cold or sinus infection Severe allergic reactions Inhaling irritants Not taking ...
Adding Up the Benefits of Calcium Calcium, the most common mineral in the body, plays an essential role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and bone and tooth formation. Studies indicate that calcium plays a role in blood vessel contraction and dilation which affects blood pressure. A constant level of calcium is maintained in body fluid and tissues so that these vital body processes function efficiently. More than 99 percent of body calcium is stored in the bones and teet...
ADHD Medication Safe, Experts Say Parents of kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face a tough choice: whether to medicate their children or not. This affects a lot of families. Between 4% and 12% of school-age kids have ADHD. It's a touchy subject, and it got even thornier after recent reports linked popular ADHD drugs to increased health risks, especially risks for heart problems. But the top experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as at other professional groups fo...
Adjusting Your Attitude About Menopause Baby boomers are handling menopause differently from earlier generations. Today, when women reach menopause they can look forward to living another 30 or more years. That means a third of a woman's life may be lived after menopause. More women are talking about menopause, and more is being written about it than ever before. In the past, premenopausal women held different notions about menopause and aging. Some believed it was a natural transition that should be ma...
Adult Immunizations: Are You Up to Date? Although children receive the majority of the vaccinations, adults also need to stay up to date on a range of vaccinations, from the flu to tetanus to varicella. Here's why: Adults who have never received childhood vaccinations can have serious complications from these diseases. And for adults who did receive all the recommended vaccines as children, immunity against some diseases can gradually fade away over the years, meaning that booster shots are needed. Vacc...
AEDs: High-Tech Help for Cardiac Arrest You've seen it time and again on television shows: After someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest doctors grab the paddles and deliver an electric shock to the patient to help restore a normal rhythm. Technology has given us the automated external defibrillator (AED), which can be found in schools and public buildings, airports, malls, sports arenas, health clubs, golf courses, and some businesses. Defibrillation is necessary when a heart begins to beat so fast that ...
After Delivery, Taking Care of Yourself Having a baby is a life-changing experience, and there's no way to know just how exhilarating and challenging the first few months can be. From the wealth of new emotions you'll be feeling, to the physical recovery you face after giving birth, these first few weeks will be some of the most intense you'll ever face. To help you know what to expect, we've talked to some experts to help you prepare for the exciting ride ahead. After pains After pains are real. During...
After Rehabilitation: Here Are Some Tools Seeking help for alcohol or drug dependency at a residential recovery unit is the first step toward beating addiction and regaining control of your life. Recovering people can use the tools they learned in rehab to begin the intense challenge of avoiding relapse. Patients can continue to use this support system after leaving the recovery unit to learn how to deal with daily stresses without drugs or alcohol. Below are some tips on how to continue with treatment ...
Age and Asthma Many people think of asthma as a childhood disease, but it often occurs as a new condition in older adults. Asthma in older adults presents some special concerns because the normal effects of aging can make asthma harder to diagnose. It also can be hard to distinguish asthma from heart failure, which can cause wheezing, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which can cause a chronic cough. A correct diagnosis is critical because the treatment of these diseases is very different. Asth...
Age Doesn't Matter for Yoga More than ever before, Americans older than age 65 are turning to yoga for exercise. What is yoga, and why is it so popular? Yoga is a series of stretches and poses that you do with breathing techniques. It offers the powerful benefits of exercise. And since yoga is gentle, almost anyone can do it, regardless of age or fitness level. Yoga's benefits Yoga can make you stronger and more flexible. It's a great way to stay limber and energetic. You'll also feel more focused and a...
Aging Eyes and Glasses As your eyes age, their lenses become less flexible, and they slowly lose their ability to focus on nearby objects. It's an ongoing, lifelong process called presbyopia, which you begin to notice between ages 40 and 45, when the condition starts to affect close-up tasks, such as reading. It requires some attitude adjustment, especially if have to start wearing glasses for the first time. Presbyopia affects almost everyone over the age of 50. Until now, you could choose your own wor...
Air Bags: Not for Children A car with an air bag is considered safer than a car without one. But for children under 13 years old, air bags can be dangerous. In fact, no child younger than 13 or under 65 pounds should sit in the front seat of a car equipped with passenger-side air bags, according to both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The safest place for children is in the center of the back seat, using a lap-and-shoulder seat belt or a child'...
Air Filters, Dehumidifiers, and Humidifiers Here are some tips for understanding the air in your house and the air-quality appliances that can alter it. Air filters Purpose: Air-filtration systems are able to pull mold, pollen, dust mites, and other particulates out of household air. The best systems use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorption) filters that have multiple pleats that trap tiny particles. Such a filter can be installed professionally in the duct adjacent to the furnace fan. They also...
Alcohol and Older Adults Many older adults enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game on TV. Having a drink now and then is fine—as long as you don’t overdo it. When you’re older, your body and mind can react differently to alcohol than they used to. Alcohol and aging People become more sensitive to alcohol’s effects as they age, according to the National Institute on Aging. After age 65, your lean body mass and water content decrease. In addition, your metabolism slows down. Wh...
Alcohol and Your Heart Over the last three decades, a number of studies have shown an association between moderate drinking and a lowered risk for heart attack, heart and circulatory diseases, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and gallstones. But the research results lead to a kind of two-edged sword when it comes to alcohol. Alcohol may have some health benefits, but it may also lead to abusive drinking and other diseases. Because there is no sure way to know who will develop an abuse problem, the American Hear...
Alcohol Use Among Teens Is Epidemic The leading substance-abuse threat to children may be as close as your refrigerator. Millions of adolescents drink alcohol. Many binge drink, having five or more drinks at a time. Flavored alcoholic beverages are popular among underage drinkers, says the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Surveys show boys usually take their first drink at age 11 and girls at age 13. Alcohol affects a teen's brain differently than it does an adult's. Teens' brains are still growing and...
All About Blood Pressure Medication Your doctor may prescribe antihypertension medication if your blood pressure is high. Hypertension means high blood pressure. There are several kinds of medication commonly taken alone or in combination. Types of medication Diuretics Thiazide diuretics are often the first medications your doctor will try to treat your high blood pressure. They help to lower blood pressure by eliminating excess fluid and salt that accumulate in the body. The excess fluid is eliminated ...
All About Child Passenger Safety Installing your child's car seat properly and using it every time your son or daughter rides in the car is one of the best ways to help keep him/her safe in case of an accident. As your baby gets bigger, you may wonder when it's time for a larger seat. Or, maybe you're unsure about when it's safe to face the seat forward. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about child passenger safety. When is it OK to switch a child to a front-facing car seat? Babies s...
All About Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Making healthy lifestyle changes alone is enough to help some people reach the cholesterol goals prescribed by their doctor. Others, however, need to take a cholesterol-lowering medication, as well. According to the American Heart Association, there are five main types: Statins (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, pitavastatin). These drugs work mainly by lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol. They typically reduce LDL by around ...
All About Color Blindness People often use the term color blind to describe trouble seeing certain colors. The medical term for this problem is color vision deficiency. Most people with color vision deficiency can see certain colors. Usually, the difficulty involves distinguishing between shades of red and green. Less often, the condition causes problems with blues and yellows. Very rarely, people with color blindness see the world in black, white, and gray. Facts about color vision deficiency In most c...
All About Generic Medications Generic drugs are a therapeutic "copy" of brand-name drugs. According to the Congressional Budget Office, every year, consumers save an estimated $8 billion to $10 billion dollars by using generic medications. The FDA regulates generic medications. They are allowed on the market only after testing has proved they are equivalent to their brand-name counterparts. Not every drug has a generic. Generally, when brand-name drugs are first developed, a patent protects them for 20 ...
All About Genetically Modified Foods Farmers, ranchers, and vintners have been modifying and improving crops, livestock, and wine for thousands of years. This has been performed through cross-fertilization and selective breeding. Recent advances in genetics, however, have made this process smoother and faster. Today's agricultural and food industries use genetic engineering to develop new and better foods and food-related products. Modifying foods by deleting or inserting certain genes into a plant is s...
All About Kidney Stones A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in the kidney out of substances normally dissolved in the urine. Each year, about 1 million people in the United States are diagnosed with the disorder. Kidney stones are more common in whites than in African-Americans. They typically strike between age 20 and 50 and are more common in men than women. Once a person gets one stone, he or she is more likely to develop others. Repeated stone attacks can affect kidneys. How stone...
All About LSD LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide), also called acid , is one of the most commonly used hallucinogens or psychedelic drugs. It affects a person's perceptions, sensations, thinking, self-awareness, and emotions. In its pure state, LSD is a white, odorless powder. It's usually sold in liquid form or as tablets or capsules. It's often added to absorbent paper, such as blotter paper, and divided into small decorated squares, with each square being one dose. It's very potent, with small amounts...
All About Muscle Cramps Most of us have experienced the pain of a muscle cramp. Maybe you called it "charley horse," especially if the cramp was in your calf. Muscle cramps--involuntary muscle contractions--are common. But even though they can be quite painful, they don't usually cause damage. Any muscle can cramp, but the muscles of the calf, back of the thigh and front of the thigh are most commonly affected, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Cramps are also common in the feet,...
All About the Stomach Your stomach is as an organ essential for digestion, the process of breaking down food into its smallest particles so your body can absorb nutrients. The process of digestion involves the mixing of food, its movement through the digestive tract, and the chemical breakdown of the large molecules of food into smaller molecules. Digestion of food begins in the mouth, when teeth break the food into smaller particles and amylase, an enzyme in saliva, begins to break down starches into s...
All About Your Nails Did you know that fingernails grow faster than toenails? Or, that nails grow faster in the summer than in the winter? Nails are made of a protein called keratin that's also part of your skin and hair. Although the part of the nail you keep trimmed isn't living, the nail originates in living cells in the matrix, the area where the nail joins the finger or toe. Nail problems You can treat minor problems at home. For more serious problems, you should see your health care provider. Here...
All Family Time Is Quality Time Don't feel guilty about the amount of "quality time" you spend with your family. Some experts are beginning to shun the quality time movement for something much more basic. Here are some suggestions: Children want your undivided attention. When they talk, look at them, engage them in further conversation; show your interest. Listen to their music. Who knows, you might begin liking it. Ask them what they want to do. Is baseball their love? Play catch in your backyard, or p...
All Fats Are Not Created Equal You need to consume some fat to maintain good nutrition, but many Americans eat more fat than they need. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that between 25 and 35 percent of your total calories come from fat, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a range of 20 to 35 percent. You can improve your diet by putting a little knowledge of fats and oils into practice. A gram of fat Nutrition labels on food products and th...
All Kinds of Problems Can Beset Your Nails Paronychia. Onychomycosis. Surely, these are the names of six-armed Greek monsters that might attack Jason and the Argonauts. In fact, they're microscopic monsters that will gladly attack your nails -- and may cause damage if you don't do something about them. Nail problems can cause considerable pain and embarrassment. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), as many as 10 percent of all dermatology problems involve nail disorders and about half...
Allergies on Vacation If you or your child has allergies or asthma, planning can help you keep sneezes, sniffles, wheezing, and attacks under control while you're on vacation. Tips for travel The following steps can help you and your family travel safely: Meet with your doctor before you go. Let him or her know where you’re going and what medical care is available there. Work with your doctor to make sure you have what you need. Know what to do in case of an emergency reaction. Pack your allergy medicin...
Allergy Medications and Immunizations for Older Adults Older adults face more risks than young adults when they take medication. Some of these risks are simply because many older adults have several chronic conditions and take different medications for each. Taking multiple medications—both prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC)—increases the risk that the medications will interact in a way that causes problems. Remembering when to take multiple medications also can be a challenge. Other risks are becaus...
Allergy Terms to Know Allergen. A substance, such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or animal dander, that can cause an allergic response. Bronchoconstriction. A tightening of the muscles around the airways, narrowing the airways and making breathing difficult. Inflammation. A swelling and irritation in the airways of the lungs common in asthma. Inhaler. A device that delivers asthma medication to the lungs. Mucus. A wet, sticky substance that is produced by the airways when inflamed or infected. Peak flow. ...
Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous Although Alcoholics Anonymous and other abstinence-based 12-step programs are the primary form of treatment for alcoholism in the United States, many people are unable to stick with them and return to dependence on alcohol. Today there are alternatives to 12-step programs. Some treatment programs teach problem drinkers to reduce their drinking, an approach that appeals to people who otherwise might not seek treatment. These programs are based on the belief that peopl...
What Do You Know About Alzheimer's Disease? Find out more about this degenerative disease of the brain by taking this quiz. 1. Alzheimer's is the most common form of which of these? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is It is a collection of symptoms characterized by decreasing intellectual and social abilities. A. Malnutrition B. Dementia C. Fatigue D. Psychosis 2. How is Alzheimer's diagnosed? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is No single t...
Among the Missing: Vitamin D Vitamin D is essential to help your body absorb and use calcium to help build strong bones and teeth. It also helps your body maintain a normal level of phosphorus. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, two forms of skeletal disease that weaken bones. These are sources of vitamin D: The best food sources of naturally occurring vitamin D are fatty fish, such as salmon and ...
An Introduction to Chinese Medicine The 2007 National Health Interview Survey showed that over one-third of Americans (38 percent) have used an alternative therapy instead of—or in addition to—Western medical treatment for their conditions. Among these therapies are acupuncture and other Chinese-medicine practices that people have used for more than 3,000 years. Ancient Chinese healers envisioned the body as a garden in which the vital energy force, called we qi or wei chi, acts as a natural immune syst...
An Ounce of Caution Prevents Heat-Related Illness After a few quick stretches, you head out on the tennis court for the first match of the summer. After a solid serve, you rush the net. Suddenly, your leg freezes in a cramp, and you fall down in pain—a victim of the heat. The four most common heat-related emergencies are cramps, fainting, exhaustion, and heat strokes. A fifth, heat injury, is similar to heat stroke but without symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. These illnesses occur w...
A Rx for RV Living Nearly 8 million people own recreational vehicles (RVs), according to surveys from the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. If you're thinking of joining them, be sure to consider your health. Experts say you should plan carefully about how you will manage your health care while on the road, from knowing where to go if you're sick, to getting a prescription filled long-distance, to paying for care out of state. Medical needs Before you go you need to secure a relationship with a p...
Andreas Vesalius, Father of Modern Anatomy Today we take for granted our knowledge of human anatomy. We can thank early scientists, such as the 16th-century anatomist Andreas Vesalius, who struggled to discover, record, and publish the inner structure and fabric of the human body. Vesalius revolutionized the science of anatomy by basing his findings on direct observation of the body itself, rather than on centuries-old wisdom. Until Vesalius' day, the study of anatomy consisted of expounding the texts o...
What Do You Know About Anemia? Anemia is a condition that affects the number of red blood cells in your body. A number of medical diseases and conditions can cause anemia. Find out more by taking the following quiz. 1. Anemia is a common condition. What happens when a person has anemia? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is These cells carry oxygen and iron to nourish all the cells in the body. Anemia isn't a single disease but a condition that has many different causes. A....
Anger Can Raise Cholesterol Levels When someone cuts you off on a busy highway, do you pound the steering wheel in fury and shout at the driver? Or do you swallow your anger and dwell on it later? Either way, you're not being kind to your heart, researchers say. If you respond to every anger-inducing situation by blowing your stack or by holding it in, you could be setting yourself up for serious heart problems. Why? It's simple. According to Ohio State University researchers, there's evidence that peop...
Answers to Questions About HPV The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States, with more than 20 million Americans currently infected, according to the CDC. HPV is most common in women and men in their late teens and early 20s. HPV is so common that at least 50 percent of sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives. Learning about HPV can help you avoid infection and seek treatment, if necessary. What are the symptoms of ...
Answers to Questions About Your Child's Mental Health Children can have mental health disorders that interfere with the way they think, feel, and act. Although some behavior problems can be attributed to normal child development, some require professional help. Children's mental health is as important as their physical health. Great care should be taken to help a child who has a mental health problem because mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders can affect the child's future. The following answers ...
Answers to Your Questions About Codependency People who have close relationships with substance abusers or others with mental illnesses can become codependent. Codependency can also occur in those who have been emotionally or physically abused. Codependency is an emotional and behavioral condition. It often involves the denial of a harmful behavior in a relationship, as well as the enabling and maintenance of the behavior in order to keep the status quo, or to feel indispensable. Overall, it affects a p...
Anti-Aging Hormones: Do They Work? Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could look and feel years younger, just by taking a supplement? The makers of "anti-aging" hormone supplements would like you to believe that this is possible. But before you accept their claims and open your wallet, see what medical researchers say. With the exception of severe dietary restriction, no treatments have demonstrated the ability to slow down the rate at which humans age, or to extend lifespan. Genetic manipulation in a freq...
Antibiotics Not the Cure for the Common Cold You can catch a cold at any time during the year. And often, you and your family may find yourselves seeking your health care provider's help in battling the misery that the illness can cause. You may even be hoping for a miracle drug that will provide an instant cure. It's easy to mistake antibiotics as a magic remedy for a cold. For a long time, antibiotics have dutifully treated the conditions they were intended to be used for, like bacterial pneumonia, si...
Appendicitis: Children and Teens Appendicitis is an inflammation that can lead to infection of the appendix. It affects 7 percent of Americans and is the most common reason for a child to need emergency abdominal surgery, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Young people between ages 11 and 20 are most often affected. A child, especially a boy, may have a greater risk for appendicitis if someone else in the family had it. The appendix is a small, fingerlike structure attached to the l...
Are Feet at Fault for Back, Hip, and Knee Woes? If you are having problems with back pain, shin splints, knees, or hips, look to your feet. Although these ailments might seem totally unrelated to one another, they can sometimes be linked to problems that start with your feet and how they're built, foot experts say. When you walk, you put the force of as much as 5 times your body weight on each foot. If the foot doesn't absorb that shock or redistribute it properly, you can develop problems elsewhere. Of...
Are You a Compulsive Shopper? These days, shopping is as much a form of entertainment as going to the movies or playing video games. Between mall culture and convenient credit, it's easy to spend your time spending money. Shopping shifts into high gear around the holidays. Some people view shopping as a sport, some as a chore. For others, the season is just another occasion to wrestle with compulsive buying -- especially if they're stressed or depressed. For these folks, the mere thought of visiting a s...
Are You Getting Enough Fruits and Vegetables Daily? Sure, an apple a day can keep the doctor away. But did you know that eating at least 1½ cups of fruit and two cups of vegetables daily can also reduce your risk for cancer, heart disease, and stroke? According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans , consuming 1½ to 2 cups of fruits and 2 to 4 cups of vegetables is optimal. The amount depends on the number of calories per day recommended for your healthy weight. Start boosting your daily consumpt...
Answers to Your Questions About Arthritis and Exercise If you have arthritis, you may think you shouldn’t exercise because it could make your condition worse. But doctors and physical therapists insist that people with arthritis can improve their health and fitness through exercise, without damaging their joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Q. Why is exercise beneficial if you have arthritis? A. Exercise can help you keep your joints moving, keep the muscles around your joints strong, keep yo...
Artificial Teeth Not long ago, most people assumed they would need dentures someday. But because of modern dental techniques, dentures are no longer inevitable. Instead, they're an option for people who have lost some or all of their teeth. While dentures are just one of several options, which include dental implants and permanent bridgework, they're an important option. Full dentures are complete sets of artificial teeth that replace the teeth in either the upper or lower part of your mouth. Partial de...
As Snack Attacks Rise, Seek Healthy Options If you think your kids have more snack attacks than you did as a child, you're right. Compared with two decades ago, children are taking more snack breaks. This higher number of snack breaks adds up to more calories a day. More snacking Youths of all ages from 2 through the teen years snack more often. With 17 percent of children and adolescents obese, we can blame eating between meals for part of the trend. Snacks play an important role in the well-being of a...
As You Age, Be Aware of B 12 Deficiency Are you short on stamina? Is your memory fuzzy? Don't assume it's just part of aging. Feeling tired, in a funk, or confused can point to problems you can solve. One of those problems lies in your nutrition. You could be low on vitamin B 12 . This essential nutrient helps make DNA, the genetic material in your body's cells. You also need the vitamin to maintain red blood cells and nerve cells. Along with mental cloudiness, getting too little vitamin B 12 may lead t...
Aspirin and Your Heart: Should You or Shouldn’t You? In addition to taking aspirin to relieve pain and fever, millions of Americans take a low-dose or “baby” aspirin daily to reduce their risk for heart attack and stroke. Should you join in? Probably not, unless you have your doctor's OK. That's because the benefits may not outweigh the increased risk for bleeding in people who are at low risk for heart attack or stroke. The answers to the following questions can help you understand the risks and benefi...
Assess Your Goals Year-round If you set professional goals for yourself at the beginning of the year, don't forget to take a look at what you have and haven't accomplished as the year progresses. Consider the following suggestions on how to coach yourself to a strong finish in the months ahead. Make adjustments It's halftime; make sure you're still in the game. What matters is what you do for your customers this week, this month, and this year. Now's the time to make the necessary adjustments in order t...
Asthma Action Plan Worksheet To help you manage your asthma, your health care team will help you fill out your Asthma Action Plan. Provide the information requested below to see how well you are managing your asthma. Peak flow A peak-flow meter can help you track changes in your breathing tubes even before you have symptoms. Comparing daily measurements with your personal best number can help you track any changes. My health care provider said to check my peak flow at these times: ______________________...
Asthma at Work Occupational asthma is caused by being exposed to irritants in the form of vapors, fumes, gases, particles, or allergens like dust or mold in the workplace. You may notice asthma symptoms right after being exposed to an allergen or irritant, or symptoms may come on gradually as your immune system produces an allergic response. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, a runny nose, nasal congestion, and eye irritation. They may improve or disappear when yo...
Asthma Controller Medicines - Leukotriene Modifiers The first step in managing your asthma is to prevent the inflammation in the lungs that leads to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Medicines that do this are called asthma controllers. The most commonly prescribed controller medication is an inhaled steroid. But leukotriene modifiers are another option. Just as their name implies, leukotriene modifiers work by blocking the action of leukotrienes, chemicals released by cells in the lungs duri...
Asthma Medications and Emotional Side Effects Do you often feel nervous or hyperactive? If the answer is yes, it's possible that your asthma medications may be causing this reaction. Although medications can successfully treat asthma symptoms, they may also have side effects that leave you feeling jittery. Many people with asthma who experience these feelings may not realize that they may be caused by their medication. These are medications that may cause the jitters or nervousness: Beta-2 agonists. The...
Asthma on Campus College has extra challenges for the student with asthma. New and unfamiliar living quarters, school and social stresses, and other factors can trigger flare-ups. As always, prevention is important: Do your best to avoid triggers and to stay healthy. Update your asthma action plan, including how to deal with emergencies. These tips can help. Your new space Before you leave for college, review your triggers with your allergist, pulmonologist, or primary care provider. Then review this li...
Asthma Terms to Know Stepwise. A “stepwise” approach to managing asthma means stepping up (increasing) or stepping down (decreasing) the amount of medication you take for your asthma. Stepping up means that your asthma is less well-controlled and that you may need additional medication. Stepping down means that your asthma is better controlled and that you may need less medication. Under this approach, you use medicine aggressively at first to get asthma under control. The goal, however, is to gradually...
Asthma: A Worsening of Symptoms You can do a lot to control your asthma. Avoiding triggers, taking controller medicines, and monitoring your symptoms can help keep problems at bay. Occasionally, though, your symptoms may still take a turn for the worse. When that happens, it’s important to act right away. By recognizing the early warning signs and talking with your health care provider, you can help keep little flare-ups from turning into big ones. Watch for red flags These warning signs tell you that y...
Your Child's Asthma: School Strategies If your child has asthma, you may worry about how he or she copes with asthma at school. Research shows that informed, supportive teachers and staff can play a big role in helping students manage their asthma. School strategies The CDC has identified six key strategies that teachers and staff can use to help children with asthma thrive at school. Not every strategy is appropriate or practical for every school situation. In general, however, the more strategies used...
Asthma: Exercising Indoors When you have asthma, it’s a good idea to work out inside if the weather turns cold. People tend to breathe through their mouth during vigorous activity. When chilly, dry air goes into the airways without first warming up in the nose, it can worsen asthma symptoms. Here’s how you can avoid flare-ups and stay active this winter: Walk at the mall. Put on your walking shoes and do laps, and take the stairs instead of the escalator. Go swimming. Many communities have an indoor poo...
Your Child's Asthma: First Office Visit Your child has been coughing or wheezing, and you’re wondering whether it might be asthma. The first step toward finding out is scheduling a visit with your child’s health care provider. As you prepare for this visit, you may be wondering what questions the provider will ask or what tests and exams your child will need. With the information below, you and your child can go to that first visit knowing more about what to expect. Medical history Before starting the e...
Asthma: HFA Inhalers Hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) inhalers are the only type available today. If you've had asthma for a long time, you may wonder how these compare with your old inhalers. Here's what you need to know: HFA inhalers are better for the environment and just as good for your asthma. Out with the old Old-style inhalers use chemicals called CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) to push the medicine out of the container. When released, they reduce the amount of ozone in the atmosphere's stratosphere layer. Th...
Asthma: Allergy Testing If you often have allergy symptoms—such as itchy, watery eyes; a runny nose; wheezing; sneezing; and hives or itchy skin— allergy testing can help determine if your symptoms are from allergies. Sometimes you can tell the allergic substance because of the time that your symptoms happen in the spring or fall, for instance. But you may need specific allergy testing to figure out other allergies. The health care provider will test how you react to allergens. For example, dust mites, ...
Athletic Shoes: Lace Them to Fit Experts say proper shoe lacing makes a difference for your feet. It's just one of many simple things you can do to safeguard your feet while you put them through the demands of an athletic workout or even a long day of walking over all sorts of surfaces. Simply lacing your shoes or sneakers properly, along with choosing a shoe that fits your foot correctly, can add comfort to your stride and prevent foot injuries. Importance of good fit Improper fit and poor lacing techn...
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults Restless. Messy. Easily distracted. These are just some of the words used to describe people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 4 to 9 percent of the U.S. population has ADHD. Experts estimate that one-half to two-thirds of children with the disorder will continue to have symptoms and behaviors of ADHD as adults. Some adults who have ADHD may not have been diagnosed a...
Avoid Injury Around Barbecue Grills The act of flipping a row of sizzling burgers on a barbecue grill is one of summer's simple pleasures. But there is danger lurking in those glowing embers, and the potential damage is far worse than a few charred cheeseburgers. Because barbecue grills are operated in a casual, relaxed atmosphere, they tend to be taken for granted. And that can lead to serious injury, even death. Each year, Americans go to the emergency room because of injuries from carbon monoxide poi...
Avoid Soccer Injuries in Your Kids The school team. The town team. The travel team. If your young soccer player is on the field for several games or practices a week, it may be too much. Most injuries occur in the 10- to 14-year-old age group. Younger players are more susceptible to injury because they're still growing. Many soccer-related injuries are treated by health care professionals. Injuries are more likely when kids are out of shape. Experts say it's not a good idea for a child to be inactive al...
Avoiding Fall Allergy Triggers Many people associate allergies with springtime, but ragweed pollen and outdoor molds that arrive in the fall bring just as much misery. More than 35 million Americans endure burning, itchy eyes; sneezing; sniffles; and chapped nostrils caused by allergic rhinitis or hay fever, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). People who have asthma often have allergies that trigger asthma attacks. If allergies bother you in the fall, you’re most...
Avoiding Joint Injuries Most sports-related injuries involve damage to the joints. Common joint injuries include a twisted ankle, sprained wrist, overextended elbow, and damaged knee ligaments. Fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent joint damage. When exercising for health and fitness, you can be more at risk for overuse injuries, experts say. Fortunately, you can build strength in your joints and avoid joint injuries by stretching and exercising correctly. Common injuries A sprain is a stretch...
Babies and Toddlers Need Iron to Thrive Iron is key to your young child's growing body and mind. Iron moves oxygen around your child's body. Without enough iron, your child may feel tired or have trouble with movement. Your child also needs iron for better thinking. How much iron does my child need? Breastfeeding is best for many reasons. The iron in human milk is easily absorbed. If you don't breastfeed, use an iron-fortified formula. At age 6 months, start feeding your baby iron-fortified cereals. At ...
Babies Need 'Tummy Time' Nearly 15 years ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) first recommended that parents put their babies to sleep on their back. That simple piece of advice cut the death rate from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by more than half. An unexpected result has occurred, however: flattened heads. The flattening — a result of babies' spending so much time on their back — most often occurs on the back of the infant's head and is usually more pronounced on one side. This flatte...
Baby Blues: Mood Swings or More Serious? Are mood swings after giving birth merely a passing case of the blues? Or are they a sign of something more serious, such as postpartum depression? For many women, the "baby blues" pass quickly. They appear just after childbirth, and are characterized by mood swings—from feeling very happy to feeling very sad. A woman may cry for no reason, or feel impatient, irritable, restless, anxious or lonely. These feelings may last only a few hours or for a week or two aft...
Balanced Ways to Attain a Healthy Weight According to the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by the CDC, which used heights and weights, nearly 70 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese and many are trying to slim down. But in the battle of the bulge, more people are losing than winning these days. Whether you have tried to lose weight on your own or with the help of a weight-loss program, nutrition experts say that the focus is too often on severely restrictive diets and...
Balancing Food Flavors, Textures Hot and cold. Sweet and sour. Hard and soft. Creamy and crunchy. Yin and yang. You don't need a course in Chinese philosophy to understand yin and yang, the concept of balancing opposites or complementary pairs to create harmony. That balance comes into play when you serve cooling (yin) fruits and leafy vegetable salads in summer and warming (yang) roasted root vegetables and meat in winter. Combining opposing flavors and textures can add interest without adding much fat...
Basic Training: Build Your Own Boot-Camp Workout Does winter weather have you camping out on the couch? It’s time to join the ranks of the physically active. Studies show everyone from obese children to frail older adults can benefit from home-based exercise programs. This season, stay in shape with your own at-home boot-camp style workout—no personal trainer, fancy equipment, or gym membership required. The secret to this trendy tone-up is mixing calorie-burning cardio intervals with moves that build s...
Basics About Your Newborn’s Body For the past 9 months, you’ve been getting ready for your baby’s arrival. But now that you’re bringing home your bundle of joy, you’re a little worried. How will you ever remember everything you learned about what to expect in those first few weeks? Even the best-prepared parents may be surprised by a few things that are quite normal in newborns, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Birthmarks These common spots and stains may be present at birth and ar...
Basketball: Make Safety a Point Basketball is an exciting sport, but it can also be tough on your body. College and professional basketball players must train to avoid injury — and so should your youngster. Experts say players can avoid injury by strengthening muscles through a supervised weight-training program before the season. That helps prevent ligament injuries to knees and ankles, the most common court injuries. Players must also warm up and cool down properly. Here are suggestions from the Natio...
Be Careful With Kitchen Knives Every year, about thousands of people end up in emergency rooms with injuries they receive by using kitchen knives. But with a few cutting-edge tips, you can avoid the biggest danger of kitchen work. Here's how: Halve it When chopping or dicing curved foods, such as eggplant or zucchini, start by cutting the object in half, to create a flat, stable end. Place the flat surface against the cutting board and go to work. Hold it Chefs learn a special holding technique that pro...
Be Comfortable Walking in Cold and Wet Weather Don't let cold temperatures or rain deter you from your walking routine this fall and winter. Take the following weather-related precautions, and a change in the weather won't tempt you to skip your workout. If you're new to exercise, be sure to check with your doctor before beginning a new program. Cold weather Dress in layers that can be removed easily as you warm up. Clothing should be made from fabrics that wick moisture away from the body. Even when it...
Be in the Know When on the Go in Winter If you live in an area where winter brings snow, slush and ice, the best advice about driving in these conditions is not to drive in such conditions. But if you must venture out, be prepared. Many newer vehicles have added safety features that can take some of the hazard out of winter driving. But it is important to know how to use optional equipment such as an anti-lock brake system (ABS). Give yourself a brake In slippery conditions, using the proper emergency b...
Being There: Advice for Expectant Dads Remember scenes from old movies where the husband paces around the waiting room while his wife is in labor? As a father-to-be today, you know that you can participate throughout your partner's pregnancy--even in the delivery room. Here are some things you can do: Offer emotional support. Pregnancy is stressful. Expectant mothers need help, and studies show that the support they find most helpful comes from the baby's father. This means more than just helping out ar...
Benefits of Strong Abdominal Muscles Strong abdominal muscles are essential for a strong body. They help stabilize your torso, which reduces aches and pains in your lower back and hips. However, if your belly is like jelly instead of a washboard, don't count on abdominal exercises to trim your tummy fat. Your genetics, diet, and overall activity level determine the amount of fat stored in the abdominal area. The best way to reduce abdominal fat is a combination of aerobic and strength training exercise,...
Beware of Over-the-Counter Contact Lenses Want to make your brown eyes blue? You've got lots of company. Decorative contact lenses have grown more and more popular, especially among the young. You can even find lenses that look like cat eyes or sports team logos. You can buy contacts with no prescription at some beauty salons, flea markets, and websites. But those contacts may be trouble. The FDA warns that nonprescription lenses raise major risks of blindness and eye injuries. The dangers linked with c...
Beware of Supplements for Kids Dietary supplements and herbal mixtures aimed at your children may be a waste of your money—and a threat to their health. Dietary supplement makers advertise herbs and supplements as remedies for everything from colds and asthma to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The FDA has no control over the quality and reliability of food supplements because they are not labeled as drugs. Many of these products have not been proven to provide any benefit and, in some cases, m...
Bike-Helmet Safety Smarts Adults and children who ride bicycles should always wear a helmet. Many states require they do so. But even without the threat of a legal penalty, it makes sense to wear a helmet when riding a bike. Wearing a properly fitting bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head injuries by 85 percent, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Some parents decide to save money by buying helmets that are too large for their child. This is the same money-saving strateg...
Biking Your Way to Better Health Riding a bicycle can be an excellent fitness activity. Cycling is also a good way to cross-train, because it puts much less stress on your joints, knees, and hips than running or walking. Getting a good workout on a bike isn't always easy, though, because you have more time to recover—or to just coast. With this in mind, here's how to get the most out of your ride, whether you're cycling on vacation, around your neighborhood, or to and from work. Size up your bike Your b...
Binge Drinking Dangers for Young People For millions of young adults in this country, the weekend will pass in an alcoholic blur. They'll toss down drink after drink as fast as they can, throw up, pass out, revive themselves, then reach for more booze. For one or two of these otherwise healthy kids, the next drinking binge could end in death. Binge drinking is drinking to get drunk—the point at which the drinker is risking health or behavioral problems as a consequence of drinking. For men, that means h...
Biofeedback: Another Way to Manage Pain You probably don't give much thought to whether your muscles are tense, how fast you're breathing or the number of times your heart beats in a minute. These things occur whether you're aware of them or not. They're beyond your control. Or, are they? Actually, you may be able to learn how to regulate these types of bodily functions using noninvasive techniques. In 1908, a Harvard doctor first started studying progressive muscle relaxation as a behavioral technique ...
Bone Spurs Are a Thorny Problem If you wonder what that stabbing pain is in your heel, it may be a bone spur. Bone spur is a general term used to describe a knobby, abnormal bone growth. Bone spurs are also known as osteophytes. Scientists believe bone spurs occur because of osteoarthritis or when the body tries to heal itself after a trauma by replacing bone. The growth is usually small and often undetected. Although bone spurs can form on any bone, they usually occur on joints where 2 bones come toget...
Boning Up on Marrow You may think of your bones as similar to the girders that support a skyscraper. Like I-beams, they're rigid and strong. But though bones may appear dense and solid, inside there's plenty going on. Your bones actually contain one of your body's vital organs--bone marrow. Bone marrow produces the major components of your blood--red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen to your tissues. White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, help you fight in...
Break Through the Alcoholic's Psychological Defenses For the millions of Americans who must watch their loved ones struggle with a dependence on alcohol, they wonder: How can family and friends break through the alcoholic's psychological defenses—what some experts call the "wall of denial"—so that healing can begin? An alcoholic can't be forced to get treatment or help, and challenging an alcoholic's defenses about his or her drinking is a formidable assignment, says the National Institute on Alcohol Ab...
Breaking the Habit: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder If you've ever caught an episode of the TV series Monk, you know about the strange behavior of Adrian Monk, the Defective Detective. The title character has obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. Without treatment, OCD is crippling and disabling. The average person with OCD suffers more than seven years before seeking help, often because he or she is embarrassed or unaware that this mental disorder can be treated. Understanding OCD People with OCD suffer...
Breaking Yourself Out of a Rut You've eaten the same things for breakfast every day for three years, then taken the same car pool to the same job. Your life is more of the same after work. It's time to break out of your rut. A routine isn't necessarily bad; it can be comforting because it adds structure to your life and it isn't stressful. But dissatisfaction may start to gnaw at you and erode your self-esteem if you believe you want something more in your life. Recognizing you're in a rut is the first ...
Breastfeeding Helps Mothers and Children There's nothing like breastfeeding to put kids on the path to good health. Breastfeeding has multiple benefits for babies, including lower risk for ear and respiratory infections, allergic skin disorders, intestinal infections, type 2 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends breastfeeding for six months. At 6 months of age, the AAP recommends adding solid foods and continuing with breastfeeding for ...
Brush Up on Toothpaste Selecting toothpaste can be confusing. With different brands promising everything from whiter smiles and fresher breath to fewer bacteria and less tartar, how do you know which one is best for you? Choices in toothpaste have expanded, with manufacturers adding new detergents, abrasives, and other ingredients to enhance products, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Selecting a toothpaste is largely a matter of personal preference, but all adults should use a brand w...
Build Your Bones with Exercise Your bones contain about 99 percent of the calcium in your body. Every day your body also uses calcium to help nerves and muscles function, and to help blood clotting. Your body doesn’t produce calcium—it must come from the foods you eat. When your body doesn’t get enough calcium through food, it takes it from your bones. Bones are living tissue and are constantly changing. Old bone continuously breaks down and is replaced by new. When you're young and growing, your body m...
Building a Healthier Sandwich When John Montague, the 18th-century Earl of Sandwich, slapped two slices of bread around a slab of meat, he probably thought he had reached the peak of dining creativity. After all, he succeeded at being able to eat while playing cards. If you're willing to pull some wild cards of your own, your sandwiches can be far more imaginative. Beyond the ordinary What's between the 50 pounds of bread you eat each year? If you're tired of turkey, bored by bologna, and had it with ha...
Building Bonds with Your Grandchildren Of the more than 56 million grandparents in the U.S., about half live more than 200 miles from their grandchildren. This distance creates a challenge for families who want to create a strong bond between grandparents and grandchildren. And even families that live close to each other may want to find ways to form better connections between the generations. Grandparents can play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. In some families, they are the car...
Bullies Go High-Tech You can now add bullying to the list of things made easier by technology. Teens today live much of their lives on the Internet. Online bullying, also called cyberbullying, can involve using the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send text or images that are intended to embarrass or hurt the other person. Cyberbullying affects almost of all American teens, according to the National Crime Prevention Council. Online bullying has been used for the following purposes: Pretending ...
Business Travel Stress-Busters Business travel can be, by definition, stressful. Delays may mean a missed meeting. Flights may be at odd hours. At the end of the work day, you don't go home but to a hotel room. You can ease the stress of travel by adopting a healthy attitude and building personal time into your schedule. The payoff for incorporating wellness in your travel plans can include improved physical well-being, mental alertness and better job performance. The following suggestions can help redu...
Buying a Bike for Your Child Is your child ready for his or her first bicycle? Most youngsters learn the basics of pedaling, steering, and braking on a tricycle or "big wheel" cycle, and around age 4 are ready to try a two-wheeler with training wheels. A bicycle with training wheels gives children more practice riding without worrying about balance. Between ages 4 and 8, your child will probably develop enough coordination, agility, and a sense of balance to graduate to a bike without training wheels. Y...
Buying Guide: Frozen Juice and Punch Frozen concentrated fruit juice is the optimal ingredient in frozen juice or punch, but not all such products have much of it. Look at the first two ingredients listed on the product. If they're frozen concentrate and water, the product has more real fruit juice than sugar. But if the first ingredient is corn syrup, the juice content is lower than the amount of added sugar. Other buying tips include: Opt for products labeled "juice" rather than "cocktail," "punch" or...
Buying Guidelines for Safe and Fun Toys The right toys can help children develop imagination and coordination. The wrong ones can do more harm than good. Toy-related injuries send tens of thousands of children to the emergency room each year. Many injuries occur when parents give their children toys meant for older children. Although many toy manufacturers follow safety guidelines for their products, some don't. Your challenge is to find toys your children will enjoy and that you know are safe. These su...
Cancer Screening: Beating Your Fears for Good Many people avoid cancer screenings, even if they schedule yearly physical exams. One reason is inconvenience. Another reason is fear. However, many cancers can be treated successfully, or at least kept in check, if caught early enough. And the screenings represent the best route to early detection. The longer the cancer is in the body, and the longer it remains untreated, the more likely it will move to another part of the body through the circulatory syste...
Cancer Survivor Tips Learning how to take care of your physical and mental health after a cancer diagnosis is the key to living your life to the fullest. These steps from the National Cancer Institute can help cancer survivors do just that. Understand your plan of care Make sure your health care provider clearly explains what to expect: How often will you need to return for checkups? What tests will you need? What major physical and emotional issues can you expect to face in the next year or two, and ho...
Cardio Workout Equipment Primer Treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, and other cardiovascular machines are among the most frequently used pieces of equipment at health clubs. But many people use these machines incorrectly or don't fully utilize them. If you exercise at a fitness facility, ask a staff trainer for a thorough tutorial on the capabilities of the cardio equipment. This will help you reach your fitness goals quicker. A trainer also can help you use the equipment correctly, wh...
Caregivers Need to Care for Themselves According to the Administration on Aging (AoA), millions of Americans are involved in some form of helping elderly family members or friends with their daily routines. There are more than 50 million caregivers in the U.S. Exact numbers are not known because caregivers often do not identify themselves with this role. In addition, there is no standard definition of "caregiver," so research studies use a variety of descriptions that influence the estimates. No matter ...
Caring for an Ill Loved One Caring for anyone is difficult, even in the best of circumstances. If you’ve been called on to care for a chronically ill loved one, the following recommendations can help you fulfill your responsibilities and care for yourself: Be practical Get organized. File paperwork under key topics: medical care, benefits, resources, assisted living, and nursing homes. Keep the person’s medical history and medication list handy. Store them in a binder in which you log conversations—to w...
Caring for the Caregiver Caregivers come in all shapes and sizes. They can be adult children, spouses, siblings, friends, or neighbors, who help with daily activities, such as bathing, feeding, and clothing. The caregiver may be the only person who can take a loved one to doctors' appointments. The long-distance caregiver may call weekly, help with expenses, or support the main caregiver. According to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), more than 65 million people provide a level of care ...
Caring for Your Sick Child Parents know they have choices when their child is sick. They can treat the child at home, make a doctor's appointment, go to the emergency room, or call 911. But at times, knowing which choice to make isn’t always clear. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many childhood illnesses, such as colds, stomachaches, headaches, and fevers, can be safely treated at home. But parents need to know they should always call a health care provider if they have any doubts or qu...
Celiac Disease Can Harm Digestion Suppose you or a friend has frequent abdominal distress, bloating, and other symptoms that seem to puzzle doctors. Today, experts believe those doctors should consider celiac disease. Also known as celiac sprue, this illness can cause a range of symptoms and problems. Among them: diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, irritability, infertility in women, depression, and anemia. Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and...
Ceramics: Pretty, and Maybe Poisonous Those brightly colored ceramic mugs you bought at the craft show certainly liven up your breakfast table. And that old pitcher from the yard sale is just the perfect size for orange juice. It's hard to imagine that such attractive pieces of pottery could be dangerous to your health. In truth, they may cause lead poisoning and some may leach cadmium into food and drink. The glaze that gives ceramics their shiny surfaces may release toxic levels of lead into your food...
Cesarean Doesn't Mean Forever Many American women deliver their babies by cesarean birth, which means the baby is born through a surgical incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. At one time it was thought that once a woman had a cesarean birth, she would always have a cesarean birth in any subsequent pregnancies. Today, that thinking is changing. Many women who have had cesarean births can attempt to deliver vaginally (referred to as a VBAC or vaginal birth after cesarean) if no risk factors a...
Checking Your Own Blood Pressure Blood pressure checks are a common reason for doctor visits. Yet, for less than the cost of a single appointment, you may be able to purchase your own blood pressure monitor and check the reading yourself at home. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure readings tend to vary, depending on many factors, including stress levels and time of day. Your blood pressure reading in a doctor's office can be as much as 20 or 30 points...
Cheerleading Safety Is your child doing cartwheels at the thought of being a cheerleader? It's not just a matter of standing on the sidelines looking good in a uniform. Today, it's often an athletic pursuit with a risk for injury. Cheerleading now demands increasingly difficult stunts and activities. Injuries linked to cheerleading may happen, as it has evolved into a sport that demands great strength, agility, and gymnastic skill. Many injuries are minor sprains and strains, especially in the lower ext...
Chicken Soup: Good for the Body and the Soul Some foods are good for the body and the soul. Just thinking about homemade chicken soup conjures up all sorts of good memories. Feeling a cold coming on? Make mine chicken soup, please, with some noodles. Feeling well? How about a robust soup, with lots of colorful vegetables, chunks of chicken, and big noodles? Is this making you hungry? There's an easy remedy. Cook up a pot of chicken soup yourself. It's easy, inexpensive, and offers the added benefits of ...
Child Health Emergencies Having a very sick or severely injured child is a parent’s worst nightmare. If it happened to your child, would you know the best way to go about getting treatment? Knowing when to call an ambulance is important. Symptoms to heed Many emergencies involve sudden injuries caused by bicycle or car crashes, falls, burns, near drownings, electric shocks, or poisoning. If your child has any of the following signs or symptoms, remain calm, and call 911: Unconsciousness, fainting, or no...
Children and Cholesterol If you, your parents, or your parents' siblings had a heart attack before age 55 and you have a child, this advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) might surprise you: Have your child's cholesterol tested. Under certain circumstances, the AAP says, cholesterol-lowering diets, under a pediatrician's supervision, are safe for children. Which children need testing? The AAP recommends that all children be screened for high cholesterol between ages 9 and 11, and again be...
Chilling Meat: It's All about Safety From the farm to the store, meat and poultry products must be chilled—and kept chilled, packaged, and handled properly so they will be safe to buy and eat. Several government agencies have the responsibility to assure the food's safety. In the home, you must do your part to store, handle, and cook meat and poultry right so it's safe to eat. Here are some of the scientific principles behind the safe storage of meat and poultry. Why is chilling meat and poultry importa...
Chilling Tales From the Freezer Here's a cold, hard fact: Foods shouldn't stay frozen indefinitely. In fact, some foods--like bacon--shouldn't be kept in the freezer for much more than a month. A food's freezer life depends on its density, processing, and water and fat content. People tend to forget about things that get shoved to the back of their freezers. But just like refrigerated foods, frozen foods have a limited shelf life. So, what happens when foods linger in a freezer for years at a time? Fort...
Chlamydia Can Lead to Infertility A lot of us don't realize that some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause no symptoms, meaning you could have an STD and not know it. And some STDs can silently lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain. Chlamydia is one of those diseases. CDC estimates that more than 2.8 million people are infected each year. Chlamydia is most common in sexually active young adults. More than half of all infections involve people ages 18 to 24. You can get...
Choose My Plate Now Tailored to You For years, the Food Pyramid, also called My Pyramid, was used to help people follow a balanced diet. Its replacement, called Choose My Plate, was introduced in 2011, along with updated dietary and exercise guidelines. The latest revision includes information on how to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as material on healthy and unhealthy fats and carbohydrate choices. Physical activity recommendations are also included. The recommendat...
Choose My Plate Shapes a Healthier Senior Diet What do bananas on your cereal, onions in your chili, and pears for your dessert have in common? They're great ways to get the fruits and vegetables you need to help you live a healthy, active life. The USDA developed Choose My Plate, which provides food guidelines and encourages you to eat only the calories you need for your activity level. The calories should come from nutrient-rich foods, those with plenty of vitamins and minerals and relatively few calo...
Choosing a Hospital You don't have time to choose a hospital if you have a health emergency. But if you’re facing surgery or treatment for a particular health condition, taking time to find a hospital that meets your needs is well worth the effort, according to the American Hospital Association. The following information and strategies can help you understand and research hospitals in your community. Hospital types Many communities have several kinds of hospitals: General and community hospitals. Most o...
Choosing a Safe Weight-Loss Program The not-so-secret secret to weight loss is to burn more calories than you eat. You can do this safely and effectively by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Although many people can lose weight on their own, others believe they'll be more successful if they enroll in a weight-loss program that provides support, information, and specific diet and exercise guidelines. Keep the following suggestions in mind when checking into weight-loss programs. Essential e...
Choosing and Using Leafy Green Veggies If the only leafy green vegetable you're familiar with is iceberg lettuce, you don't know what you're missing. There's a world of greens available that offers you more nutrients than iceberg. Greens are quite versatile vegetables. They are easy to prepare and can be boiled or steamed—or even eaten raw. They can be part of a crisp salad or a hearty soup. Greens are tasty and full of vitamins and nutrients too. Here's a list of some important nutrients you get from l...
Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome The illness was once known as "yuppie flu" and chronic Epstein-Barr syndrome because of its suspected link to that viral disease. But more than 15 years after chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) entered the public eye, researchers learned the disorder is more than burnout among young urban professionals, and it's not clearly linked to any specific viral infection. Even though the cause is still unknown, CFIDS still carries a stigma, whi...
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Still a Mystery Imagine feeling bone-tired for months, no matter how much sleep you get. Picture being able to accomplish only half as much each day as you used to--with nothing obvious to account for your exhaustion. That's life for people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Prolonged fatigue Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition marked by excessive, prolonged fatigue that is not lessened with rest or caused by another condition. It is three to four times more comm...
Clinical Guidelines for Heart Failure To receive the best care for heart failure, talking frankly with your health care team is a good place to start. It’s also helpful to know about a resource published by health experts that outlines treatment plans recommended for patients with chronic heart failure. Since 1980, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have jointly published clinical guidelines to help health care providers create good care plans for their patients. The g...
Clinical Trials: Should You Participate? Being involved in a clinical trial has risks and benefits. Being informed and asking lots of questions can help you make a decision. A clinical trial is a research study that uses human volunteers to try to answer a specific question. Whenever a new arthritis drug or breast cancer treatment hits the market, clinical trials are an important step in the approval process. Clinical trials are conducted for different reasons, according to the National Institutes of He...
Close the Door on Intimate Partner Violence Many people believe that intimate partner violence—also called domestic violence—is a concern, yet they still do not understand the full scope of the problem. The CDC defines intimate partner violence (IPV) as actual or threatened physical or sexual violence, or psychological and emotional abuse, directed at a spouse, former spouse, current or former boyfriend or girlfriend, or dating partner. Here are some facts from the CDC that can help put this issue in pe...
Cold Sores: A Common Complaint Even if you don’t get cold sores, you probably know someone who does. An estimated 50 to 80 percent of people are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), the virus that most often causes them. This virus is a close relative of the virus that causes genital herpes, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2). How sores spread Most people who get cold sores were infected with HSV1 before age 20, usually by kissing someone with the virus, according to the National Institute ...
Common Injuries of the Shoulder Whether throwing a ball, paddling a canoe, lifting boxes, or pushing a lawn mower, we rely heavily on our shoulders to perform a number of activities. Normally, the shoulder has a wide range of motion, making it the most mobile joint in the body. Because of this flexibility, however, it is not very stable and is easily injured. The shoulder is made up of 2 main bones: the end of upper arm bone (humerus) and the shoulder blade (scapula). The end of the humerus is round, an...
Common Questions About Corticosteroids in Asthma Q: What is a corticosteroid? A: A corticosteroid is a type of drug that reduces inflammation of the airways, the major cause of asthma. These medications can be inhaled to prevent symptoms rather than treat flare-ups. When used in this way, they are called long-term-control medicines. People take them every day, even when they feel fine. For the drug to work, you need to take it exactly as your health care provider tells you to. In most cases, this type o...
Comparing Granola Bars Don't confuse granola bars with breakfast or cereal bars. Granola bars are typically made from whole grains; breakfast bars are typically made with refined grain and look like a smooth pastry. Few granola bars are high in fiber, and some have more sugar than one serving of cereal. But most are low in fat and provide adequate nutrition as a quick breakfast or snack. Here are a few shopping tips: Pay attention to serving size. Larger granola bars are higher in calories, and some pro...
Concussions: Caution Is a No-Brainer It's better to miss a game than a whole season. That's the key message of a campaign by the CDC aimed at an underrated health threat: sports-related concussions. Concussions are a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head that causes the soft tissue of the brain to knock against the skull's bony surface. Although they range from mild to severe, they're all serious injuries that can harm the way the brain works. For many of these injuries, the athlet...
Conditioning Strategies for Peak Athletic Performance No matter what sport or athletic activity you pursue, conditioning will make you better at it. Every athletic pursuit is a power event, whether it's hitting a ball or riding a bike up a hill. In addition to working on the specific skills of the sport, you also want to build up the power you need to get the job done faster, harder and better. You increase your power in two key ways: Doing resistance training, such as working with weights, to build bas...
Contact Lens Safety Tips Here is a list of safety tips from the American Optometric Association: Visit a reputable eye care professional for a complete eye exam every 12 months or more frequently if directed by your eye care professional. Use only contact lenses approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and prescribed by a licensed eye care practitioner. Never swap contact lenses with another person. Don't wear lenses longer than prescribed, nor when sleeping unless otherwise directed. If eyes b...
Controlling Mental Health Costs Each year, about 26% of adults in the United States suffer from a mental health disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The most common mental health disorders are anxiety, substance abuse, and depression. Mental health care can be expensive even for people with health insurance. Medications for these conditions are costly, and therapist charges per counseling session vary, depending on geography, the therapist's level of training and years of expe...
Controlling Type 2 Diabetes with a Healthy Lifestyle People who have type 2 diabetes can sometimes control their condition with diet and exercise, and avoid medication or reduce the dose they take. Even if you need medication to help control your diabetes, following a healthy meal plan and getting regular physical activity can help blood sugar control and stave off complications. A healthy lifestyle will help you get to and maintain a healthy weight, manage your blood glucose level, lower blood pressure...
Cool Facts About Cold Cuts Most deli-style meats fall into the cold-cut category, including bologna, turkey, ham, salami, pastrami, corned beef, and roast beef. Some of these are traditionally high in fat. But as with other high-fat foods, manufacturers have found ways to offer lower-fat versions. These tips will help you shop for healthful cold cuts: Choose products that are low in sodium and get no more than 30 percent of their calories from fat. Turkey and chicken products usually are lowest in fat. ...
Cool Tools to Keep Your Kids From Smoking Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that many teenagers think smoking is cool. The CDC states that while the number of teens who smoke continues to drop each year, this trend is slowing. This is concerning because cigarette use among teens leads to health problems when those teens become adults. That is why it is important to be diligent as parents and do your best to prevent your child from starting smoking. Cigarett...
COPD and Summer Heat Becoming overheated can put people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at risk for serious illness. Stay cool this summer with the following tips: Watch weather reports and plan outings for the coolest days. On hot days, avoid the city, where the temperature is hotter. If you live in the city, stay in a cool place indoors. Check the air quality index (AQI) for daily ozone and particle pollution conditions in your area. Watch your local weather report and read the newsp...
COPD: A Quit-Smoking Plan You’ve probably heard that one of the best ways to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is to stop smoking. It’s no secret that it’s a tough habit to break. The average smoker makes about four attempts to quit smoking before breaking the habit for good. To make things easier, you need a plan. Taking these steps can help you quit for good: Choose a quit date and mark it on your calendar. See your health care provider before that date if you think medication might ...
COPD: Boost Your Strength with Exercise Regular exercise can make it easier for you to breathe. It strengthens the muscles you use to inhale and exhale. It can also help your body use oxygen more efficiently. Both are important benefits for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Strength training done two or three times a week can improve your overall fitness level. Strength training builds muscles by using your own body weight, free weights, or exercise machines. The goal is to gradu...
COPD: Coping with Stress Life can be full of stress, especially when you’re managing a health condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Just living every day with the symptoms of COPD and adjusting to limitations because of symptoms can cause anxiety, depression, and stress, which can make breathing more difficult. These can be in addition to things that would trigger stressful feelings in anyone, such as family arguments, rush-hour traffic, or too many bills to pay. The first step...
COPD: End-of-Life Care Many people have not talked with their loved ones about how they’d like to be cared for at the end of their lives. It’s an important talk to have, especially for those living with a chronic disease. What kind of care would you want if you were no longer able to speak for yourself? If you developed severe breathing problems, would you want to be placed on a ventilator, or a machine that breaths for you? It's not easy to talk about end-of-life issues. Let your family know that by ta...
COPD: Finding the Hidden Joys of Exercise If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your health care team has probably told you that exercise can help improve or maintain your physical health. Doing breathing exercises and exercises such as walking, swimming, and gentle bicycling can really make a difference. Exercise can help reduce COPD problems, such as shortness of breath and limits on your activity level. But that’s not all exercise is good for. Bonus benefits Here are some other bo...
COPD: Good Nutrition Is Important How much do you know about eating well with COPD? Put your knowledge to the test and see whether you know the answers to these questions. Does sodium intake affect COPD? Yes. If you eat too much sodium, your body may retain fluid. This can make it harder to breathe. Limit salt and other sources of sodium in your diet by not adding salt to foods when cooking or eating, ordering unsalted foods at restaurants, and buying low-sodium foods. Why does good nutrition help lower...
COPD: Heartburn Is Common Many people have symptoms of heartburn after eating. They may experience nausea, feel as though food is coming back up the throat, or vomit. When these symptoms occur often, it can be a sign of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Other signs of GERD include sore throat, hoarseness, belching, coughing and wheezing, and trouble swallowing. This condition is common in people with advanced COPD. It's possible to take medications that control stomach acid to help relieve the s...
COPD: Home from the Hospital If you’ve been in the hospital for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recently, you may have questions about how to care for yourself now that you’re back at home. By understanding your treatment plan, you can help prevent another flare-up—and stay out of the hospital. Here are some important factors that you and your health care provider can review together. Managing your medications Part of being able to control the symptoms of COPD means knowing how to use your ...
COPD: Managing Sodium and Potassium Intake When you have COPD, healthy eating habits are critical for feeling your best. Two nutrients you should be aware of are sodium and potassium. Below are the whys and hows of watching these nutrients. Sodium Sodium helps regulate the normal flow of fluids in and out of body cells. Too much sodium and salt (sodium chloride) can cause the body to retain too much fluid. This makes breathing more difficult. The excess fluid in the blood makes the heart work harder, wh...
COPD: Medicines for Maintenance People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may need to use several types of medicines to control their symptoms. Maintenance medicines work for an extended time after you take them. For sustained benefits, such as improved control over shortness of breath or less-frequent need for quick-relief medicines, maintenance medicines must be taken on time. Types of medicines Each person's treatment for COPD must be tailored to that person's condition--mainly the sev...
COPD: More of Us Are Out of Breath The average person takes 12 breaths every minute while at rest. It's a reflex--you don't pay attention unless there's a problem. However, a rising number of us literally can't catch our breath because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. The main types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These two conditions account for most cases of COPD, which affects million...
COPD: Safe Oxygen Tips If you use oxygen to help manage the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), be sure to handle it with care. It’s essential to follow these safety tips: Don’t smoke while using oxygen, and don’t let anyone smoke near you. Put up no smoking signs in your home where you most often use the oxygen. Stay at least 5 feet away from any open flame, such as a gas stove, candle, or cigarette lighter. Don’t use oil-based products such as creams and lotions that contain petr...
COPD: Tips for Easier Dressing When you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), even getting dressed can sometimes seem like a challenge, especially in the morning when symptoms can be the worst. These pointers can help: Select clothes that don’t restrict your breathing. Choose loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Try wearing drawstring pants instead of pants with a tight waistband or belt. Women can try wearing a soft sports bra or camisole instead of a regular bra. Avoid socks or pantyhose w...
COPD: When Symptoms Get Worse When the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) get worse, it’s important not to ignore them. Your goal is to keep your lungs working as well as possible. Talk with your health care provider about whether these steps can help you control COPD. To help control worsening symptoms of COPD, be aware of the early warning signs of change, such as more frequent symptoms or the onset of a new symptom. This could include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, or ...
Coping with Chronic Pain Chronic pain can be the result of an injury, illness, or medical condition, or its cause may be unknown. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than expected for an acute illness or injury, or for more than 3 to 6 months. Some people with chronic pain can develop emotional problems and/or physical limitations that impair relationships, hamper job performance, and limit their activities important for daily life. Effective pain treatments are available. You can also tak...
Coping with Food Cravings If you've ever felt like you had to have a candy bar, some potato chips, or a bowl of ice cream, you've had a food craving—an intense desire for a certain food or foods. Some people experience such cravings only now and then, while others have them daily or weekly. Depending on the person and the craving, food cravings can have a physical and/or psychological basis. There are a number of theories why food cravings occur: The body lacks certain nutrients. Because of a nutritiona...
Coping with Miscarriage Miscarriage is common, but that knowledge may be cold comfort if you’re coping with a recent loss. In fact, many women are surprised by the intensity of their emotions after a miscarriage. The feelings can run from shock and sadness to irrational guilt and anxiety about future pregnancies. Men, too, may struggle with feelings of loss and inadequacy. This is especially true if they’re unsure about how to help their partner through this difficult period. Such feelings are perfectly...
Cough Medicine Abuse by Teens A common ingredient in many cough and cold remedies has become a popular substance to abuse by teenagers searching for a cheap, easy high. Dextromethorphan (DXM), a cough suppressant, is found in at least 70 over-the-counter (OTC) products, including Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine, Coricidin Cough and Cold Tablets, Dimetapp DM, Robitussin cough products, Triaminic cough syrups, Tylenol Cold products, and Vicks NyQuil LiquiCaps. Used as directed on the label, DX...
Could a Nutrition Expert Help You? Your doctor says that you need to lose weight, but you don't know how to get started. Or, you're finding it difficult to stick with a low-salt diet, even though you know it may help control your high blood pressure. If you need to change your eating habits for the sake of your health, have you considered talking with a registered dietitian (RD)? These health care professionals can help you achieve your desired weight goal or maintain any dietary restrictions your healt...
Could Medication Be Causing Your Weight Gain? Eating too much and not exercising enough are the main reasons people put on extra pounds. However, some prescription and over-the-counter medications also can cause weight gain. You might gain as much as a pound a week. If you feel your pants getting tighter and you haven't changed your exercise and diet regimen, ask your doctor about your medications. The most common prescription medications to cause weight gain include drugs that treat depression, heartbu...
Counting Liquid Calories When counting calories, don’t forget the ones you drink. For many people, these so-called liquid calories can make or break an effort to lose pounds. Beverages with high-fructose corn syrup can be a major contributor to weight gain and obesity, according to the CDC. These include sodas and sports and energy drinks. Americans drink about 1-1/2 cans of soda per person per day, according to the USDA. For regular soda drinkers, that adds up to 240 empty calories per day, or 25 extra...
CPR Training and You Should you bother to be trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)? Every year, nearly 383,000 out -of-hospital cardiac arrests occur – when the heart stops beating, 88 percent happen at home. About 92 percent of people who have a cardiac arrest die before they reach the hospital – but having someone who knows CPR nearby doubles or even triples their chances of surviving. Unfortunately, fewer than one in three people who have a heart attack outside of a hospital setting get CPR ...
Cross-Cultural Adoptions Raise Sensitive Issues Pimples. Braces. Dating. Finding your way through the teen years can be challenging, to say the least. Adopted children who are of a different race or culture from their parents have additional issues to consider. Children adopted from Asia, for example, may be viewed as Asian, not Asian-American. It is important to help children feel a sense of pride in their race and culture. That, in turn, will become a positive part of their identity. The color-blind, ...
Cutting Calories and Fat When Eating Out Whether you're trying to lose excess pounds or maintain a healthy weight, eating out in restaurants can sabotage your goals. To better control your calorie intake you need to know how much you eat. But if you're like most Americans, proper serving sizes are a mystery, thanks to mega-burgers, biggie fries, and saucer-sized bagels. The following suggestions can help you downsize restaurant meals and maintain your weight and health when dining out: Plan for huge por...
Cycling Safely Many biking accidents could be prevented if riders protected themselves with the right equipment and maintained their bikes with safety in mind. The following checklist from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can help you avoid accidents and have more fun when you ride. Check your bike Check your bicycle manual for safety and maintenance instructions specific to your bike. You also should: Make sure your bike is the right size for you. When you're on it, stand straddling t...
Dancing Is the Star The best exercise doesn't have to burn the most calories or build the most muscle. It's the activity that moves you to do it time and time again. In that sense, dancing is the belle of the ball. Besides being fun, it offers a range of benefits—physical, mental, and social. Renewed interest in dance makes this a great time to learn at health clubs, dance studios, and schools that offer a variety of classes. Full-body workout Dance is a terrific exercise that uses the whole body, provi...
Dentistry: It's Not the Same Old Drill Imagine your dentist's office without the whirring sound of a high-speed drill--the sound that seems to go right through you. Well, you won't have to worry about the drill when you walk into your dentist's office in a few years. Dental researchers can't say for sure when it will happen, but they're confident that the drill will soon be obsolete. What will take its place? High-tech lasers. High-tech toothpastes and mouth rinses. Even chewing gum. And these are only ...
Despite Antidepressant Fear, Depressed Kids Need Help Some parents may be concerned about using antidepressants in children and teens. Certain antidepressants have an FDA issued black box warning on the label that cautions that the medicine may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, teens, and young adults. After further review, it was later determined to be overly cautious, and that the benefits of treating depression outweighed the small risk of increased risk of suicide. Wit...
Depression Not a Normal Part of Aging Depression is not a natural part of growing old. Insted, it's a medical condition that should be treated aggressively. Depression in older adults, or in anyone, is a serious illness. Some groups are at higher risk, but the average older person is not depressed any more than a young person. Depression affects about 7 million out of the 39 million adults older than 65 in the U.S. Non-Hispanic white men older than 85 have the highest rates of suicide. Many of these men...
Deskercise for the Office Bound Most people who exercise regularly say that being active makes them feel healthier and more energetic. And that's not limited to joggers or tennis players. Many office workers are doing simple exercises at their desks, with surprising health benefits. Health experts say that these activities give you a mental boost, fight stress, and promote flexibility. The body dislikes staying still for long. When you are still, tension accumulates from being in one position. Yet, the ...
Diabetes and Sensitive Topics Diabetes affects every part of your life, and it can create problems that aren't easy to talk about with your health care provider. It's important, however, to bring them up, because most problems are treatable. And though you might feel embarrassed, it may help to know that providers see these problems every day. Here are some common sensitive topics that people with diabetes deal with and suggestions for how to talk about them. Depression Depression refers to feelings of ...
Diabetic Skin Troubles We often take our skin for granted, but if you’ve ever had an itchy rash or a boil, you know how painful even a small skin problem can be. About one-third of people with diabetes get a skin problem sooner or later. Fortunately, most problems can be prevented or easily treated. Here are three common problems and how to prevent them. Dry, itchy skin When blood glucose is high, your body loses fluid. Diabetic nerve damage can also decrease sweating. Both can lead to dry skin. To prev...
Diet Traps That Keep You From Losing With all the diets out there to choose from these days, it's hard to know which ones are legitimate and which are diet fads. To help you gain clarity, here are some common diet traps from the Weight-control Information Network (WIN), part of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Myth: Fad diets will take the weight off and keep it off. Facts: Fad diets that drastically limit calories or ban food groups may help you lose weight, but it'...
Diet Traps to Avoid When you’re trying to shed extra pounds, it’s tempting to look for an easy way out—a magic bullet or a diet product that promises fast, easy weight loss. Diet traps and unhealthy eating don't help you lose weight for the long term. A sensible weight-loss plan that includes balanced meals and exercise can help you reach your healthy weight. Watch for these Some of the diet traps you should avoid: Starving yourself to lose weight. You can lose weight on a very low-calorie diet, but doi...
Diseases from Your Pets, Both Common and Exotic Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), monkeypox, and a host of diseases can find their way into people from animals. Truth is, almost any critter can infect us. So the huge growth in the popularity of exotic pets—snakes, lizards, monkeys, birds—is cause for concern. Handle with care According to the American Pet Products Association 2011/2012 National Pet Owners Survey, about 4.6 percent of U.S. homes house a reptile. You may like turtles, snakes, and ...
Do I Really Need a Fire Extinguisher? You probably know already that a smoke alarm is by far the best home-safety investment you can make. For as little as $10, a smoke detector can help you literally rest assured that a fire won't catch you sleeping. But you'd like to take the next step in fire protection. Perhaps you'd like to be able to fight a fire before it spreads through your home. Should you buy a fire extinguisher? Yes, provided you know when and how to use it. Fire extinguishers can be a small...
Do You Have a Family Disaster Plan? Natural disasters can strike quickly and force families like yours to evacuate your neighborhood. But families can and do survive such circumstances if they make preparations in advance. Knowing what to do is your best protection—and your responsibility. These suggestions can help you plan for the worst. Be informed Your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter is a great place to start. Seek answers to these questions: Does our community have a...
Do You Need a Daily Vitamin Supplement? Most Americans don't get enough vitamins and minerals in their daily diet. In fact, less than 5 percent of Americans follow all of the recommendations in the USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It's small wonder, then, that one in three adults takes a multivitamin. But dietitians say it's better to get all of your vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and other nutrients from food, if possible. That's because foods such as vegetables and fruits have benefits th...
Does Your Child Have a Make-Believe Friend? You're about to sit on the couch next to your 4-year-old. Suddenly, she yells, "Don't sit there! You'll crush Jennifer!" Oops. You should have known better. Jennifer goes everywhere your daughter goes, but you don't see Jennifer. In fact, you never have. Is it OK for a child to play with a make-believe friend? Actually, it's a natural part of your child growing up. Don't stifle it. Having a make-believe friend is a normal part of your child's growth and usuall...
Doing Your Part to Help Prevent Drunken Driving Just about everybody loves a party. But if your party menu includes alcohol, be a smart host and insist that your guests play it safe at your party and on the way home. Plan a safe party Prepare plenty of food and have it available as soon as guests arrive so they don't drink on an empty stomach. Avoid too many salty snacks, which tend to make people thirsty. Offer a variety of nonalcoholic beverages, including simply water, for designated drivers and othe...
Do-It-Yourself Pizza You can make a flavorful pizza in less time than it takes to call and wait for home delivery. Designing your own pizza is fun, especially if the children pitch in. And, it can be a healthful choice, as long as it's not too greasy. Think vegetable instead of pepperoni, flavor instead of fat. Spinach and garlic provide lots of taste, plenty of nutrients, and no fat. The do-it-yourself pizza recipe 1 10-ounce package prepared pizza dough, consider using whole wheat dough to boost your ...
Don't Let Asthma Triggers Dampen Spring Fever The arrival of springtime and warm weather means that the time is ripe for asthma triggers, such as pollen or air pollution. But don't let these triggers dampen spring fever. You can still enjoy the season by managing your exposure: Try to exercise indoors, if possible, or complete outdoor activities in the morning, when pollution levels tend to be lower. Pay attention to pollen levels. These are often noted in your local weather report. Try to spend less ti...
Don't Forget the Fiber in Your Low-Carb Diet Low-carb diets can cost some people an important part of a healthy diet: fiber. There's no doubt that fiber is good for you. The problem is that it comes with carbohydrates attached. High-protein diets can push people further away from foods with fiber. Yet doctors and dietitians are recommending people eat more fiber-filled foods. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Some fiber is soluble, meaning it partially dissolves in water. Insolu...
Don't Forget to Remember Do you remember what you had for dinner last night? What about dinner last week? How about the name of your second-grade teacher? Your memory is built in three basic steps. Before you can remember something, you have to learn it. This is called "acquisition"—you acquire the information, and your brain places it in short-term memory. This is where the information about last night's dinner ends up. If you want to remember something for a longer period—your address, for instance, o...
Don't Ignore Dry Eyes You might feel a sand-like grittiness in your eyes that can range from mild to severe. People describe the feeling as a lack of lubrication--and that's exactly what it is. Your body isn't making enough tears, or the chemicals in your tears are out of balance. When this happens, you have dry eye. Dry eye is a medical diagnosis that at times is not taken seriously, says the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Optometric Association (AOA). According to the AAO and...
Don't Miss Out on These 5 Nutrients You've heard of vitamin C and calcium. But have you gotten the word on all the other nutrients you need for a healthy diet? Chances are you're not getting enough of some important nutrients—like these five that get scant attention. You should try to get them from food, but if you think you're falling short, ask your health care provider about supplements. Iron The name symbolizes strength. Still, up to three out of four adolescent girls and women of childbearing age d...
Don't Rule Out Adult-Onset Asthma Approximately 25 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with asthma as of 2009, according to the CDC. It is often thought of as a childhood condition, but asthma affects more adults than children. In some cases, asthma may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Asthma is a chronic disease marked by wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms are caused by chronic inflammation of the airways, increased mucus, and thickening and narrowing of...
Don't Take Your Eyes for Granted Imagine what life would be like if you couldn't see well. Reading might not be possible. Watching a movie could be tough. Focusing on the face of a loved one could drive you to tears. The number of people losing their vision is growing, yet experts say much of this vision loss could be prevented. Don't put off regular eye exams because your eyes feel fine or you don't wear glasses or contact lenses. Signs of some eye diseases, such as glaucoma and age-related macular deg...
Dress for Success—and Your Health Are you a slave to fashion? You might be doing damage to more than just your pocketbook. For women, ill-fitting, irritating, or otherwise inappropriate clothing and accessories could contribute to health issues ranging from back pain to crooked toes to eye infections. Avoid these faux pas by shopping smarter—and healthier. What lies beneath First things first: Good undergarments are the foundation of any look. Given their important functions and their close proximity to...
Drinking Water Quality and Safety When you turn on the tap for a glass of water, do you ever wonder about the quality or safety of that water? With drinking water, it's important to consider not just the water itself, but how that water gets to you. The reality is, naturally pure water doesn't exist. Water is an excellent solvent, dissolving and absorbing impurities as it flows in streams, sits in lakes or filters through layers of soil and rock in the ground. Some of these substances, such as certain n...
Driving Defensively: Rules of the Road More than 36,000 Americans lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2012 and medically consulted motor vehicle injuries were estimated at nearly 4 million, according to the latest report from the National Safety Council (NSC). Driving defensively means being a safe driver yourself and keeping an eye on other drivers—because no matter how good a driver you are, high speeds or impaired or careless driving by others can place you in danger. The NSC suggests the fo...
Drugs: Read Fine Print to Avoid Side Effects Pat awoke one recent morning with cold symptoms. She reached into her medicine cabinet for a well-known over-the-counter cold remedy she had often used in the past. An hour later, Pat was on the phone to her doctor's office. She told the nurse that her heart was beating unusually fast, she had shortness of breath, and blurry vision. Pat's doctor had recently put her on a prescription antidepressant. She was feeling the frightening result of one drug causing a...
Dry Mouth: It's a Warning Sign A dry mouth may not sound like a health threat. But that parched feeling can cause tooth decay and gum trouble, as well as discomfort when eating or speaking. Dry mouth occurs when the glands in the mouth that make saliva don't function properly. It is a common problem among older adults, and, if left untreated, can result in extensive damage to your teeth. Common medications, such as blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, drugs to treat urinary incontinence, and tranquili...
Earlier is Better to Catch Hearing Loss When should your child's hearing be tested? Sooner than you think. Many experts urge hearing tests before newborns leave the hospital. Every year, about 1 to 3 per 1,000 babies are born with hearing problems in the U.S. That translates to as many as 33 babies with hearing impairments born every day. Many states have passed laws requiring hospitals to do hearing tests on all newborn infants before they leave the hospital. For years, routine hearing tests took place...
Ease the Pain of Muscle Cramps You're on the final leg of your daily run when a cramp strikes your lower leg. Your stride shortens and you begin to limp, hands reaching toward your calf. What causes this painful problem that's sometimes called a Charley Horse? Experts aren't exactly sure. Cramps can occur during exercise when a muscle becomes tired from repeated activity and when there's a salt/fluid imbalance. The muscle suddenly contracts, often causing a very tight ball or knot. Some cramps occur at ...
Easing a Child’s Fears and Anxieties About Medical Procedures As a parent, you are central to the decisions made about your children's health care. You are an important member of the health care team. Therefore, before your child undergoes any treatment, it is critical for you to have a full understanding of the diagnosis, procedure, and options available. The suggestions below can guide how you manage fears and anxieties your child may feel as a result of a medical procedure. The specific ways you appl...
Easy Ways to Remember to Take Your Medications A significant number of the 3.9 billion prescriptions filled each year aren't taken correctly. As a result, many Americans are putting their health and lives at risk. Taking medication as prescribed is important to properly managing your health; an extra, missed or wrong dosage can be dangerous. But there are things you can do to personalize your pill-taking routine so that taking the right medication at the right time becomes automatic. Have a system If yo...
Easy Ways You Can Safeguard Your Sight Every year, thousands of Americans injure their eyes or damage their vision. Follow these guidelines to help protect yourself and your family. Everyday Eye Care Precautions Following these suggestions will help protect your eyes while following your daily routine: Wear plastic safety goggles when working with household cleaning products, weed-killers, fertilizers, and other chemicals or with power tools such as electric drills, saws, sanders, and yard equipment. We...
Eat Alone? Make Your Meals Nutritious Dinner parties, cooking for a crowd, fixing the family meal — those are easy compared with the challenges of cooking for one. If you live alone, chances are you don't give your meals a lot of thought or preparation. Many times eating alone means throwing a meal together or getting take out. Such practices may mean unhealthy meals that over time may negatively impact health. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend a certain number of ca...
Eat Well, for Your Children's Sake You can tell your children how to eat well, but experts say it's better to show them. Children learn by watching their parents. If your favorite restaurant is the "All You Can Eat Buffet" and your number one vegetable is the french fry, you're sending the wrong message. Good role models have never been more important. About one in five kids in America is seriously overweight. High cholesterol and type 2 diabetes are rising steadily among the young. Children must learn ...
Eating Disorders in Men Most people think it is women who believe their bodies must look a certain way because of the body types portrayed on TV and by runway models, movie stars, magazines, coaches, parents, friends, classmates, heroes, and Barbie dolls. They think it is women who try to achieve these body types and may suffer from eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia nervosa, or binging. And until recently, they were right. The majority of those seeking treatment for these disorders were women. ...
Eating on the Run Most people find it easier to stick to a healthy diet when they’re at home and can plan their meals. But eating in restaurants, in your car, or at your desk is often a reality of modern life. The following strategies from the American Heart Association and other experts can help you choose sensible foods when you’re out and about: Check out restaurant websites. If you frequent a particular fast-food chain, go online and print out the nutrition information. This can help you make health...
Eating Raw Clams: Is It Risky? Americans love clams, scallops and other seafood, raw or cooked. But how safe is a trip to the raw bar? Experts say that any time you eat something raw, there's a risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA ) notes that shellfish, especially mollusks such as oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops, are likely to cause foodborne illness because they filter water through their bodies and absorb contaminants. The water contains nutrients, but it also can contain contaminan...
Eating the Right Foods for All-Day Energy Having plenty of zip to meet the demands of your job and personal life starts with your diet. To maintain your energy level, your body breaks down the food you eat into glucose (a type of sugar)—the body's main fuel—and sends a steady stream of it to your cells. But here's the trick: To feel good all day, your blood sugar needs to remain somewhat constant with minimal fluctuations. If your blood sugar drops too low, symptoms of hypoglycemia occur. Hypoglycemic s...
Eating Without Heating If you've ever felt like making a meal without turning on the stove or even firing up the grill, this one's for you. With a little imagination, some basic provisions, and a refrigerator, you can prepare a satisfying dinner for four that will make you the star of the patio on a hot summer night. Shop beforehand for summer-fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose them by size and color--small, smooth green beans; bright, unblemished tomatoes; plump, sweet-smelling berries. Buy only what ...
Emergency Care: When Is It the Right Choice? If you're sick or hurt and want help quickly, it may seem like a good idea to go to the emergency room (ER) for care. You may think of the ER as a source of the most immediate medical attention, but if your situation is not a real emergency, this isn't true. When you go to the ER, you can't take a number and get help according to when you arrived. Instead of getting quick service, may sit for hours in a crowded waiting room while more urgent cases are seen fi...
Emergency Symptoms for People with Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas produces either no insulin (type 1 diabetes), or too little, or ineffective, insulin (type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes may also be related to insulin resistance, a condition that arises when the body's cells become less sensitive to the effects of insulin. Insulin is a substance needed to regulate blood sugar levels. You can manage diabetes with insulin, diet, exercise, and possibly other medications...
Emotional Eating: How to Cope If you raid the fridge when you’re stressed or upset, that’s called emotional eating. Emotional eating affects most everyone from time to time, but regularly letting your feelings guide your food intake can affect your health. Sadness, boredom, and other negative emotions can drive emotional eating—such as polishing off a container of ice cream after a romantic breakup or devouring a bag of potato chips when you’re home alone on a Saturday night. But happy events can lead t...
Emphysema and AAT Deficiency Emphysema is a lung disease that affects the walls of the alveoli, the small sacs in the lungs that exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide. Emphysema causes the alveolar walls to lose their elasticity. This causes small pockets of dead air to remain in the lungs and makes it difficult to exhale air from the lungs. Most emphysema cases are caused by smoking, but about 3 percent of cases are caused by an inherited deficiency in a protein that normally protects the alveoli. This pr...
End-of-Life Planning Planning now for the end of life—no matter what your health status may be—helps ensure that your wishes are followed. For many, this brings peace of mind and a sense of control. It also takes the burden off loved ones, because they don’t have to guess what you would want. Even though there are many benefits to planning ahead, talking about death can be difficult. It’s important to remember that thinking and talking about dying does not mean that you will face death sooner. And it ce...
Endometrial Cancer Click Image to Enlarge What is endometrial cancer? The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. Cancer of the endometrium, the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs, is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the endometrium. Cancer of the endometrium is different from cancer of the muscle of the uterus, which is called uterine sarcoma. About 80% of all endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas. Endometrial cancer is highly curable when found ea...
Enlist These Foods to Help Prevent Cancer Plant foods, which contain antioxidants, may help reduce your risk for many cancers. Try to eat approximately 2 cups of fruit, 2½ cups of vegetables, and plenty of grains, of which half should be whole grain, each day. Be sure to make room on your plate for the following nutrition-packed foods. Blueberries These small fruits contain anthocyanins, the antioxidants that give blueberries, cherries, plums, red and purple grapes, and red cabbage their color. Anthocya...
Essential Eye Care for Diabetes People with diabetes are at a higher risk for conditions that cause vision loss or blindness than other people, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). If you have diabetes, you can take steps to reduce your risk for vision loss or blindness. Diabetes can cause the following eye disorders: Diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina, the light sensitive area at the back of the eye. The damage is caused by changes in the blood vessels th...
Essential Foot Care Years of wear and tear can be hard on your feet, as can shoes that don’t fit properly. Injuries and disorders of the feet can affect your mobility. Here are ideas from the American Podiatric Medical Association on how to take good care of your feet: Inspect your feet regularly. Look for any changes in color, discoloring, or thickening of the nails, or peeling or scaling on the soles. See your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms. Shop wisely for shoes. If you play t...
Essential Guidelines for Fireworks Safety Thousands of Americans, many of them children, are injured each year in incidents associated with fireworks, according to the National Council of Fireworks Safety. Most of these injuries occur during the Fourth of July holiday and include serious burns, loss of fingers, and blindness. Though the most disabling injuries occur with illegal firecrackers, such as M-80s, the majority of injuries are caused by bottle rockets, sparklers, and Roman candles. Staying safe...
Essential Self-Care for Arthritis If you have arthritis, taking your medication and following your doctor's recommendations are essential. But self-care can be just as important in your daily and long-term management of the disease. Other important parts of treatment include exercise, rest and relaxation, a healthy diet, and instruction on how to use your joints and conserve energy (no wasted motion). The following medical and self-care steps can make living with arthritis easier and less painful. Medic...
Evaluating Complementary Cancer Cures No one wants a cure for cancer more than someone with the disease. Because of this, many people are willing to try treatments outside the mainstream of traditional medicine. But while some complementary and alternative methods (CAM) have been scientifically proven to promote healing or reduce symptoms, many have not. Understand CAM treatments A small number of CAM therapies originally considered to be purely alternative approaches are finding a place in cancer treat...
Even With Asthma, You Can Kick the Habit Many people give up trying to quit smoking because they have failed in the past. Even though their asthma symptoms are bad, it may seem easier to deal with them than to try to quit. If you want to quit smoking but feel discouraged, don't lose hope. Try taking a new perspective. Instead of criticizing your failed efforts to quit or the fact that you're still smoking despite having asthma, give yourself credit. Why? Because you acknowledge the dangers of smoking, a...
Even with Weight-Loss Drugs, Losing Pounds Isn't Easy The CDC currently estimates that more than 70 percent of Americans ages 20 years and older are either overweight or obese. Out of the millions of Americans who are overweight and go on a diet each year, most regain all or a part of the weight they lose within 5 years. Still, the search for the miracle weight-loss cure goes on. The reality is that losing weight requires a change in eating habits and a boost in daily physical activity. You must burn mo...
Everyday Ways to Activate Your Life Moderately intense activities are good for your health. These are activities that make you feel some exertion but are mild enough that you can comfortably carry on a conversation while doing them. Examples include walking briskly from your parked car to the mall entrance and taking your dog for a quick jog after dinner. Other examples include weightlifting, yoga, and core exercises like sit-ups and pushups. This level of exercise won't help you train for a sport, but ...
Everyday Ways to Lose Weight Moderately intense activities, such as walking briskly from your parked car to the mall entrance and taking your dog for a quick jog after dinner, won't help you train for a sport. But they can help you achieve and maintain a healthful weight and improve your overall fitness level. They can also help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, put you in a better mood, and improve your balance, coordination, and agility. You have dozens of opportunities each...
Exercise and Eat Smart to Keep the Weight Off Most dieters committed to losing weight are successful at first, but then the battle is to keep the weight off. A 2012 report from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that in 2009 and 2010, more than one-third of adults and almost 17% of youth were obese. As hard as losing weight can be, keeping it off is even harder. People who keep weight off tend to have several habits in common. The following strategies can help you achieve long-term weight l...
Exercise and Target Heart Rate The fitness world is full of exercise gadgets, some good, but many more trouble than they are worth. Regardless of what shape you are in, one device you might find useful is a heart rate monitor. The key to cardiovascular fitness is getting a good but safe aerobic workout. Heart rate monitors, which monitor your heart rate while you exercise, can help you do that with ease. They range from relatively simple devices that show at a glance how many times per minute your heart...
Exercise for the Ages Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of wellness at any age. However, exercise becomes especially important during your 30s, 40s, and 50s. These may be the busiest years of your life, and staying physically fit helps you keep up with all the demands. During these decades, you also set the stage for healthy aging. Staying physically active can lower your risk of developing many diseases associated with aging, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and ...
Exercise Goals for Healthy Living Making exercise part of your daily life isn't hard if you make it a priority. To do that, you need to develop goals and an exercise plan that matches your needs and interests. These steps can help you define your personal goals and put them into action. Be sure to check with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program. First step Determine what you want to achieve through exercise. Do you need to lose weight? Help maintain a healthy weight? Reduce you...
Exercise Your Way to a Healthy Heart Physical inactivity, high blood pressure, and smoking are risk factors for heart disease. So, be the exception rather than the rule. Exercise for a healthier heart. Eight ways to help your heart Look at all the ways exercise can help your heart: Reduces your risk of developing heart disease and can help prevent existing heart disease from getting worse Lowers your risk of developing high blood pressure Lowers blood pressure in some people who have high blood pressure...
Exercise Your Way to a Healthy Pregnancy You don't have to give up exercising just because you're pregnant. Most women who become pregnant can follow a modified fitness program with their doctor's approval. Get the OK The first step toward a pregnancy fitness program is to talk with your health care provider to make sure it's safe for you to exercise while you're pregnant, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says. If your health care provider gives his or her OK, discuss which exercises are...
Exercising With Arthritis Exercise is an important part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan. A complete program consists of the following three types of exercises: Range-of-motion exercises to keep muscles and joints flexible. Aerobic exercises to promote cardiovascular conditioning and overall fitness. The exercises should be low-impact: walking, swimming, bicycling, or cross-country skiing. Strengthening exercises to build up supporting muscles so they can absorb stress on joints and keep them...
Exploring New Food Frontiers Are you in a food rut? Then it may be time to explore new food frontiers. You'll impress your friends, cut down on mealtime monotony and discover new foods, all while getting a broader range of nutrients in your diet. Join us on a culinary safari, and get a glimpse of some new foods to try. All of these highly nutritious foods have been used in other cultures for hundreds of years. They are now more widely available in this country. Look for them in larger supermarkets, natu...
Eye Protection Keeps Kids in the Game Protective eyewear can help prevent many of the 40,000 sports-related eye injuries that occur to children each year. The sports that cause most of these injuries are basketball, baseball, pool sports, and racket sports. But any sport that involves a projectile is considered hazardous to the eyes, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA). To help prevent sports eye injuries, children should use protective athletic eyewear, even if they wear eyeglasses. ...
The Eye Quiz Don't sit too close to the TV. Don't watch TV without a light on in the room. Don't use over-the-counter eyedrops. Are these statements true? Find out by taking the following quiz. 1. Sitting too close to the television will harm your eyes. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is This is one of the biggest myths, eye experts say. Sitting too close to the TV does not make vision worse. A. True B. False 2. If I see well, then I don't need eye checkups. You didn't a...
Eye Care Essentials for Computer Users If you spend hours each day working at a computer screen, you may experience eyestrain, blurred vision, itchy eyes, and occasional double vision. However, studies have found no indication that working on a computer screen causes permanent vision problems. Short-term problems, such as tired, irritated, or watery eyes, do bother many people who work at computers, but these problems can usually be corrected by wearing a special pair of glasses for computer work, adjus...
Facing Up to Alcohol in the Workplace Alcoholism is often called a family disease because it affects the family as well as the individual with alcoholism. However, alcoholism is also a workplace disease. Costly and dangerous Employees who are dependent on alcohol have higher health care costs than the average worker. In addition, workers who drink on the job or heavily after work may take chances that may affect the safety, productivity, and morale of coworkers. Symptoms on the job Frequent absences, es...
Fake Foods: A Nutritional Update In some science fiction stories, people take food pills instead of eating a real meal. Although Americans haven't come to that, more and more fake foods are now available to replace their real counterparts. Is this a step forward or backward in the evolution of modern nutrition? What are fake foods? Fake foods aren't really fake. They are just different from the foods they mimic. Examples include egg substitutes, bacon substitutes, fat-free mayonnaise and salad dressing,...
Family Meals: More Than Good Nutrition If you don't have a family meal each day, it's time to get out the plates. Table time yields benefits that go far beyond food. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University says that the more often children eat dinner with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use illicit drugs. The center compared teens who dined with families five or seven times a week with those who did so twice or less. Those who ate to...
Feeling 'Pins and Needles' Is a Circulation Problem A tingling or numb sensation in the muscles is a condition called paresthesia. It's a sign that a nerve is irritated. Think of that pins-and-needles feeling as a traffic jam in your nervous system. When traffic is running smoothly, tiny electrical impulses move along the nerves that run from your spine to your arms and legs. These sensations then move up the spinal cord to the brain. But if sustained pressure is placed on a nerve, you create a roadbloc...
Feet First: Choosing the Right Footwear for the Job and Sports According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), the feet of an average adult during an average day bear a force equal to several hundred tons. Feet need the protection of proper footwear. Work shoes Both men and women should wear safety shoes and boots appropriate for the job and designed specifically to protect feet. Safety shoes and boots can be waterproof (or water-resistant), can have insulated steel toe caps and soles of...
Female Teen Athletes: At Risk for Injury? Teen girls who are athletes face unique obstacles when it comes to their bodies and how well they perform. Teen girls have their teen growth spurt at an earlier age than boys, and thus reach their adult height earlier. Teen girls have more body fat than teen boys, because of higher estrogen levels. Teen boys have more lean body mass because of higher androgen levels. Teen girls, even after weight training, have less upper body strength than teen boys. Estrogen's...
Fight Asthma with the Right Nutrition Some experts believe that you may reduce your asthma symptoms by eating certain foods. Many fruits and vegetables contain potassium and magnesium. Avocados, bananas, and potatoes are especially rich in these nutrients. Legumes, nuts, dairy products, and whole grains also have potassium and magnesium. Not eating enough foods with these nutrients has been linked to poor lung function. Fruits and vegetables also contain vitamin C and a nutrient called quercetin. Some e...
Fight Back Against Fat During the past 20 years, obesity has escalated to become one of the most serious health problems in the United States. According to the CDC, over 70% of American adults are either overweight (defined as having a body mass index of greater than 25), or obese (defined as having a body mass index of greater than 30), compared with 46% in 1980. That's despite the fact that Americans have been bombarded with information on how to lose weight and keep it off. (To find your BMI, multipl...
Find Nutrients for Children in Food, Not Pills You want to make sure your child gets the right vitamins and minerals. Although that may seem as simple as choosing a multivitamin off the shelf, it's not always true. The fact that it's easy to find over-the-counter vitamins doesn't mean you should use them. It's best for kids to get all the nutrients they need from food. But there are some children who may need a supplement. Ask your doctor if your child is one of them. Children who may need supplements i...
Finding a Yoga Class That's Right for You Now that yoga has become more popular, it's easy to find all kinds of classes, and not just in studios devoted exclusively to the practice. Dance studios, gyms, health clubs, community centers, and senior centers all offer yoga classes. It is important to find the right yoga style for you, as well as a teacher that you like. You really can't know what a class is like until you attend it. Even when two teachers use the same terms to describe their classes, the cl...
Finding Support for Emotional Issues Everyone has ups and downs, or feels anger and profound sadness at times. But how do you know when your emotions are of the everyday sort that are likely to resolve with time, or when you could benefit from seeing a therapist? Probably the best clue that it’s time to see a therapist is a sense that the way you’re thinking, feeling, or behaving has been interfering with your normal life over a significant period of time . You don’t need a clear definition of what’s bo...
Finding the Best Day Care for Your Child Day care for your children may be a fact of life if both parents work. But not all day-care options are good for your child. If you're just starting to look, first, decide which type of child care best suits your situation. Hiring a baby sitter in your home or taking your child to the home of someone who watches a few children may be convenient or more economical, but your best bet may be a group or center setting. Things to think about Before you make a decision...
Finding the Right Mix of Carbs, Proteins, and Fats A healthy diet consists of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. But what's the right combination? Which carbohydrates do you need? How much protein? What kind of fat? Here are some answers from nutrition experts. Protein Protein is an essential component of bone, muscle, skin, hair, and other parts of your body. The body makes protein from amino acids found in protein-rich foods, but it can't store amino acids, so you have to eat protein every day. Sources...
Fit for the Ages Why exercise is important According to the Administration on Aging (AOA), exercise is important because a well-conditioned body can repair itself more easily and perform more efficiently. Consistent physical exercise can also slow the loss of muscle mass, strengthen bones and joints, and improve balance and mobility. Exercise helps the bones in your joints and spinal column rebuild and repair themselves, says the AOA. If you don't exercise, these bones tend to become thin and porous, a ...
Fitness From Within Tired of your regular fitness routine? Finding that your motivation to work up a sweat is lacking? Maybe it's time to take an old approach. Look to Eastern philosophies for the answer to your fitness dilemma, in the forms of qigong, yoga, and tai chi. All types of exercise are generally good for you. Aerobics, strength training, and sports can all contribute to a holistic lifestyle. Exercises such as qigong, yoga, and tai chi bring your body and mind together. They focus on movement,...
Five Fresh Forms of Indoor Fitness When the temperature plunges this winter, don't let your motivation for exercise fall, as well. Cold weather doesn't have to put a chill on your fitness routine, even if the treadmill or stair-stepper seems boring compared with jogging or riding your bike outside. What's important is to ask yourself: How can I make exercise different to make it more motivating? If you're seeking an answer, you may want to consider these five indoor fitness options, the American Council...
Five Fun Fruits You Should Try Fruit is one of nature's perfect foods. Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, without fat. Even though they are filling, most are naturally low in calories and delicious. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the American Cancer Society, the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Cancer Institute recommend that 5 to 9 servings of fruits (and vegetables) be consumed every day, depending on a person's energy intake, to maintain good health and re...
Five Mealtime Survival Tips for Busy Parents You know that you and your kids need to eat right. But with your busy schedule, sometimes it may seem tough to make sure everyone has nutritious meals and snacks. Fast-food is tempting, but the key is to incorporate healthy eating into your lifestyle. Here are some time-saving tips for preparing nutritious meals for the whole family. 1. Plan ahead Create a weekly meal plan and post it on the refrigerator. This will help you plan trips to the grocery store and...
Five Minerals We All Need In the mineral world, iron tends to be featured in the nutrition limelight. But these five minerals deserve to shine as well. Chromium Chromium appears to be involved in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism and it may enhance blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. Chocolate and almonds are good chromium sources. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), part of the National Institutes of Health, suggests about 35 micrograms a day for men up to age 50, and 20 micr...
Five Myths about Water About 60 percent of an average adult man's weight is water. About 50 percent of an average adult woman's weight is water. But is the water you drink giving you something you don't need—like lead poisoning, harmful E. coli bacteria, or dangerous chemicals? More of us are asking that question. The Water Quality Association, a nonprofit group representing the water treatment industry, found in a recent survey that nearly three-quarters of us worry about our drinking water supplies. T...
Five Steps to a Safer Kitchen Your kitchen is a hub for family life, but it's also a place with risks. Although you can't foresee every hazard, you can make the room safer with five simple steps: 1. Pay attention to food on the stove. Cooking is the top cause of home fires and home fire injuries. If you must leave the kitchen while food is cooking, carry a wooden spoon or oven mitt as a reminder that something is on the stove. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen for emergencies. 2. Don't use cook to...
Five Steps to Better Memory You've met her before. You can even remember where. But her name? It eludes you, taunting you, just out of reach. Has this happened to you? Do you accept it as part of growing older? Ironically, this attitude may make things worse. Aging can make it harder to remember some things. But by focusing on your potential and continuing to exercise your mind, you may be able to boost your memory power. Get started with these strategies: 1. Take on new challenges Studies show that whe...
Five Tips for Handling a Bad Report Card By third grade, your child's warm and fuzzy progress report will likely give way to the cold, hard, letter-grade report card. A disappointing grade can become an emotional tripwire for parent and child alike. The best advice? Don't react with disappointment. A poor grade is often a red flag for a potential problem area, not a measure of your child's worth or your parenting skills. Collect your thoughts and respond in a calm, clear way: 1. Praise, praise, praise! ...
Five Ways to Age Gracefully In recent years, an increasing amount of scientific evidence has supported the idea that people can do quite a lot on their own to lengthen their life span and to enhance the quality of life as they age. Here are 5 steps to take every day that can promote healthy aging and boost longevity: 1. Eat healthy foods to help prevent diseases such as heart disease, cancer and stroke. In addition, maintain a healthy weight. To maintain a healthy weight, maintain strength and help prev...
Focus on Keeping Your Spirits Up You know that you should eat healthy foods and get some exercise to feel good and live longer. Another key part to living longer is your mental health. Good mental health is just as important as good physical health. But we all face changes in life that can challenge our emotional well-being. For example, even if you always looked forward to retirement, you might miss working. Or, maybe you've moved and you miss your old friends. Whatever happens in your life, make your ...
Focusing on Folate The B vitamins are a group of important nutrients you should include in your diet each day. If you're a woman of childbearing age, one of those B vitamins—folate—is especially critical. That's because folate helps prevent certain common serious birth defects called neural tube defects. Getting adequate folate can reduce the risk for neural tube defects by 70 percent. If you are a woman of childbearing age and able to become pregnant, you should get at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of fol...
Follow Directions: Take ALL Your Medication The doctor hands you a prescription for antibiotics. The pharmacist hands you the bottle of pills that you're supposed to take for the next 10 days. But after a few days of taking the medicine, you forget a dose. And then another. And another. Soon, the bottle of pills is pushed to the back of the medicine cabinet, unfinished. You have just become a medical statistic, part of a growing problem discussed by drug companies, doctors, pharmacists, and other health...
Follow the Road to Safety No one is too young or too old to exercise. The United States Surgeon General recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, such as brisk walking. Exercising outdoors can be fun and enjoyable, but you should keep personal safety in mind before you head out the door. These safety tips apply not only to runners, but also to people who walk, bike, or inline skate. A big part of playing it safe is paying attention to where you choose to exercise. Keep the following guideli...
Food and Emotion: Why Some People Eat Too Much America has a weight problem. More than one-third of U.S. adults are classified as overweight or obese, according to the CDC. And the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Overeating is at the heart of this troubling statistic and, for some people, overeating is a desperate attempt to answer emotional needs. How can overeaters address their emotional needs in healthier ways? Look for responses to emotional discomfort other than food. The next time you're fe...
Food Freshness: What Those Dates Really Mean Here a rundown on the dates you find on food labels and what those dates mean, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. “Packed On” The following outlines what you can assume based on the "packed on" date: This refers to the date the food was packaged. It doesn’t indicate the date the food was picked in the case of fruits and vegetables, or processed in the case of other food. Frozen foods are best used within two months of a pack date. Canne...
Food Preservation: The Case for Irradiation Current preservation techniques can kill bacteria on or in many foods, such as milk and eggs, but their use is difficult on raw produce. Meanwhile, the headlines urge us to eat more fruits and vegetables--often raw. But how safe are raw foods? We've all heard of foodborne illness caused by contaminated fruits and vegetables, not to mention tainted meat. Irradiation is slowly gaining consumer acceptance as a way to make foods safer. The Centers for Disease Cont...
Foods That Help You Lose Weight Foods that are low in calories can help you with weight control. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the healthiest way to lose weight is to reduce your daily food intake by at least 500 calories. Your meal plan should be divided like this: 20 to 35 percent of calories from fat, 45 to 65 percent of calories from carbohydrates, and the remainder from protein. What to add Here are some ways to add volume to your diet whil...
Foot Care for Walkers Walking is the ideal exercise for many people. It helps maintain weight, promotes cardiovascular health, and reduces the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, some cancers, and stroke. Walking is easy to do and requires little cost beyond a good pair of walking shoes. Good quality shoes are important to avoid injury. The appropriate shoe Wearing the appropriate type of shoe is the most important part of foot care for walkers and can make the difference between plea...
For Adults: Take Care with Antidepressants Antidepressants are an important part of the treatment for depression. With the help of antidepressants, prescribed alone or along with psychotherapy or counseling, the great majority of adults who suffer with depression improve, according to the FDA and the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH). Depression is a complex brain disorder that affects how well nerve cells in certain parts of the brain work. Antidepressants improve the way some of those brain c...
For Good Health, Know Your Cholesterol Level The amount of cholesterol in your blood has a lot to do with your chances of getting cardiovascular disease (CVD). High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for CVD. In fact, the higher your blood cholesterol level, the greater your risk of developing CVD or having a heart attack. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance made by your liver. You can also get cholesterol from meats and other fats that turn into cholesterol in your body. Cholesterol is ...
For Healthy Eyes, Take the Long View Keeping your eyes healthy is important, and if you follow basic rules for your general health, it is possible to avoid long-term problems. Here are some tips: Eat right, stay at a healthy weight and exercise. Eye doctors back a diet that helps control blood pressure and blood sugars and helps maintain a healthy weight. Patients should stay fit and avoid the types of fast food that can fuel obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Any of these conditions can reduce blood...
For Kids, Games Can Build Strong Minds Here's a new reason to zap video games: Those electronic playthings keep kids from games that stimulate their minds in important ways. Citing the latest research on the brain, experts say chess, Scrabble, Monopoly—even jigsaw puzzles or tic-tac-toe—do more to help children build analytical, organizational, and creative skills. As adults, your kids will need those abilities, which may keep their minds sharp as they reach old age. Start early Play time is essential f...
For Men: Doctors Are Good for Your Health When it comes to managing personal health, men are missing the mark. Consequently, men are missing opportunities to detect and address medical problems in their early stages, when many conditions are more treatable and less threatening to overall health. What are they thinking? Men’s tendency to seek health care services only in “crisis” situations—and to see themselves as strong and healthy enough to skip checkups and recommended screenings—is no surprise to ps...
For More Babies, Birth Comes Too Soon Full-term babies are born between 37 and 42 completed weeks of pregnancy. Babies born prior to 37 weeks gestation are considered premature. More than half a million babies are born before they have reached 37 weeks of maturity. Premature babies have an increased risk for complications, such as respiratory distress syndrome and infections. Most preterm babies spend weeks or months in a hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A NICU has a specialized team of n...
For Obese Teens, Surgery Is the Last Resort Extreme obesity plagues more than 5 million teens and young adults, experts estimate. These youths tend to be at least 100 pounds or 100% above their ideal body weight. Teens who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater are considered extremely obese. BMI is a way of calculating whether a teen or adult is overweight or obese. It is based on a measure of weight and height. A teen is overweight if his or her BMI is 25 to 29.9. Moderate obesity is 30 to 34.9...
For Older Adults: What Screenings Do You Need? One important component to living a long and healthy life is to get preventive health screenings for serious diseases. If your doctor finds a disease early, the problem is often easier to treat and may cause less damage. In addition to celebrating milestone birthdays, consider them reminders for certain important health checks. Note: Screening means testing for a condition before there are signs or symptoms of disease. If you already have symptoms of any of...
For Older Adults: When You're Cooking for One If you are an older adult who lives alone, you may not be giving your meals and nutrition enough thought. This can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, weight loss or gain, constipation, and energy loss. You can avoid nutritional problems by selecting the right foods, making mealtimes more enjoyable, and adjusting your cooking habits, says the National Institute on Aging. Cooking and nutrition tips Don't skip breakfast. Missing the most important meal o...
For Seniors: Choosing a New Doctor You may have had the same doctor for years. Even so, a time may come when he or she retires or your health plan changes and the doctor is not with the new program. Whatever the reason for needing a new primary care doctor, the following suggestions from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) can help you find the right doctor. Questions to consider In choosing a doctor, here are some issues to think about: Is he or she board certified? Board-certified doctors have volun...
For Seniors: Don’t Brush Off Dental Care Older adults may have dental concerns that can’t be totally taken care of with just brushing and flossing. Your dentist may have talked with you about the dental health issues that arise later in life, such as dentures or dry mouth. You can keep your teeth and gums in fine shape by continuing good dental care, no matter what concerns you have, the American Dental Association (ADA) says. Dentures Dentures may make your mouth less sensitive to hot foods and liquids...
For Seniors: How About Losing Weight Today? Much to our dismay, it is quite common for people to gain weight as they age. Some of the gain is unavoidable, because as your body ages, body fat increases as lean muscle mass and bone mass decrease. Body fat doubles over the 5 decades from age 25 to age 75. Body weight increases until you reach age 60, when it begins to decline. Less lean body mass needs fewer calories to maintain, and a more sedentary lifestyle that often accompanies aging also requires few...
For Seniors: How to Prevent Falls As you age, your risk for falling increases. According to the CDC, more than one-third of people ages 65 and older and half of those ages 75 and older fall each year. Although most falls cause only minor injuries, the CDC estimates that between 20% and 30% of the people who fall experience moderate to severe injuries (such as bone fractures) that severely limit independence. The risk is even greater for people who have fallen within the past year. Falls can occur anywhe...
For Seniors: Is It More Than the Blues? Everyone has feelings of sadness or unhappiness now and then. When feelings of sadness or despair don't go away and interfere with daily life, depression may be the reason. Although anyone can suffer from depression, it is particularly common among older adults. Depression affects 15 out of every 100 adults older than 65, according to the National Institute on Aging. Depression has an impact on all aspects of a person's life, taking a toll on physical and mental h...
For Seniors: You Can Beat the Heat After age 65, your body can't adjust to changes in air temperature — especially heat — as quickly as it did when you were younger. That puts you at risk for heat-related illnesses. You also may be at greater risk for heat-related illnesses if you have a chronic health condition or take certain medications that interfere with normal body response to heat. Some medications also restrict the body's ability to perspire. Fortunately, you can enjoy a safe summer by taking a ...
For Women: Take This Risk to Heart Cardiovascular disease is the top killer of women. The majority of women between the ages of 40 and 60 have at least one risk factor for heart disease, but many do not realize it, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Women also don't know about the sometimes subtle signals of a heart attack. Why the disconnect? In general, heart disease has been perceived as an older person's disease that need not concern women until menopause. For years, women a...
For Young Women, What's Your Stroke Risk? Although most strokes occur in people older than 50, about 1 in 5,000 women ages 15 to 49 suffers a stroke each year, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). A stroke occurs when brain cells die because the brain is deprived of oxygen. The most common cause of stroke is a blockage in an artery, a blood vessel that brings oxygen-rich blood to the brain. This type of stroke is called an ischemic stroke. The blockage is nea...
Functional Foods—Hype or Health Benefit? Can you prevent heart disease by eating fish, prevent cancer with tomato sauce, or keep your memory sharp with gingko biloba? Many Americans would answer yes. According to the Nutrition Business Journal, they're betting that these "functional" foods—also called herbs, supplements, nutraceuticals, or phytochemicals—can do all this and more. Whether they get what they pay for—or more than they bargained for—is an issue that concerns some experts. Consumers are floo...
Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Health Issues People of any sexual orientation can face health problems. But people who are gay, lesbian, or transgender may be at greater risk for health problems because they don't always see a health care provider when they need to. This may be because they feel embarrassed, have had a bad experience, fear judgment, or have a health care provider who is uninformed. Here are some health issues you should be aware of and talk about with your health care provider. Hormone i...
Get Help to Get Around Most of us take walking for granted. But there's a good chance that at some point in your life you'll have trouble walking. The cause may be an injury, an illness, or recovery from surgery, but you're likely to need a cane, a walker, or some other mobility aid. These aids often provide support for people who are on the mend from surgery or an injury. Other walking problems stem from impaired balance - often because of neurological disorders such as a stroke or neuromuscular ailmen...
Get in the Swim As exercise goes, swimming offers its own unique set of benefits. Besides providing health benefits for your heart and lungs, water offers constant, gentle pressure on every part of the body, which helps improve circulation and may help to ease joint and back pain, and increase flexibility and range of motion. You can decrease your risk of chronic illness, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol by exercising 30 to 60 minutes, three to four days...
Get the Facts About Elective Surgery If a surgery is not an emergency, it is considered elective. There are many types of elective surgery. Elective surgeries may be required in order to diagnose disease. One example is a biopsy to find out whether you have cancer. They may also be optional. An example is laser surgery to correct nearsightedness. Or you may have plastic surgery to replace your hair or tuck your tummy. Just because these surgeries are optional doesn’t mean they aren't serious. Knowing th...
Get the Most From Your Doctor Visits A typical doctor's office visit lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. That gives your health care provider little time to talk to you about your health problem, examine you, make a diagnosis, then suggest a treatment plan. To avoid wasting valuable time, be prepared for every visit, using the following pointers. Before the appointment: Identify your symptoms or the reason for your visit. Before your visit, review your symptoms and put them in chronological order. Writing ...
Get the Right Help for Headaches Most people who suffer from headaches tell their doctors about their pain only as an afterthought. And many sufferers have never even seen a health care provider for their condition, according to the National Headache Foundation. The result is a lot of needless suffering. If headaches disrupt your work, social life, or home life, it's time to make an appointment for a medical evaluation. When seeking treatment for headaches, start with your primary care provider. Discuss...
Get to the Heart of Oral Health Did you know that research shows a link between gum disease and heart disease and stroke? It’s true. Evidence is mounting that people with periodontal (gum) disease, a bacterial infection, may be more at risk for heart disease and stroke. In fact, gum disease may also worsen existing heart conditions. The inflammation caused by gum disease may contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits inside heart arteries. Although gum disease is not an independent risk factor for hear...
Getting a Start on Solid Foods It's every first-time mother's worry as her infant approaches ages 4 to 6 months: When to start solid foods? Experts recommend going slowly and steadily as you help your baby transition from breast milk or formula to pureed foods to solids. A baby's introduction to solids should begin after ages 4 to 6 months and be gradual. One or two tablespoons of rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, twice a day, is easiest on the stomach and less likely to cause an allergic r...
Getting Down to Lunch Basics In today's busy world, lunch should be three things: palatable, portable, and potable. Sandwiches don't have to be the same old thing. Try different types of bread to boost your fiber intake. In fact, lunch doesn't have to be a sandwich at all. It can be leftovers or a collection of ingredients that please you or your family. Let your child make his or her own lunch—just send the ingredients. Cherry tomatoes, chunks of pineapple, pieces of cheese, and slivers of ham are the ...
Getting Help for Impotence While nearly all American men experience occasional impotence, millions suffer from chronic impotence. But despite its prevalence, the condition, also called erectile dysfunction, is treatable in most cases. Many cases of impotence are the result of physical causes, such as problems with circulation or nerves. Physical causes must be ruled out before impotence is blamed on psychological causes. It can also be a result of a more serious medical problem, such as arteriosclerosis...
Getting the Most for Your Health Club Dollar Joining a fitness facility is costly—from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 per year. To make sure your money is well spent, manage your membership the same way you would any other significant investment—by keeping your eye on your goals. If you know what you want to get out of your club, in terms of health, fitness, and lifestyle, you're more likely to use it in ways that will keep you motivated and satisfied. If you're still deciding which facility ...
Getting the Most from a Mental Health Support Group If you’re suffering from depression, anxiety, or another mental health problem, you can find support by visiting an online support group. Mental health support groups offer support, understanding, and helpful information to people struggling with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other conditions. Many towns have face-to-face support groups. People who don’t live near such meetings have another choice: They can visit online suppor...
Give Bad Breath the Brush-Off It happens to the best of us. At one time or another, we suffer from bad breath, also called halitosis. While it's rarely a sign of a major medical problem, bad breath can cause embarrassment, low self-esteem and even social isolation. The American Dental Association (ADA) says most bad breath starts in the mouth, home to millions of bacteria that live mainly at the back of the tongue. When these microbes process debris from food, saliva, postnasal drip and other sources, t...
Give Eating Right a Green Light The government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans says everyone age 2 and older should eat a variety from five basic food groups each day: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and protein foods. You should focus on nutrient-rich foods and avoid empty calories. But the advice raises an old question: How do you get kids to eat right? Well, monkey see, monkey do! If kids see their parents eating healthy foods, then they're much more likely to indulge in fruits and veg...
Give Young Athletes Plenty of Fluids Odds are you wouldn't let your daughter play catcher in a baseball game without a facemask. You wouldn't send your son onto a football field without a helmet, either. But here's a sports precaution you may overlook -- getting kids to drink water and other healthy fluids. Our bodies are about 60 percent water. During hot weather, if young athletes don't get enough water to replace what is lost through perspiration, they face the risk of dehydration. Dehydration means ...
Give Your Diet a Nutritional Tune-up Between spending long days at work and evenings and weekends attending to personal and family concerns, few Americans have time to eat right. But you don't have to overhaul your diet completely to improve its healthfulness. Nutritious and delicious foods can easily be added to any diet. Below are some suggestions. Fruits and vegetables Eating at least five to nine servings (or 2½ to 4½ cups) of fruits and vegetables each day can help you prevent cancer, heart disease...
Give Your Energy Level a Tune-Up Do you often feel sluggish during the day? It might be time to give your energy level a tune-up. Your body requires energy to function. How much energy you have available depends on several factors, including: The amount and kinds of food you eat How efficiently you convert food into energy How your body uses and stores energy The quantity and quality of your sleep Your mental and emotional states also play a role in your energy level. For example, if you're worried or b...
Give Your Health a Lift Forget everything you think you know about lifting weights. First, toss out the notion that it's not for you. Weightlifting is one of the fastest-growing U.S. fitness activities. And, the American Heart Association (AHA) recently threw its weight behind weightlifting, too. The AHA is promoting resistance training, a range of activities that includes working with weights, for its role in preventing heart disease. For people who think cardiovascular health is tied solely to the num...
Giving Your Baby the Best Nutrition As a new parent, you want the best for your child. And that includes the best nutrition. But the proper nutrition for kids can seem baffling, given the latest health headlines. Americans are more overweight than ever, and the trend is spreading to youngsters. In fact, it is so prevalent that infant car-seat manufacturers are producing a line of oversized seats to accommodate the larger-than-average infants and toddlers. Nutrition experts are seeing more and more child...
Glasses Can Help Even Young Children When should a child get his or her first pair of glasses? When he or she needs them--and that may be as young as a few months of age. Doctors who specialize in children's eye care say kids usually become near- or farsighted between ages 6 and 12. But even infants can wear glasses if they need help to see well. Experts agree that all children should have an eye screening before they enter school. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Optometric ...
Go for the Whole Grains If awards were given out for the healthiest foods, whole grains would win a gold medal every time. Compared with refined grains, they have more fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants. Whole grains are also a healthy way to control weight because they contain fiber, are less energy dense (provide less calories per amount of food), and help you feel full longer. What’s a whole grain? Grains are the seeds of plants. All grains contain carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, and are ...
Goal Setting for Everyday Success In a garden, you plant seeds, nurture them with water and fertilizer, work at keeping the weeds out, and trust the plants will accomplish your goal of growing strong and productive. The same processes can be used to plan for progress in your life and work. Follow these steps and you'll soon be reaping a bountiful harvest. Put it in writing Writing down your goals is like planting seeds. To do so, write a detailed description of each goal—the more detailed, the better. M...
Going Bananas The banana is an excellent choice for a portable, palatable, nutritious food. If you've ever watched a distance race, you've seen runners reach for bananas. The starchy carbohydrates in a banana provide quick energy and are a good source of water and an excellent source of potassium—an electrolyte which is necessary for the heart, nervous system and kidneys to function optimally. Nutritionally, a banana is a powerful package. A medium banana—about seven inches long—contains 105 calories, 2...
Good Night, Sleep Tight Dim the lights, lower the shades, breathe deeply, and slide under the covers. It's bedtime. But as your body begins to relax, your mind starts to race. Did you get everything done today? What's in store for tomorrow? Meanwhile, your eyes get adjusted to the dark. Before you know it, you are wide-awake. Sleep? No way — there's too much to think about. Insomnia, trouble falling asleep, or trouble sleeping is a growing problem in the United States. Studies show that many Americans d...
Good Oral Health Practices You know the drill--it's what you hope to avoid with regular brushing and flossing. Brushing twice a day will help get rid of plaque, the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film that is deposited on your teeth. It is made up of bacteria, mucus, and minerals in the saliva. Bacteria in the plaque break down the sugars and starches from foods into acids, which attack the enamel on your teeth, causing tooth decay and other problems. Clean, white teeth, h...
Good Sources of Antioxidants Antioxidants are substances found in food. They may help block damage to cells in the body caused by free radicals. Free radicals are substances formed during normal body processes. If not blocked, free radicals may contribute to the development of certain diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants are found mainly in fruits and vegetables. The most important antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids, including beta carotene. Vitamin C is thought...
Growing Up Short or Heavy Can Be Difficult Each of us is unique; we come in different shapes and sizes. But that's an adult's view of the world. If a child thinks they're different from the other kids in his or her class, they can feel bad about it. A child who is shorter or heavier than others may be teased about that difference. Many times, the parents' reaction to the situation determines how well the child accepts their height or weight. Listen and understand when your child is describing how they f...
Guarding Against Medical Scams Medical scams are everywhere, from television infomercials touting the latest medical "cures," to mail-order schemes. Medical scams are also in newspaper and television ads that promise better health and a longer life with specific, but unproven, products. The Internet enables health fraud to spread fast and to siphon billions of dollars from consumers' pockets each year. The Internet has given medical scams an effective distribution method. Although the U.S. Food and Drug...
Guidelines for Raising Smoke-Free Kids Every day more than 4,000 U.S. teenagers try smoking, and nearly a third of them will become regular smokers. Parents can take practical steps to keep their children smoke-free. Initially, young people begin smoking to look cool without understanding the addictive nature of tobacco. But a person who starts smoking when young is more likely to continue the habit into adulthood. And quitting smoking later in life is a difficult task to overcome. What you can do Here ...
Habits to Help You Look Good and Feel Terrific You can help reduce the effects of aging by following this simple advice: Take care of yourself. Habits that keep your body functioning at its best are the same things that promote an active, confidence-bearing physique. Here are some ideas to help aid in shaping healthy behavioral patterns to help produce and maintain a positive outlook on life. Eat a healthy diet A diet high in saturated fat and trans-fat can increase your risk for heart disease and certa...
Hand Tool Safety Despite the advent of power tools that do everything from drilling holes to driving nails, conventional hand tools are still strong sellers. You may have some in your house, and you might assume they're much safer than their electric brethren. But don't get overconfident. While hand tools do not pose the same lethal threat as some power tools, they are still a factor in a number of accidents each year. Here are some guidelines for safe use of simple tools: Always wear safety goggles. Yo...
Hand Washing Prevents Hepatitis A Infection Hepatitis A is a preventable disease. A vaccine is currently available for people at risk for hepatitis A. It is also recommended as a routine childhood immunization. Hepatitis A, at the top of the alphabet of viruses causing liver disease, puts travelers at risk and, until recently, worried parents of children in day care. Aside from immunization, hand washing before eating or preparing food and after using the bathroom or changing a baby's diaper, remains on...
Handling Hazardous Materials at Home Many common household products contain chemicals that can cause injury or death if they are handled, stored or used improperly. Some of the household products that contain hazardous chemicals are oven cleaners, tile cleaners, toilet-bowl cleaners, liquid drain openers, antifreeze, chrome-wheel cleaners, rust removers, gasoline, motor oil, lead paint, turpentine, lacquer thinner, and muriatic acid. The following safety precautions can help keep you and your family saf...
Have a Hazard-Free Halloween When we think of Halloween, we picture children laughing in colorful costumes, jack-o'-lanterns glowing in house windows, and buckets brimming with candy and treats. Experts warn, however, that this fun-filled night can pose safety hazards. An alternative is to throw a Halloween party and invite kids, rather than have them out on the street. If your kids will be going door-to-door trick or treating, however, some precautions can make the evening safe and enjoyable for everyo...
Hazardous Substances Demand Your Respect Depending where you work and the substances you handle, you may be at risk of accidental poisonings, chemical burns or suffocation. Knowing and following the right precautions can help keep you safe. These are some of the hazards you may encounter: Asphyxiants. Chemicals that displace or dilute oxygen (breathable air) can cause suffocation when present in very large quantities (such ass carbon dioxide and nitrogen) Carcinogens. Chemicals that can cause cancer aft...
Healing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as a car accident, military action, a terrorist attack, rape, or some other act of violence, undergoes severe stress related to the incident. Many people recover on their own, although it often takes time. Sometimes, professional help is needed. People who feel they're unable to regain control of their lives because of their responses to the trauma may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The sy...
Health Myths and Facts Have you heard the one about antiperspirants causing breast cancer? It's not true, but at least believing that widespread health myth can't hurt you, although it might keep you from some perfectly safe products. There are, however, a number other health myths where knowing the facts can make a world of difference to your health. Myth: Eating too much sugar can cause diabetes. Fact: By itself, eating sugary foods is unlikely to cause healthy people to develop diabetes. But eating t...
Health Newcomer: The Patient Advocate The average doctor visit lasts less than 15 minutes, so if you've got lots of questions—about your illness or medical bills or insurance claims, what do you do? Until now, your recourse has been to ask a nurse, social worker, or the staff at your health insurance company. Over the past decade, however, a go-to person known as a patient advocate has appeared on the health care roster. This person can provide answers, education, support, and care to patients. Differin...
Health Precautions When You Travel by Air Q. How can I improve plane travel? A. Most people don't have any problems when they fly, but it's possible to make airplane travel safer and more comfortable. Here are some tips: Carry all your medicines in your carry-on luggage. Ask your doctor if you should change your dosages if your eating and sleeping times will change at your destination. Bring enough medicine to last your whole trip in addition to packing extra medicine in case your return trip is delayed...
Health Risks of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Many Americans abuse alcohol and illegal drugs without thinking about the possible risk to their health and well-being. Alcohol Traffic accidents are the number one cause of death among Americans ages 15 to 20, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nearly one-third of fatal traffic accidents involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Even small amounts of alcohol, such as one or two standard drinks, which is equivalent to one or two 12-ounce can...
Healthful Hot Dogs Although you'll rarely find "healthful" and "hot dog" in the same sentence, the all-American food has gotten a makeover by some manufacturers. Hot dogs have gone "all natural" and even vegetarian, with many varieties as good for you as other healthful foods. When you're shopping for a cookout, these tips will help you choose the most healthful hot dogs: Check the fat content. Turkey franks can be as high in fat as pork or beef hot dogs. Soy-based hot dogs, such as tofu franks or veggi...
Healthy Changes for Staying Young Time takes its toll on a body, but you don't have to sit back and let the effects of aging take place without a fight. There are things you can do to control the aging process and even reverse some of the damage that's already been done. DNA damage causes a great deal of aging. Smoking, too much sun, and other factors can cause DNA damage. Part of the aging process is caused by oxidation, the breakdown of cells and tissues as they mingle with oxygen. This can occur beca...
Healthy Dining Course Once upon a time, most Americans ate out only for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries. Today, however, restaurant dining is a daily event for many Americans, and this change comes with an unhealthy price tag. One reason why regularly eating out contributes to weight gain is because restaurant portions are typically very large. Also, restaurant food is often high in calories and fat and less nutritious than meals prepared at home. Here are some strategies you can u...
Healthy Secrets: Avoiding the Ravages of Age The process of aging is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Although your genes seem to be the most important influence, there are some changes you can make that can help you age in a healthy way. The following strategies can help you avoid the aging fast track. Eat healthy Red meat contains saturated fat, which increases the LDL ("bad") cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in your blood, two factors associated with an increased risk for...
Healthy Strategies for Weight Loss Are the following three statements myth or fact? Fad diets work for permanent weight loss. Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight. Low-fat or nonfat means no calories. All of the above are dieting myths. Long-term success at weight loss requires a balance between diet and physical activity. Losing one-half to two pounds per week by eating better and exercising more is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. Before you begin a weight-loss program, talk with yo...
Hearing Hazards in Everyday Life According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 36 million Americans experience hearing loss. In addition, the NIDCD estimates that approximately 15 percent, or 26 million, of Americans between 20 and 69 years of age have hearing loss attributable at least in part to exposure to loud sounds, either at work or recreationally. It doesn't take a thunderous rock concert to cause noise-induced hearing loss. Any repeated...
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Heart Attack Not everyone who has had a heart attack needs open-heart surgery, such as a bypass operation. A procedure known as angioplasty can help unblock arteries. And people can do well with medication, gradual exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes. These different types of treatment can help you manage heart problems and prevent another heart attack: Angioplasty A heart attack can happen as a result of a narrowed or blocked artery. This prevents enough blood from...
Heart Attacks and Women According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, heart disease kills 1 out of 4 women in the United States. Heart attacks and their aftermath tend to be more deadly in women. More women than men die within a year of having a heart attack. This may happen because women are generally older than men when they suffer heart attacks. Also, women don't respond as well as men to the treatments usually prescribed during or after a heart attack. For many women, a heart attack ma...
Heart Disease Risk: Cholesterol and Other Tests High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the nation's top killer. But newer research shows that this fat-like substance in your blood is just one factor. Experts have learned that other substances in your blood may help your health care provider predict your risk for heart disease. The level of these substances in the bloods provide more complete information about heart disease risk. Other tests Triglycerides Triglycerides are another fat...
Heart Disease: Communicating with Several Providers If you are like most people with heart disease, you have several health care providers who each treat you for a different health issue. When a team of health care providers cares for you, it's important to keep each one up-to-date on your overall health. Doing so helps them understand the "big picture" of your treatment, while preventing drug interactions. Keep these tips in mind: Tell your health care providers the names and specialties of all your ot...
Heart Disease: Considering Cold Relief Colds and the flu can be serious for people with heart disease. Not only are you at risk for pneumonia, but it’s hard to tell whether your symptoms are a sign of a cold or of worsening heart failure. And if you do have a cold, you may not be able to take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to help you feel better. Drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or diclofenac, for example, also called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause you to retain fluid and ...
Heart Disease: How Disease Management Helps Regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet are two essential components of managing heart disease. On some days, though, it may be difficult to keep up with your exercise routine or meal plan. It’s not always easy coping with heart disease on your own—but the good news is you don’t have to. When you participate in a disease management program for people with heart disease, you get lots of help and support. That can help motivate you to stick with your ...
Heart Disease: Keep Your Gums Healthy People with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease than people with healthy gums. Gum disease occurs when too many bacteria are thriving in the mouth. Gum disease is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, possibly because of overall increased inflammation. Here’s what you can do to keep your gums healthy and protect your heart: Brush and floss your teeth every day. See your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Let your dentist know wh...
Heart Disease: Managing Multiple Medications Like many people with heart disease, you probably take more than 1 medication. Heart medicines may help you be more active, and live longer and more comfortably. Using them correctly is essential to your health. Whether you take prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicine or both, there are important guidelines to follow to get the most from your medicines — and to avoid unpleasant or dangerous side effects: Always follow the label directions. Follow ...
Heart Disease: Terms to Know Diuretic. A medication that helps the body get rid of extra fluid and salt by producing more urine. Sometimes called “water pills,” diuretics reduce fluid buildup in the lungs and swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles. Atrium. An upper chamber of the heart. The heart has two atria. Both collect blood as it enters the heart. The right atrium receives blood from the body. The left atrium receives blood full of oxygen from the lungs. Ventricle. A lower chamber of the heart. Th...
Heart Failure and Physical Activity If you have heart failure, you may wonder if physical activity is good for you. How could putting more strain on your heart and making it work harder be a good thing? The heart is a muscle, and like other muscles, it gets stronger with use. Regular and moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or biking, can improve heart failure symptoms, reduce stress, and increase energy levels. It can also decrease blood pressure, improve circulation, and help you los...
Heart Failure: After Hospitalization Being in the hospital for heart failure can be a difficult and frightening experience. Once you’re back at home, you may worry about your health. Here’s how you can stay healthy and prevent the problems that can lead to a stay in the hospital. Eat healthy foods You’ll need to consume less salt and sodium. Try to eat fewer fast foods and packaged foods, such as canned soups, frozen meals ("TV dinners") and snack foods, which are high in sodium. Anything brined, such a...
Heart Failure: Breathe More Easily One of the earliest symptoms of heart failure is shortness of breath. When your heart can't function well enough to pump the blood out of your heart, this causes blood to back up in the blood vessels leading to the lungs. Fluid then leaks from your blood vessels into the air sacs in your lungs. This makes it difficult for oxygen to enter the blood, causing shortness of breath. You may experience breathlessness during exertion, such as when carrying groceries, climbing ...
Heart Failure: Getting the Care You Need If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart failure, you probably have a lot of questions. What can I expect from treatment? What can I do to manage the condition? What kind of care will be needed in the future? It's important to have an open and honest discussion with your health care provider about these concerns. These tips can help you make sure your needs are met. It's important to ask your health care provider questions during your visit to make sur...
Heartburn Medicine May Put Your Bones at Risk The “purple pill” and its brethren are probably no strangers to your television screen — or your medicine cabinet. These heartburn drugs, called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most popular acid-suppressive medications used worldwide. For this reason, recent research linking PPIs to an increased risk of hip, wrist, and spine fractures has doctors alarmed. Recent studies have found that people who took PPIs were significantly more likely to break their ...
Help for a Child with a Cold It starts with a sneeze and a runny nose. From your child's symptoms, you suspect you're dealing with a cold. You want to help your child feel better, but over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines may not be the answer. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends against using them for children younger than 4 years. From age 4 to 6, these medicines should only be used if advised by your child's doctor. Several studies show that cold and cough products don't ...
Help for COPD and Depression Having a chronic condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can lead to depression. Having depression can keep you from sticking to your disease-management plan, including breathing exercises, medicine, and good nutrition. You may also be tempted to cope with depression by relying on old habits such as smoking. Getting help for depression is essential for your health. Depression alters the way you think and feel. It also affects your body. If any of the...
Help for Hair Loss Hair loss is a natural part of the cycle of hair growth. Each hair on your head will grow for two to three years before it starts a resting phase. At that time, it begins to fall out. Typically, about 90 percent of your hair is growing at any given time and about 10 percent is resting. That makes regular hair loss minimal and even difficult to notice. When hair loss becomes excessive, resulting in thinning hair or bald patches on the scalp, factors other than the natural cycle of hair...
Help for Tension Headaches Almost everyone has a tension headache from time to time. These headaches aren’t caused by an underlying disorder. They are so common they are considered to be “garden-variety” headaches. The main symptom of a tension headache is a sense of tightness around the head, according to the National Headache Foundation (NHF). Neck and shoulder muscles often become tense and sore to the touch, contributing to the intensity of a tension headache. The headache may last only a few hours,...
Help for the Holiday Blues The holidays can be a stressful time. The festivities can lead to anxiety related to excessive shopping for friends and family, finding time for social obligations, worrying about holiday debt, and trying to do too much. You can detour from your everyday routine, neglecting proper nutrition and regular exercise. These pressures can lead to the phenomenon known as holiday depression or the holiday blues. Will your holiday be blue? For many suffering from depression, the depress...
Help Your Babysitter Prepare for Anything Everyday activities keep many parents so busy that they can't take their children with them everywhere. That makes it crucial to find the right babysitter and make sure that the sitter can be entrusted with your child. When you're looking for a babysitter, give yourself enough time to be selective. You should: Look for a sitter within your circle of friends, church, or community. Look for someone who already works with children. Always check references. Safe Sit...
Help Your Back Work for You Your back is important to almost every move you make, but you probably won't realize that until you hurt it. Then you may wish you could return to the days when you took your back for granted and didn't have any pain. Even though you can't turn back time, you can recover from most back injuries. You can also learn how to protect your back so you'll stay mobile and comfortable in the future. For people younger than 45, back pain is the most common cause of disability. A variet...
Help Your Child Find the Meaning of Sports Four seconds remain on the clock. Twelve-year-old Melissa steps up to the foul line and fires off a shot that could win the championship game. The ball arcs toward the basket, hits the backboard, and teeters on the rim. Will Melissa's shot be the game-winner? It's called the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. But win or lose, experts say, it's far more important for Melissa and her teammates to take away from sports some lessons about self-esteem, motiv...
Help Your Children Chill Out Overscheduling. Rushed families. High parental expectations. Goading from peers. Getting into the best college. Whew! Today's kids face enormous stress. Kids must cope with all the issues, such as violence or global warming, that stress out adults. They must also handle additional stresses added by their parents and the media. The normal stresses of childhood are compounded by the pressure to succeed, whether it is at play or in academics. Media and advertisements reinforce ...
Helping Your Teen Manage Asthma Having asthma isn't easy, and for most kids, neither is being a teen. You can help your teen with information and support. Providing support and information Make sure your teen understands he or she is not alone. Asthma is a common condition among children and teens in the United States. According to the CDC, in 2013, 7 .4%pf people in the U.S. have asthma. Even though asthma management can be disruptive, try to keep things as normal as possible. Your teen may not believe...
Helpful Hints for a Healthy Weight Most people consider losing weight a difficult proposition. Few folks have the time or interest to count calories or fat grams. Others have no patience for restrictive diets or complex dietary regimens. And even fewer are interested in the other part of losing weight, regular exercise. But you can lose a significant amount of weight by making small changes in your eating habits that don't require record keeping or a food scale. Use the following tips to help you shed u...
Helping a Friend with an Addiction When a friend shows signs of abusing alcohol or other drugs, it is hard to know what to do or say. What is scary is that drug abuse can lead to addiction. Drug abuse refers to a conscious decision to use alcohol, an illegal drug, or a medication in an unsafe way. Addiction means losing control over whether you are going to use the drug, or losing insight into knowing how, or when, to stop. Although addiction begins with drug abuse, it does not mean just using a lot of ...
Helping Children Conquer Fear Who's afraid of the big, bad wolf? When you were 4 or 5 years old, you probably were. If you have children this age, you can count on their exhibiting fears of wild animals, monsters, and the dark, whether you come from Cleveland or Hong Kong, London or L.A. But have no fear. It's a normal part of their development. You need the experience of mastering fear as a child in order to be competent as an adult. If you think of sports success as being the result of practice, then ...
Helping Kids Cope with a Divorce Many American children are affected by divorce each year. Those youngsters often feel trapped in the middle as the family splits up. If mommy and daddy don't love each other, they wonder, do they love me? Anger, fear, separation anxiety, a sense of abandonment, self-blame, sadness and embarrassment are common reactions for most children. During the first couple of years after a divorce, your stress may get in the way of your ability to parent effectively. You can help en...
Helping Others Understand Your Migraine When you have a migraine, you may get mixed reactions from family and friends. Some may be worried; others may get frustrated. You and your loved ones will benefit if they understand your condition and how best to help, advises the American Council for Headache Education (ACHE). Talk about the headaches and the problems they cause. The first step is to make sure you are getting appropriate treatment for your migraines. Medication is available to help ease the pain...
Helping Picky Eaters Expand Their Palates So you think you have a picky eater? Consider the child who would eat just one food: a certain fast-food brand of fried chicken nuggets, only in the original box. When the restaurant changed packages, Mom raced to buy all the old boxes she could find. When it's a problem Although a lot of young children are finicky about food, they need help when they won’t eat the amount or variety required to keep up their nutritional status. A child living on one junk food ma...
Helping Someone with a Mental Illness Caring for someone you love who is sick or disabled is never easy. When the illness affects your loved one’s state of mind, the demands placed on you can be especially difficult. Mental illnesses, such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar or anxiety disorders are biological in nature. This means that they directly affect brain function, making it difficult or impossible for the person to think, reason, feel, or relate to others in a predictable, normal way. As ...
Helping Someone with Memory Loss Diagnosing memory problems can be confusing. In older people, it's easy to mistake such problems for the everyday forgetfulness that some people experience as they grow older. Memory problems, however, may be symptoms of a more serious diagnosis, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. One should be assessed by a doctor: When the person is unable to remember familiar things or people When the person is increasingly forgetful or has trouble remembering recent events When...
Helping Teens Embrace Self-Care Before teens leave home, parents need to teach them to make their own health care decisions. One way is to provide information and involve them in their own self-care from an early age. It is important to remember that an adolescents' ability to cope with increasing responsibility is often enhanced by the parents' willingness to support them as they face new challenges. By involving teens as full participants in their self-care, they're more likely to choose healthy behav...
Helping the Heart Through Cardiac Rehab A rehabilitation program often can help heart patients live better with their disease and recover from medical procedures like surgery and angioplasty. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, cardiac rehab services are comprehensive (thorough) and long-term. They include a medical evaluation; exercise under a doctor's supervision; modification of cardiac risk factors; and education, counseling, and behavior modification. Only a small percentag...
Help to Prevent a Second Heart Attack Most Americans survive a first heart attack, but are at increased risk for another one. By taking action, however, you can significantly reduce your chance for a second heart attack. Risk factors These factors increase your risk for another heart attack, according to multiple medical societies: Sedentary lifestyle Being overweight or obese High cholesterol High blood sugar if you have diabetes High blood pressure Smoking Excess stress The American Heart Association ...
Helping Your Children Cope With Death The death of a loved one is difficult for anyone. But for children, such a loss can be devastating. Many parents wait until a death occurs to work with their children on dealing with the idea of death. But that can be especially difficult if the parents are dealing with grief themselves. Taking time to reflect on your beliefs about death and your experiences with it, and then sharing those beliefs and experiences with your children, helps them prepare for loss when ...
Hepatitis C: A Threat from the Past Millions of baby boomers may have a dangerous illness and not know it. The illness is hepatitis C. It affects more than 3 million people in the United States. Many people may not realize that they have the disease. That's because hepatitis C can linger for years without causing problems, often taking 20 or more years to significantly progress. Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Over time, HCV can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or liv...
Hiccup Remedies Hic. Hic. There it goes again. Hic. Although a momentary nuisance for most people, hiccups have engendered a legion of home remedies, each with its own army of true believers. The best remedies try to block the reflex in your diaphragm—the muscle wall that controls breathing from the bottom of the rib cage. Hiccups happen when the diaphragm becomes irritated and contracts irregularly. The contraction causes you to inhale, but your breath is blocked by the glottis, the opening of your win...
High Blood Pressure Can Damage Kidneys Most people know that high blood pressure puts you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. But you might be surprised to learn that high blood pressure can also damage the kidneys. High blood pressure (140/90), also called hypertension, is a leading cause of kidney disease in the United States. Neither high blood pressure nor kidney disease usually has symptoms. The best way to protect your kidneys is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Irreversible...
HIV Prevention Is Still Important True or false: Now that drugs are available to treat HIV infection, AIDS is not much of a threat for most Americans. The answer is false. HIV/AIDS experts worry that too many people believe otherwise, and have become less careful about protecting themselves. Research shows that those who believe new drugs will keep them well if they do become infected with HIV may choose not to practice safe sex. And that is a dangerous choice. Truth about AIDS After HIV infection occur...
Home Remedies: What Works? What Doesn't? You might like the idea of treating common health problems with home remedies. In some cases, such as putting cool cucumber over your eyes as a beauty treatment, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. But if you're looking for relief from a serious and painful condition, like an ulcer or a urinary tract infection, it's a good idea to know whether that home remedy has any evidence behind it. Read on to learn about home remedies that could help—and those ...
Hope for Macular Degeneration There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at this time, but treatment can slow progression of the disease and new treatments are in development. People who lose their central vision to macular degeneration can often be helped by low-vision specialists. With the help of special low-vision devices, such as magnifying devices, large-print reading materials, or closed-circuit computers, people with macular degeneration can learn to use their remaining vision. ...
Hope on the Horizon for Breast Cancer Except for nonmelanoma skin cancer, breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. But cancer experts say that women should feel encouraged by the current breakthroughs in detection and treatment. In recent years, researchers have discovered new and better ways to detect and treat breast cancer — and to keep it from coming back, the American Cancer Society (ACS) says. These new developments stem from a vast body of research. Recent advances, al...
Hospices Offer Comfort at Life's End It's a subject no one wants to think about, but for each of us, our lives must come to an end. As medical progress prolongs our lives, the end can linger, draining patients and loved ones alike. So, more and more people are turning to hospice care. Hospice is not just for the elderly or cancer patients. Children receive hospice care, as do patients with neurologically progressive degenerative diseases like Lou Gehrig's disease, Parkinson's disease, and HIV. This holi...
House Fires: Don't Underestimate Them You just threw a party at your home. The last guest just left, and you're going to bed. But there's something you don't know: One of your guests accidentally dropped a cigarette butt on the living room sofa earlier in the evening. It's smoldering between the cushions. How long do you have to escape between the time the cigarette fully ignites the sofa and the fire becomes deadly? If you answered more than two minutes, you're dead wrong. According to a survey a few y...
How and Why to Keep a Training Log A training log can help you get more from your workout. It will help you organize and save information about your exercise routine so you can work toward a specific goal. For example, if you're training for a marathon, keeping a log can help you track how you run under various weather conditions or when you're following a special diet. You can record information about the prettiest routes if you're walking to enjoy the scenery. Your log also can prod you to work out on...
How COPD Affects the Lungs Every breath can be a chore when you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The term COPD includes conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the American Lung Association says. Each of these conditions prevents the lungs from working properly. Airway swelling All people who have COPD develop swelling in the airways. This decreases the airways’ natural elasticity, restricts the flow of air through the airways, and limits lung capacity. With emphysema, the...
How Diets Work If you’ve tried everything, yet weight loss continues to elude you, don’t give up. There are ways to up the odds and increase your chance of success. The first step is to understand how dieting causes weight loss. It's a matter of energy balance. If the number of calories you consume is less than what you need to maintain your body weight, you’ll lose weight. Conversely, if you take in more calories than you burn, over time you’ll gain weight. In general, you’ll take in excess calories if...
How Do You Fuel Your Workout? Energy bars, fitness drinks, protein powders, sports supplements--are these the best ways to power your workout? Here's the scoop on which foods can help fuel your fitness efforts. What should I eat before a workout? Your body needs fuel for exercise, but eating a large meal right before working out can cause discomfort. To avoid this, wait at least an hour or two after a full meal before exercising. The larger the meal, the longer you should wait. If you haven't eaten in s...
How Does Your Garden Grow? For many of us, spring means gardening--and our pursuit of greener grass or pest-free flowers may lead us to fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Recent studies, however, raise a red flag on chemical use, pointing to a possible link between herbicides and pesticides and diseases such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, other lymphoproliferative cancers, Parkinson's disease and other neurological problems such as memory loss. Experts are calling for more research, but the home garden...
How Intense Is Your Workout? Light, moderate, or vigorous. When it comes to exercising, which do you choose? Although you might think that exercise must be vigorous to be healthy, moderate exercise can provide many of the same health benefits. And if you haven't been active in a while, light exercise may be enough of a challenge for you at first. How can you measure the intensity of your exercise? The CDC says that there are several ways to determine your exercise intensity. Remember to check with your ...
How Much Exercise Is Enough? Exercise is a cornerstone of good health—but how much do you need? First, let’s consider how exercise is defined. It’s the same as physical activity, or any movement that causes your body to work harder than usual. Experts divide exercise into two types: aerobic and muscle strengthening. Aerobic exercise This type of exercise works your heart and lungs. It can be of moderate or vigorous intensity. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and work your way up to a more vigoro...
How Much of a Threat Is Bird Influenza? Influenza, with its fever, aches, fatigue and threat of complications, seems a uniquely human illness. But the flu, caused by a virus, can infect animals and birds, as well. The good news is that many strains of the flu virus don't cross over to humans. The sobering news is that the few strains that do make the crossover tend to be virulent, with the potential to cause widespread illness. That's what happened in 1918, when the "Spanish flu" swept around the world,...
How Old Is 'Old Enough' for Contacts? Is your child ready for contact lens wear? How old is "old enough"? These are among the most frequently asked questions when it comes to contact lenses, says the Contact Lens Council, a nonprofit organization. So much depends on the responsibility level of the child, as there are no hard and fast rules with children and lenses. Children as young as 8 may do well with contact lenses, but there are some older teens who may be too immature to handle the responsibility....
How Older Adults Can Prevent Hypothermia You probably know winter can spell trouble. You can fall on ice or overdo it shoveling snow, for instance. But did you know cold itself can cause a problem? It's called hypothermia, and it takes place when your body temperature drops below normal. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says older adults are especially prone to hypothermia, which can prove deadly if it's not treated quickly. Staying in a cold place for too long can cause the problem. Older adults a...
How Sweet Is It? It's human nature to like foods that taste sweet. But, as any dentist can tell you, sugar is bad for your teeth. It's also loaded with calories, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Because excess weight is linked with diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health conditions, cutting back on sugar is a smart move for many people. Luckily, there are other ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. Naturally sweet options If you're trying to cut down on refined sugar without using artifici...
How the Nose Works The nose on your face is just the tip of an iceberg. The important functions--breathing and smelling--actually happen mostly inside your head, in your nasal cavity. The air inhaled through your nostrils travels to this cavity on its way to the lungs. The nasal cavity cleans and conditions the air. Pollutants, viruses and bacteria are trapped in mucus, which then travels to the stomach, where stomach acid neutralizes the germs. Three structures on the sides of the cavity, called the tu...
How to Avoid Common First Aid Mistakes When you're scrambling to make a burn feel better or find an antidote for someone who has mistakenly swallowed a toxic chemical, you might fall back on some of the folklore of first aid. Rather than helping, these common first aid mistakes can actually make matters worse. Here are a few common first aid falsehoods and what you should do instead. Mistake: Putting butter on a burn. You've probably heard the tip to put butter on a burn, but bear in mind that it's bad ...
How to Avoid Common Running Injuries Running is a great way to get in shape, but it can also lead to injuries. Knowing about common injuries and how to prevent them can keep you on track toward achieving your fitness goals. Running right Experts recommend the following strategies to prevent injuries: Identify your running goals. You may choose to begin running to improve your physique, lose weight, increase cardiovascular fitness, or socialize with friends. Whatever the reason, it's a good idea to ident...
How to Avoid Sports Injuries Sports injuries happen when you exercise or play sports. Although not every sports injury can be prevented, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) says that injury rates could be reduced if all athletes—professionals and amateurs—followed essential safety, conditioning, and preventive strategies. Most people who experience sports injuries have one or both of these in common: A history of injury. Previous injuries often develop into ...
How to Bathe Your Baby You've learned how to hold your beautiful baby, you've learned how to feed her, but now you're facing a new challenge: Baby needs a bath. Some new parents find tub time a bit scary. You can overcome your initial lack of confidence, but before you do, here are some "don'ts." Wait awhile Don't put your baby in the tub for a few weeks after he or she is born: It's best to sponge-bathe your infant until the umbilical cord falls off and is completely healed. After that, a couple of bat...
How to Be a Happy Camper -- or Hiker Whether you're a first-time hiker out for an easy walk in the woods or an expert camping in the wilderness, think about safety before you head outdoors. Have fun, but take the time to be prepared, advises the American Hiking Society (AHS). Every year people run into serious problems that they could have avoided if they had taken a few minutes to plan ahead. First, always make sure you give somebody your itinerary, no matter how short the hike or how long the camping ...
How to Be a Savvy Medical Consumer Taking the time to become an informed and proactive medical consumer is a simple matter of self-protection. The need to be a savvy medical consumer is especially important if you are in a consumer-directed health plan, such as a medical savings account, because these plans place more responsibility for health care on your shoulders. But the benefits of being an active medical consumer include better health, more effective health care, and lower health costs. Here are s...
How to Be a Wise Health Care Consumer Every doctor visit or medication treatment presents you with choices and responsibilities. Sometimes the right choice isn’t so clear. Here are common problems you may run into as a health care consumer, with tips for wise responses: The treatment your doctor prescribed isn’t working. Maybe it’s the wrong treatment for you. Or, maybe you’re taking the right treatment in the wrong way. In any case, your doctor needs to know. Ask him or her to clarify the treatment dir...
How to Be an Active Patient People who are actively involved in their medical care stay healthier, recover quicker when they're ill and live longer, healthier lives, says the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Active patients participate as partners in their health care with their doctors and other health care providers. They don't make health care decisions on their own, but they're in charge of the process because they schedule appropriate visits to their health care providers, plan ahead to ...
How to Choose Healthy Crackers Want a snack that's tasty, low in calories and high in fiber? A cracker could be just what you're looking for. Many crackers do not live up to their pretty packages and healthy claims. Some crackers contain unexpected "extras" in the form of saturated fats and sky-high sodium and calories. It can get confusing. We don't necessarily expect crackers to make a major contribution to our nutritional needs. But we do expect them to be more than empty calories. Crackers made from...
How to Control Surgical Costs Hospital stays make up more than half of all health care costs. One way to cut your medical costs is to avoid surgery. You can't always do this, though. Here are ideas from the National Institutes of Health and other experts to keep more money in your pocket. Look for options Find out about any alternatives to surgery. Sometimes, an operation isn’t the only answer to a medical problem. Medication or a change in diet or exercise may be just as helpful. Ask your surgeon or pr...
How to Cook Faster, Healthier Meals Cooking a healthful, low-fat meal doesn't take any longer than cooking one that's high in fat, cholesterol and sodium. The following suggestions will help get you in and out of the kitchen more quickly and with more healthful dishes. Get organized Store frequently used dishes, pots and pans on cabinet shelves and in drawers you can reach easily. Keep those you use infrequently -- such as a lemon squeezer, holiday cookie cutters and other seasonal items -- on higher sh...
How to Cut Down on Drinking You might want to cut down on your drinking for many reasons. Unfortunately, the best of intentions don't necessarily make the effort any easier. If you are going to drink alcohol, you should use it wisely and in moderation. And if you are one of the 10 to 15 percent of the population with alcoholism in your family, you should be careful not to drink too much or too often, or not to drink at all. You should not drink at all if you have certain health conditions or are taking ...
How to Cut Your Hospital Bills Even if you have health insurance, being hospitalized can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Although you may not be able to avoid a hospital stay, there are ways you may be able to trim expenses. Knowing how to reduce your medical bills is especially important if you are in a consumer-directed health plan, such as a medical savings account. These plans place more responsibility for health care decisions on your shoulders. Before your stay Be sure you underst...
How to Develop a Can-do Personality Some people handle tough jobs without breaking a sweat. Others seem to give up before they even get going. What's the difference between a can-do and a won't-try person? The most common roadblock is fear of failure, which is closely tied to three other big fears: losing respect, losing approval, and losing self-esteem. Fear of failure takes away one of your most valuable learning tools—mistakes. Recognizing what you've learned from past experiences can help build the ...
How to Evaluate Your Health Care Providers What does good-quality health care mean to you? It may mean being able to get an appointment with your health care provider quickly, having a health care provider who is willing to spend time with you, or being treated nicely by the staff at his or her office. These things are important. But another factor that’s critical to your health is receiving good-quality clinical care. That includes having the right tests for your health condition and being prescribed e...
How to Fight Stress-Related Diseases Stress-related health problems can be the basis for many doctor visits. For example, suppose Joe has inherited a predisposition to develop a depressive disorder. For him, a difficult breakup with his girlfriend may be all that's needed to trigger a bout of severe depression and the need for a doctor's visit. Then, there's the natural "fight or flight" response, in which the body instinctively reacts to stressful situations by priming the body for lifesaving physical ...
How to Find Dr. Right Your relationship with your doctor is one of the most important in your life. You should be able to trust your doctor with your most private health issues or problems and should feel certain he or she is your ally. You may need to choose a new doctor if your current one stops participating in your health insurance plan or no longer satisfies your particular needs. Steps to take The following suggestions can help you find a new doctor who's right for you: Look for a doctor when you'...
How to Get Medications for Less The best way to reduce your prescription drug costs is to follow a healthier lifestyle. Improving your diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking can improve your health enough that you may be able to give up or take lower doses of expensive medications. The following strategies from the FDA can help you cut your prescription costs significantly. Ask for generics If your health care provider prescribes a brand-name drug, always ask if t...
How to Get Optimal Medical Care To get the best medical care you can, you should be an informed patient who works closely with your health care provider. To get the most from a doctor visit, follow this advice from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ): Start with open communication. Don’t assume your doctor has all the information he or she needs. If you think of a detail you forgot to mention during an appointment, jot it down. Then, call your doctor or nurse. Mind your medications. Ta...
How to Help an Overweight or Obese Child Ask a parent to name the greatest health threat to children and you'll hear about drinking or drugs. Rarely will anyone cite obesity, even though it can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and social isolation. Unfortunately, obesity in children is extremely common. Almost 1 child in 5 is overweight, according to the CDC. One out of 4 obese children will likely be obese as adults. And as many as 80% of obese preteens and teens will be obese as a...
How to Help Teenagers with Addicted Parents Growing up can be a tough challenge for most adolescents, but when their parents are abusing alcohol or drugs, the obstacles can seem overwhelming. Nearly 8 million children under age 18 live with a parent who is abusing or addicted to alcohol or drugs. That is over 1 out of every 10 children in the U.S.! So what's the best way to help a teen who's grappling with the problem of parental addiction? These kids need our help, and perhaps the first step in helping...
How to Junk a Junk-Food Diet Whether you’re trying to maintain a healthy weight or improve your health, junk food can sabotage a worthy effort. Weaning yourself from these unhealthy foods can reap big benefits. Salted snacks, sodas, juice drinks, potato chips, candy bars, cookies, french fries, doughnuts, and other deep-fried foods—it’s not hard for most people to identify these as junk food. What’s much more difficult for most Americans is to eat less of them. And therein lies the problem. By definitio...
How to Keep Bugs From Bugging You Does your picnic turn into a swat-fest? Is your fishing trip a mosquito-infested nightmare? Then brace yourself for summer's sting. Although most insects are just nuisances, some can threaten our health. The CDC says that mosquitoes and ticks can be two of the most dangerous pests. Mosquitoes worldwide transmit diseases from malaria to dengue fever---two tropical illnesses that can show up in the United States because of changing travel and weather patterns. Mosquitoes ...
How to Keep Your Baby or Toddler Safe Keeping your baby safe isn't difficult, but you do have to pay careful attention at all times. The following tips review some of the basics. Motor vehicle Strap your baby into a child safety seat in the car's back seat. Be sure the child safety seat is properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt or attached to the appropriate safety bars. Follow the manufacturer's directions and check your car owner's manual to be sure you are installing the car seat properly. Nev...
How to Keep Your Gums and Teeth Healthy Brushing and flossing your teeth isn't hard to do, and doing both properly can help prevent gum disease and tooth loss. Gum disease is caused by plaque--a sticky film made of bacteria, mucus, and other particles--that forms on the teeth. When the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tarter that harbors bacteria, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). The bacteria in the plaque and tarter cause inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. Tartar can o...
How to Lower Your Financial Stress Money worries are among the most common sources of personal and family stress. Living with too much of any kind of pressure on a daily basis can take an emotional and physical toll, contributing to sleepless nights, backaches, or headaches or, over time, even life-threatening diseases, such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Whether your credit card balances are soaring, or you and your partner are arguing constantly over nickels and dimes, there are things you c...
How to Make Heart-Healthy Food Choices Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease and other heart conditions. Assuming most Americans are familiar with this fact, why is heart disease still the number one killer among adults? A major reason is that most Americans eat too many high-fat, high-calorie foods. These steps will help you reduce your risk for this condition: Eat at least 2 cups of fruit and 2½ to 3 cups of vegetables every day. Produce is packed wi...
How to Make Tastier Veggies To help boost your chances for good health, nutritionists recommend eating more fruits and vegetables. Eating two to four cups of fruit and three to five servings vegetables a day may lower your risk for heart disease and some cancers, and bolster your immune system. Adding more fruit to our diet is easy for most of us. It's the vegetables that hang up many people. Think Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and other strong-tasting vegetables. It's common for people to tu...
How to Manage Diabetes During Illness Battling a cold, getting over an injury or undergoing surgery is no fun for anyone. For people with diabetes, managing blood sugar is an extra concern. The stress of illness or injury can cause blood sugar to rise and make insulin less effective. This can lead to serious problems, including diabetic coma. That’s why it’s important to know what to do when illness strikes. Manage medication When you’re sick, your blood sugar can be high even if you’re not eating much....
How to Manage Prehypertension Prehypertension is a new term that alerts people to the very real risk of developing chronic high blood pressure, if they don't take timely steps to improve their lifestyle habits, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Prehypertension is defined as a blood pressure with the top (systolic) number between 120 and 139, or the bottom (diastolic) number between 80 and 89. If you end up with full-blown high blood pressure, you may, in time, develop heart dis...
How to Manage Your Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease happens when the cartilage in a joint breaks down. Cartilage allows the bones in a joint to glide over one another. When the cartilage breaks down, the bones rub together. This causes pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Osteoarthritis most often affects the hands, neck, lower back, knees, and hips. Your health care provider can help you find ways to reduce pain, move better, and protect your joints from further inju...
How to Map Out a Safe Vacation If you're going on vacation—whether to cruise the Greek islands or visit your grandchildren in Maine—a little planning goes a long way. Although we all enjoy a bit of excitement on vacation, most of us don't like unexpected surprises. By thinking ahead and planning for your vacation before you go, the only surprises you'll encounter are the nice ones, such as finding a deserted beach or hearing your grandchild's first words. Health matters When getting ready to leave, you ...
How to Plan for Long-Term Care Most older people are independent. But later in life, you or someone you love may need help with everyday activities, such as shopping, cooking, and bathing. A variety of services and facilities can provide help that allows people to stay active and connected with family, friends, and neighbors. Planning ahead The key to successful long-term care is planning. To get started: Talk with your doctor or another health care professional if you're having trouble with everyday ac...
How to Plan for Major Surgery Major surgery can be intimidating, but you’ll feel more confident if you get all the information you need about your surgery beforehand. This will help you prepare for the procedure and for your recovery in the hospital or at home. Questions to ask before surgery Every question you have is important, so don’t be shy about asking them. Here are some of the most helpful questions to get answered: Why are you recommending this surgery? Who will be on the surgical team? Where w...
How to Prepare for Scheduled or Elective Surgery If you are facing surgery, take the time to learn about the surgery your doctor has recommended so you understand what's involved and feel comfortable that it's the best treatment. It also recommends that you take the time to find the right surgeon and hospital and to ask your surgeon questions to make sure the operation is as safe as possible. Even though millions of operations are performed each year, surgery is a big decision for every person. Take the...
How to Prevent and Relieve Digestive Problems Just as simple things can upset your digestive system, simple changes can help. The following tips can help prevent or relieve digestive ills. See your health care provider if symptoms persist. Diarrhea Although diarrhea can make you feel miserable, it is rarely cause for concern. Bacteria, viruses, emotional upset, stress, and certain drugs can cause diarrhea, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Most of the tim...
How to Prevent Childhood Obesity Baby fat is something children are supposed to outgrow, not grow in to. According to the National Center for Health Statistics from 2009 to 2010, the percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens, almost 17% are considered obese. Extra pounds and too-big waistlines have serious consequences for children, including self-esteem, social problems, and increased risk for chronic diseases. Why are so many children tipp...
How to Prevent Identity Theft Computers, credit cards, and e-mail have made our lives more convenient and more efficient than ever before, but they have created other problems. It's now easier than ever for thieves to steal your personal information and use it to make purchases or carry out other illegal activities in your name. This is a crime known as identity theft. Luckily, you can take steps to reduce the risk of identity theft. It just takes a little vigilance on your part to keep your identity sa...
How to Prevent Osteoarthritis There are about 100 different types of arthritis. In general, arthritis means problems with the joints. A joint is a place in the body where two bones meet. Arthritis may also affect other body tissue near the joints including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. And, in some forms of arthritis, the whole body is involved. Osteoarthritis (OA) is sometimes called degenerative joint disease or wear-and-tear arthritis. It is the most common type of arthritis. In OA, the cartilage ...
How to Prevent, Treat Choking on Toys When it comes to dangerous toys, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission doesn't play around. In one recent year, the government confiscated 2 million toys — mostly imports seized at U.S. borders. Still, the commission's long quest to protect children is far from finished. Toys caused at least 11 deaths and sent 265,000 children to emergency rooms in 2012, the latest statistics available. Every year, children choke to death on toys, including balloons, and other...
How to Properly Manage Medical Devices Whether it's placing a thermometer under your tongue or standing on a scale to weigh yourself, chances are good you've used a personal medical device at one time or another. Many people with chronic illnesses depend on more elaborate medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers or blood-glucose monitors, for their health and well-being. Countless others help their loved ones, young or old, deal with an oxygen machine, asthma medication inhaler, or other device. No m...
How to Quit Smoking, Again If you're like most smokers who have tried to quit, you may have tried unsuccessfully several times. But you can try again and succeed. The following suggestions can help you kick the habit, again, for good. Understand your relapse If you relapse, the first thing you should do is not give up. Instead, take stock of the situation. When did the relapse start and what caused it? Once you understand why it happened, you can begin to consider ways to get back on track. Here are som...
How to Raise Healthy Eaters Parents of overweight and obese children often put their youngsters on diets. But according to health and nutrition experts, doing so rarely works and may even be harmful. Healthy diets are important, but kids need more family time and exercise, and less TV and video-gaming. They also need rest and healthy food served at home. The following suggestions can help you help your children attain and maintain a healthy weight. Eat together Interaction with family around the table i...
How to Respond to a Medical Emergency Knowing what to do if someone you're with is bleeding profusely or appears to be having a heart attack could save the person's life. Taking a standard first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class can help prepare you for most medical emergencies. The National Safety Council, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and many hospitals offer classes in convenient locations. The following suggestions can help you respond appropriately. Burns First-deg...
How to Safely Choose OTC Medications Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and pain relievers, laxatives, and headache remedies may treat different conditions, but they all have one thing in common: They’re serious medicines that need to be taken with care. OTCs medications are real medicines and can have side effects and risks, even though you don’t need a prescription to buy them. Generally they are safe when taken exactly as directed on the label, but can be dangerous if the wrong dosage is taken, the right a...
How to Say No to Preteens When kids are young, it's easy to set limits on conduct that may put their health or safety at risk. If the seat belt is unbuckled, the car doesn't start. If the helmet isn't worn, the bike stays in the garage. That can even work with behavior that may lead to obesity, such as eating too much and exercising too little. For example, get the junk food out of the kitchen. Keep TVs out of kids' rooms. Parents have to say no a lot less if you make it a safe environment. But as child...
How to Spot Drug Use in Kids Most adolescents who use drugs do not become drug abusers or drug addicts in adulthood. But drug use in adolescence can put their mental, emotional, and physical health at risk. And it can put a few vulnerable kids at risk for ongoing drug abuse and addiction problems into their future. Drug abuse means that someone uses a drug for pleasure or to get high. Drug addiction means that a person has become dependent on the drug and has no control over whether, how, or when to use...
How to Stay Out of the ER Emergency Rooms (ER) are becoming more crowded and, as a result, patients are being required to wait longer for care. We can all help reduce the complications of this by visiting the ER only when we have an urgent medical problem. Emergency treatment costs significantly more than a doctor visit. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 10 percent of ER visits every year are for nonurgent medical problems. It is important to know when to go to the ER...
How to Stick With Your Treatment Plan Many Americans suffer from at least one chronic disease, and most rely on regular tests and treatments to be healthier, more comfortable and more productive. But many people with chronic illnesses find it hard to keep up with prescribed treatments, such as daily pills for high blood pressure, peak flow meters for asthma, insulin for diabetes, and exercise treatments for arthritis. Coping with a chronic illness that requires long-term treatment is difficult for peopl...
How to Stop a Crying Baby You've fed, burped, changed, and rocked your baby, but he or she is still crying. And crying. Your nerves are frayed, your sleep is wrecked, and you're losing confidence as a new parent. Now what? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it's common for infants to have "fussy" periods, especially between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight. Some babies between 3 and 12 weeks of age cry for long stretches. At this period, there are steps in development when their sleep is l...
How to Take Part in Every Medical Decision In some medical situations, there’s a clear right answer regarding which treatment is best. In other cases, such as breast or prostate cancer, for instance, there are several valid treatment options, each of which is effective, and what’s best for you can depend on your values, preferences, the stage of your condition, cost considerations, and the risks and benefits that go along with each choice. Do your research Well-informed people who play a significant rol...
How to Tell if Your Child Needs Braces Q: So many children have braces. How can I tell if my child is heading toward needing braces? A: Children should have a checkup with an orthodontist no later than age 7. Your regular dentist is an excellent resource who can tell you whether your child, regardless of age, would benefit from seeing an orthodontist. Here are some things to look for, indicating that a child is likely to benefit from seeing an orthodontist: Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth D...
How to Use a Pacifier Pacifiers help parents and infants get through periods of crying when the infant is either not hungry or too full to eat but still needs the comfort that sucking provides. Pros and cons Pacifiers, which have been used by parents for more than 1,000 years, have proponents and opponents. Possible benefits of a pacifier: Pacifies and comforts the infant Helps a parent's frayed nerves Produces an actual pain-relieving effect if the infant is hurt or uncomfortable Is associated with sho...
How You Can Avoid Aggressive Drivers Incidents of road rage—those times when drivers act out their anger behind the wheel by trying to hurt another driver or a pedestrian—are becoming more frequent. The following tips can help you avoid incidents with aggressive or violent drivers—and help you avoid such behavior yourself. Drive nice Being a courteous driver can help you avoid being a victim of road rage. To be courteous: Signal every time you merge, change lanes or turn. Use your horn only when needed ...
High Blood Pressure and African-Americans High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition in the United States. It's even more common among African Americans than among other ethnic groups. More than 40% of non-Hispanic blacks have high blood pressure. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that the prevalence of high blood pressure in African-Americans is among the highest of any ethnic group in the United States. African-Americans not only are at higher risk for high blood pressure, but th...
High Blood Pressure: Children Can Have It, Too High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects almost one in three adults in the United States. However, this serious health condition isn't limited to just those ages 18 and older. The number of children and adolescents with high blood pressure is increasing. This rise can be partly blamed on the increasing number of overweight and obese children. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and is the primary risk factor for stroke. Prehype...
Hypnosis: Helps Treat Pain, Other Conditions Some health care providers, clinical psychologists, and dentists use hypnosis in their work. Done properly, hypnosis can be part of a comprehensive plan to manage pain, behavioral problems, stress, and phobias, in addition to helping people control weight or quit smoking. Although hypnosis has been endorsed by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Medical Association, myths still surround the practice. Chief among the myths is that the...
Hypothyroidism and Depression Chances are you know the difference between occasional sadness and depression. But here's a fact you may not know: Hypothyroidism, a common thyroid disorder, can cause symptoms indistinguishable from depression. The signs of depression in adults include persistent sadness, reduced pleasure and motivation, low self-esteem, poor concentration and memory, altered sleep and appetite, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. An adult experiencing depression may be screened for thyroid di...
If Your Child Needs Treatment for Weight Issues For overweight children, the most successful treatment combines healthy lifestyle changes—improved diet combined with exercise—with a focus on changing such behaviors as eating while watching TV. Overweight children also need psychological support to deal with the lack of self-esteem and social isolation they often face. What about drugs or surgery? Most doctors consider them last resorts for severely overweight adolescents with other serious risk factors....
Ignore These Diet ‘Rules’ Some rules were meant to be broken, including any that promote unhealthy or unsuccessful modes of weight loss. If you’ve been trying to lose extra pounds without success, you may want to take a look at the diet rules you’ve taken to heart. If you’re eating according to outdated or untrue dietary commandments, all your efforts could be in vain. To turn things around, note these eight so-called diet rules and change your ways if you’ve been following the wrong path. Bailing out t...
Immunization Update for Older Adults Vaccines aren't just for children. Every year, thousands of American adults become ill, are disabled, or die of diseases that could have been prevented by vaccines. Although infectious diseases are no longer the most common causes of death for older Americans, pneumonia and influenza remain among the top causes of death for seniors, according to the CDC. The following guide can help you determine if you need to be immunized. If you have a chronic health condition or ...
In Case of Emergency...Be Ready for Anything You may not want to think about it, but wherever you live you could someday face the wrath of nature—or man. You shouldn't duck this subject until you're dealing with the threat or the aftermath of a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, fire, avalanche, or even a terrorist attack. In the hurried confusion, you're likely to miss important items as you prepare your home or leave to seek shelter. Experts at the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Mana...
In Child Discipline, Spanking Is No Hit How long has it been since Mom or Dad swatted your bottom for getting into trouble? Probably decades, back when setting kids straight often involved spanking. These days, child-rearing experts urge better and safer ways of discipline. Corporal punishment (hitting or spanking) can do harm. Very young children are easily injured, especially by parents with poor self-control or who don’t understand how little force it can take to seriously injure a small child. Follo...
In Children: Corticosteroids for Asthma Asthma affects an estimated 7.1 million U.S. children under the age of 18, making it the most common chronic childhood disease. And, the rate of asthma in children has more than doubled in the past two decades. Untreated asthma can lead to missing school and inability to participate in play, sports, and other activities. This ailment, marked by wheezing and breathlessness, can cause trips to the emergency room and worse. People with untreated or inadequately treat...
In Midlife, Keep Your Weight Under Control Call it love handles, a beer belly, middle-age spread, or a spare tire. They all refer to unwanted weight that creeps on over the years, especially after age 40. You may be tempted to accept that weight gain as an inevitable part of getting older. It's important to avoid those extra pounds, though. Midlife weight gain may put you at risk for serious health conditions, such as diabetes. Out of balance Why do so many of us put on extra pounds as we get older? For...
In Support Groups, You Get (and Give) Help What if you were diagnosed with cancer? What if your spouse died and you suddenly found yourself a single parent? What if you were living with an alcoholic and didn't know how to cope? Any of these situations—and a host of others—would leave you feeling alone and in need of an ally. You could find help in a mutual support group. Sure, you've got family and friends, but do they really understand what you're up against? Your doctor, social worker, or counselor ma...
In the Kitchen: Prevent the Spread of Infection Bacteria can spread anywhere in the kitchen. So, it's important to wash your hands and kitchen surfaces before and after preparing food. Bacteria can spread from one surface to another without you knowing it. If the bacteria gets into food, they can cause foodborne illnesses. Sources of contamination Most viruses and bacteria that cause colds, flu, and foodborne illnesses are spread by hand-to-hand or hand-to-food contact. People with hepatitis A, Norwalk-...
Independence Day: Granting Freedom to Kids Letting go is something all parents try to prepare for—letting go when your child goes off to college, gets married, or joins the Army. About the only way you can prepare for those big "Letting Go" events is to practice on the small ones. And those small ones, unfortunately, are often the hardest. Parenting books can offer advice, but you know your own children, and you're the one who has to make the judgment call on questions like: When is your little girl old...
Indoor Air Can Cause Health Problems Are you worried about the air you breathe? Don't assume you're safe just because you're inside. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Indoor air pollution can cause significant health problems. People who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the longest periods of time -- children, elderly adults and peo...
Influenza Shots Urged for Young Children Each fall, you hear that influenza threatens older adults and folks with chronic ailments. Most years, it's true that the death rate from the flu peaks in those older than 65, and that the rate of hospital stays is highest in people ages 85 and older. But children younger than 2 years old are at high risk for severe complications from seasonal influenza and may require hospitalization. According to the CDC, about 20,000 children younger than 5 are hospitalized ea...
Insulin and Type 2 Diabetes If you have type 2 diabetes and your health care provider recently put you on insulin, you may feel disappointed that lifestyle changes and diabetes pills weren’t enough. Or, you may think that you should have tried harder to manage your diabetes. But you shouldn’t blame yourself. Many people with diabetes need to change their treatment plan at some point. There are advantages to this. For example, taking insulin can make it easier to manage your blood sugar and prevent compl...
Insulin Pump Use Can anyone with diabetes use an insulin pump? Insulin pumps are used most often by people with type 1 diabetes, but some people with type 2 diabetes also use them. Insulin pumps can be used instead of administering insulin by injection. These pager-sized pumps clip to your clothing or attach directly to your body. Through a tube attached to your skin, usually on the abdomen, thigh or buttock, the pump delivers a continuous (basal) dose of insulin 24 hours a day. Before a meal, you push ...
International Adoptions and Medical Needs In recent years, more and more people are extending their families through international adoption. Understanding the medical, social and developmental issues unique to international adoption can help parents prepare for the special challenges and special needs of these children. Children who come to the United States from other countries may not be properly immunized and may be at increased risk for infections such as measles and hepatitis A (usually due to livi...
How Much Do You Know About International Travel and Health? Test your knowledge of how to stay healthy when traveling abroad. 1. International travel may require prophylactic medicines and vaccines. How long before departure should you see your doctor? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Some vaccines must be given in a series over several days or weeks. You should see your doctor as early as possible before your departure to find out what medications or vaccines are reco...
Interval Training Can Spice Up a Workout When it comes to fitness, a lot of people think the only way to improve is to do more, more, more. But one way to enhance your workout makes do with "less": interval training. Interval training alternates short bursts of intense activity with periods of "active recovery," which means more moderate forms of that same activity. Elite athletes use the technique to improve their speed, endurance, and overall fitness. But moderate or beginning exercisers can use the s...
Iron: An Important Mineral in Your Diet Iron is a metal that is essential for life. It is a part of proteins and enzymes found throughout your body, including hemoglobin and myoglobin, both of which help carry oxygen in the blood. Iron is an important component of your muscles, and it helps regulate the growth of cells. Iron comes from foods you eat and any excess iron is stored for future use. Iron in foods comes in two forms: heme and nonheme. Heme iron is found in animal foods that originally contain...
Is an Insulin Pump for You? More and more people with diabetes (especially people with type 1 diabetes) are considering using insulin pumps, hoping the computerized devices will enable them to enjoy a more flexible lifestyle. While pumps can be beneficial, they're not for everyone. About the size of a beeper, insulin pumps are worn on a belt or carried in a pocket. Some pumps are stuck to the skin. They deliver a steady, measured dose of insulin through a flexible plastic tube called a catheter. In addi...
Is Bursitis Busting Up the Joint? Pity the poor bursa. We have about 150 of these simple, fluid-filled sacs, but few of us ever hear of them until they start hurting. Known collectively as "bursae," they cushion and lubricate joints, reducing friction as bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments do their jobs. Bursae vary in size, but many (like those in the shoulder) are about the size of a silver dollar. But bursae can become swollen and painful — a condition called bursitis. That makes simple movements ...
Is It a Virus or a Bacterium? Know the Difference In general, most colds and other respiratory infections are not serious for adults in good health. It's just the hassle of dealing with runny noses, coughing, sneezing, fever, headaches, aching muscles, and fitful sleeping. But knowing whether your infection is caused by a virus or a bacterium makes a difference in how it is treated. Which is it? Bacteria are one-celled organisms that multiply by simple division. They are linked to such respiratory infec...
Is It an Allergy or a Cold? Seasonal allergies and colds have similar symptoms but some important differences. The following information from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases can help you determine if you're suffering from allergies or a cold. Hay fever Symptoms are more common in the spring, summer, and early fall: Runny or stuffy nose; mucus is generally clear and watery Bouts of sneezing, often brought on by exposure to offending agent Wheezing, most frequently seen in indivi...
Is It Time for a New Joint? Millions of us struggle with pain and loss of motion because of joint damage caused by arthritis. If other treatments fail to offer relief, you may wonder about turning in your worn-out joints for new ones. Although surgery may not be a first treatment option, if you are a candidate for total joint replacement or arthroplasty, the results of the surgery are good to excellent for more than 90% of people, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and ...
Is It Time for Toilet Training? When is the best time to teach your child to use the toilet? There is no right time to start toilet training. Guidelines recommend that parents look for signs that suggest interest in toilet training. When the child is ready, make a potty chair available, show your toddler how it works, then offer gentle encouragement. Try not to pressure your child or give excessive praise. Do not make your child feel bad if he or she makes mistakes. They are to be expected. What to do H...
Is It Too Hot To Trot? When the first warm, sunny day of spring arrives, you may be rarin' to take your exercise program back to the great outdoors. Whoa, hold your handlebars. If you're not careful, you could wind up with a case of heat exhaustion just as easily as the couch potato next door, no matter how fit you might be. Indeed, although being fit increases your tolerance to heat and cold, your body still needs time to acclimate itself to warm weather. In winter, your body has had a relatively easy ...
Is My Asthma Medicine Working? To make sure that you are getting the most benefit from your asthma medicines, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer yes to any of them, you and your health care provider may need to adjust your care plan: Have you missed work or school because of your asthma? Do you limit your activity because of asthma? Do you lose sleep because of asthma? Have you gone to the emergency department or your health care provider’s office because of a flare-up? Do you avoid med...
The Color of Meat: Pink Poultry and Pork Are you eyeing a slice of pink-tinged turkey with suspicion? Wondering if it’s safe? While you shouldn’t rely on the color alone to tell, pink poultry does not automatically mean it’s undercooked. The only way to tell for sure, though, is to check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. Turkey (and all poultry) should be cooked to a temperature of 165˚F (74˚C). Why is some turkey meat pink? A protein called myoglobin causes the red or pink hue in meat. ...
Is Your Child a Night Owl? It's 11 p.m. on a school night. You're standing in the doorway of your 8-year-old's bedroom delivering a warning. "If you don't get to sleep right now, I'm going to..." What? Let's face it: Parents cannot make children fall asleep on command. If you're the parent of a night owl child whose inner clock tends to keep him or her up an hour or two later than other children, there's no sense insisting on the child falling asleep at an unrealistic bedtime. Parents can spare themselv...
Is Your Child at Risk for Hepatitis B? The preteen years are a time when young people experiment with new things and begin to exert their independence. For these reasons, it is very important for your child to be vaccinated against hepatitis B. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is spread through having sex with an infected person without using a condom and by sharing contaminated needles. It also is spread through accidental needle sticks or from an infected mother to her baby during birth. Even sharing a too...
Is Your Child Too Sick for Day Care or School? Your 3-year-old is playing listlessly with her oatmeal. "My tummy hurts, Mommy," she says. There's no fever, no vomiting and no diarrhea, but she's not her normal bundle of energy. Now comes the tough part. Do you send her to day care, or keep her home? The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association have guidelines that can help you make up your mind. Drawn up in 1992 and revised in 2002, they cover kids in group care and scho...
Is Your Medication Working for You? Prescription drugs can enhance your life, but when not used correctly, they may not be effective, or they may even be dangerous to your health. Medications are serious business and should never be taken lightly. Ask these questions each time you’re prescribed a medication: Q: How should I take this drug? A large percentage of people don't take their medications correctly, according to recent surveys. Some never bother to fill their prescriptions in the first place. Ot...
Is Your Teen Abusing Drugs or Alcohol? Suddenly, your teenager is having trouble in school. Relationships with teachers, friends, siblings—and you—are falling apart. Your child has a new set of friends and no longer seems interested in favorite activities. A frightening question weighs on your mind: "Is my child experimenting with drugs?" If the answer is yes, you need to act quickly to help your child. But first you need to know for sure. Besides having trouble with school and relationships, teenagers ...
It's in the Bag: Healthy School Lunches Children and teens can get their hands on plenty of junk food, fast food, and other treats throughout the day. By sending them off to school with a healthy lunch, you can help ensure that they have at least one chance to fuel their bodies with nutritious options. The ground rules are simple. Healthy basics are protein, whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat milk or other dairy foods. Good sources of protein are lean meat, such as chicken breast; pea...
It's Never Too Late Your life will be happier and healthier if you take control It's never too late to take control of your choices to improve your overall health and your quality of life. The benefits of positive lifestyle changes are swift. For example, your heart rate and blood pressure drop within 20 minutes when you stop smoking. After five years, an ex-smoker's risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half, and—for women—cervical cancer risk falls to that of a nonsmok...
It's Snow Fun: Skiing and Snowboarding Skiing and snowboarding are exhilarating activities and great workouts. Both sports are excellent cardiovascular exercises that strengthen the heart. Because they are also weight-bearing exercises, they strengthen your bones as they tone your muscles. Cardiovascular, or aerobic, exercises also work to reduce your risk for chronic diseases, lower blood pressure, and help you maintain a healthy body weight. Through regular aerobic exercise, such as skiing and snowboa...
It's Time to Veg Out Few of us eat the 2 1/2 cups of vegetables per day recommended as part of the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Why are vegetables vital? They're good sources of fiber. Fiber makes you feel full and can help control calorie consumption. Vegetables also promote regularity and may play a role in preventing heart disease. They provide vitamins and minerals. This is especially true for the darker-colored, stronger-flavored vegetables. They don't provide fat. With the exception of a...
Jog or Walk? Both Boost Your Health Which is better for you, jogging or walking? Nearly all studies show that jogging provides slightly more benefits for your bones, muscles, heart, and lungs. But walking has gained a lot of ground in the last decade or so as a viable exercise. It strengthens bones, tones muscles, and helps your cardiovascular system. Walking is easier on the body's joints. It causes far fewer injuries to heels, shins, knees, and hips than jogging or stair climbing, according to the Ame...
Jumping Rope: A Kid Favorite with Grownup Benefits If you're searching for a great piece of exercise equipment, just ask the nearest grade-schooler. Kids jumping rope on playgrounds and at parks are getting a great workout while having fun. A jump rope is simple and rugged. You can work out with it at the gym or in your living room (if your ceiling is high enough). It's easily portable and fits into your purse or even your pocket. Better still, you can pick one up for less than $15 at a department or sp...
Keep an Eye on These Symptoms If you're constantly worried that every headache or spot on your skin means you've been stricken with a dreaded disease, get your facts straight so you can stop panicking unnecessarily. On the other hand, it’s important to be aware of a number of signs that can alert you to a serious health problem. Want to know what you should really be worrying about? Check out these symptoms that shouldn't be ignored. Chest pain This is really a no-brainer — chest pain should always get ...
Keep an Eye on Your Child's Vision When it comes to vision, you are your child's first line of defense. You notice something, watch it for a while, and call the pediatrician or eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) to find out if what you're seeing is a problem. That's how it should be, experts say. But many of America's kids do not even have a pediatrician. About 20 percent of children have some type of visual problem. They can be far-sighted or near-sighted. They can have astigmatism, in which a...
Keep Autumn Triggers Under Control Autumn means pumpkins, colorful leaves and, for some, worries about asthma. You can blame these worries on seasonal asthma triggers that are in the air and environment, along with falling temperatures. You can thrive during this season by avoiding asthma triggers and following your asthma action plan. Here are tips for lessening the impact of fall asthma triggers: Ragweed pollen. Fall is the peak season for this allergen, which is especially thick in the early morning ...
Keep Clear of Golf's Hazards Golfers often dwell on how far they can hit the ball. But while many people view golf as a leisure activity, more golfers are becoming fitness-minded. To do well on the links, a golfer needs flexibility, strength and cardiovascular fitness. These are the same elements important to any effective exercise program. Most Americans who golf, however, are more likely to plunk down $500 on clubs or set up a lesson with a club pro to lower their scores. Stretch or stress Flexibility...
Keep Kids Safe During Yard Work Power tools make yard work easier, from mowing the lawn to trimming the bushes. These tools, however, also pose a threat to children if precautions aren't taken. Accidents involving lawnmowers send thousands of children age 18 or younger to emergency rooms each year. And several thousand more are hurt by other outdoor power tools. Lawnmower injuries include cuts, burns, and other injuries to arms and legs, loss of fingers and limbs, inhalational injuries from toxic fumes,...
Keep Kids Safe from Bugs Lyme disease. Rocky Mountain spotted fever. West Nile virus. Flying fiends and crawling critters can spread such diseases with a bite. Few cases put kids' lives at risk, say experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Still, some insects can threaten children's health, and you'd be wise to take precautions. Many products seek to prevent bug bites, but one that can be applied to skin is very effective: DEET (usually listed on labels as N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide). The AAP...
Keep Kids Safe in the Car All 50 states have a combination of laws that require drivers to restrain children in car seats, booster seats, and seats belts. Specifics vary by state, based on the child's age and size. Car crashes are the number one killer of children ages 1 to 12 in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. Young children restrained in child safety seats have an 80 percent lower risk of fatal injury than those who are unrestrained. Another potential p...
Keep Moving to Manage Your Weight You can lose weight by dieting, exercising, or a combination of both. Including exercise into your daily routine offers other benefits besides weight control: it boosts your stamina, increases your muscle strength, improves your balance and your mood, and can reduce your risk for some cancers. Exercise helps build lean muscle. Muscle mass burns more calories than fat, so the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn. If you don't exercise, or slack off on yo...
Keep Your Brain Functioning You take good care of your body to stay in good physical shape. Likewise, for good mental health, you need to keep your brain in top condition. If your brain gets too much or too little of what it needs, vital processes are disrupted. When things are out of sync in your brain, it can play havoc with your thoughts and emotions. Depriving your brain of sleep, for example, will impair your ability to concentrate and make decisions. Maintain your brain These strategies will help ...
Keep Your Kidneys Working Well Your kidneys are your body's filters. They remove waste and excess fluid from your blood. People who have high blood pressure and diabetes are at higher risk for kidney disease because of the way these conditions damage the blood vessels and other parts of these vital organs. An important job The kidneys work by cleaning your blood as it passes through tiny filtering units known as nephrons. These filters process important chemicals and nutrients, and they remove wastes su...
Keep Your Noggin Fit with Brain Exercise The dog ran. The dog barked. The dog raced. What else did the dog do? That many seem like a silly question. But the act of thinking up verbs to go with nouns pumps extra blood into your brain, according to brain scans. Getting more blood to the brain is an important way to counteract the effects of aging. The increase in blood flow nourishes the neurons, which are the main communicators in the brain. Try a variety of mental exercises There are various mental exer...
Keeping an Eye on Your Bones Many of us start to think about osteoporosis as we approach our senior years. After all, that's when bone loss occurs, right? Wrong. Doctors tend to treat patients with osteoporosis in their 60s, 70s, and older -- but bone loss begins much earlier. Our bone mass peaks around age 20. Bone loss can begin once peak bone mass is reached. Those at high risk are more likely to lose bone mass early. When bone loss goes unchecked for years, the result is fractures -- often of the hi...
Keeping Blood Sugar in Check The words "blood" and "sugar" are a single phrase for millions of Americans: "blood sugar." The official term is glucose, and keeping it within a certain range occupies the minds of people with diabetes daily — sometimes even hourly. People with diabetes either do not produce insulin, do not produce enough insulin, or have an increased need for insulin because their bodies' cells don't use the insulin efficiently. Insulin is necessary for the cells to use sugar from food as ...
Keeping Depression at Bay Some people have only one episode of depression, but many have problems and recurrences that may last a lifetime. In the U.S., about 6.7% of adults have depression every year. The risk of recurrence Some people are more at risk for recurrence than others. Depression is more likely to recur if: You have had 1 or more episodes of depression in the past. Your depression has gone untreated for a long period. You have lingering symptoms of depression, even after treatment. You've ha...
Keeping Envy and Jealousy Under Control When someone gets a raise or a special perk, can you say congratulations and mean it? Or do you seethe inside and think, "That really should have been mine?" Feelings of resentment at another's good fortune have been around since recorded history. These feelings commonly take two forms, envy and jealousy. Envy rears its ugly head when someone has a thing or benefit you want for yourself--a bigger office, a bigger paycheck, a special privilege. Jealousy results whe...
Keeping Party Drinking Under Control It can be a holiday get-together, an invitation party, or a formal Christmas affair. It's fun. So what harm can a little drinking do? Drinking too much alcohol impairs judgment and can lead to actions that put your health in jeopardy, including driving while drunk, going out in subfreezing temperatures improperly dressed, or falling off a curb or down stairs. Bear in mind that a standard-sized drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1 shot of hard liquor in a...
Keeping Your Anger Under Control Anger is a natural, and sometimes healthy, emotion. Unfortunately, if anger is handled the wrong way, it can damage relationships and affect professional and social growth. Learning where your anger comes from and how to deal with it can help lead to a happier, more productive life. Understand your anger's origins. Some people are born with a tendency to be irritable or easily angered. If you have a history of dysfunction or chaos in your family, you are more likely to h...
Keeping Your Cool When Parenting Teens Adolescence is a difficult time for young people. During those years, they face physical changes; peer pressure; exposure to drugs, alcohol, and sexual relationships; and increased expectations and scrutiny from parents and teachers. But, as difficult as it is being a teenager, being a parent of one may be even harder. After years of being the primary influence on their children, parents of teens suddenly find their kids are more interested in what their friends th...
Keys to Tapping Your Own Potential Success is the business of trying to improve the things you do. Success is growing and developing. It's accepting bigger and greater challenges. And it begins with having a dream. What are the characteristics of a successful person? The following factors are identified as characteristics of successful people: Successful people have ambition. They want to accomplish something and are willing to use self-discipline and work as hard as possible to reach their goals. Succe...
Kids' Headaches: The Diagnosis Is Difficult Headaches aren't only for adults. Kids get them, too. By the time children reach high school age, most have experienced at least one headache, according to the National Headache Foundation. There are two basic types of headaches: primary headaches, in which the headache is the only symptom and, when treated, will stop; and secondary headaches, which are caused by another condition and don’t usually go away until the condition is treated. Primary headaches incl...
Kids' Health Concerns Ease with Age Your child is coughing and has a fever—again. You begin to worry: Didn't they just get over a cold? When children are young, it's normal for them to have a variety of childhood illnesses and problems. Most go away as the child gets older. Here are some common health hurdles and advice when you can expect your child's condition to improve. Frequent colds Young children tend to get six to eight colds per year. The reason: Kids come into the world with no immunity to the...
Kids' Healthy Eating Not Just About Food Healthy eating habits are especially important during childhood. Children learning and growing at a rapid rate use up lots of energy, and their bodies need healthy foods to provide that energy. Most parents are concerned about how they can get their children to eat nutritious foods. Mealtime can become stressful for the whole family when children won't eat what parents think they should. Children learn food preferences from parents, siblings, family members, and ...
Kids in the Kitchen: Let Them in on the Fun Kids in the kitchen: If you're trying to watch them at the same time as you cook, they can be a real pain in the neck. But if you let them in on the fun, they can be a joy to behold. They don't have to know from the beginning that you're giving them recipes for treats that are good for them—all that counts for now is that it's fun to do and tastes good. Start with the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared. Gather your ingredients and utensils before you begin and you'l...
Kids Need Safety Gear for In-line Skating In-line skating is a zippy way to get exercise, but sometimes it's also a quick way to end up at the hospital. Each year, tens of thousands of people are treated in emergency departments for injuries related to in-line skating, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Experts say if your child wears the appropriate safety gear, reads the safety instructions, and uses common sense when skating, it can help reduce the risk for injury. No protectio...
Kids Need Their Nutrients Most parents know that children need vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. But knowing exactly what nutrients and how much they need of each is not always easy. Learning a bit more about vitamins and minerals can help ensure your kids are on the right nutritional track. Despite parents’ best efforts, kids may not always get all the vitamins and minerals they need. To make sure your kids are getting the full range of nutrients that they need, be sure to offer your children a va...
Knees Are Casualties of Women's Sports Active women are at least twice as likely to suffer serious knee injuries as men, but it's not just athletes who are at risk. Although female athletes at the high school and college level suffer serious knee injuries, women who play recreational volleyball or participate in step aerobics also can injure their knees, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). A mother who carries her child down a flight of steps and misses the last step also can injur...
Knock Down the Hurdles to Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is one of the greatest health advantages you can give your infant. A breastfed baby may be less prone to ear infections and diarrhea. The child may also face less risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and asthma, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says. The AAP also recommends breastfeeding because of to its association with the reduced risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Ideally, you should breastfeed exclusively for the first six mo...
Know About Niacin Along with diet and exercise, treatment to lower cholesterol may include the B vitamin niacin combined with other drugs, such as statins. Niacin is available by prescription, over the counter and as a dietary supplement. (The dietary supplement form is not recommended for lowering cholesterol.) Take niacin only under a doctor’s guidance. Niacin helps lower triglyceride levels and increase High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, which carries fat away from arteries. It al...
Know How Your Preemie Will Grow An infant is considered premature if born before 37 weeks. What should you expect during your child's development? Premature babies may grow at a slower rate than full-term babies, but often catch up in height and weight by two years of age. But premature babies are more likely to have trouble with speech, motor skills, hearing or vision. Here are some suggestions: See your child's doctor regularly. Premature babies may not feed as well, so the pediatrician will check the...
Know When a Bandage Will Suffice Bandages are a matter-of-fact part of everyday life, an easy treatment for minor wounds. The first pre-packaged bandage was available in the 1920s from Johnson & Johnson. According to the company, a cotton buyer in the purchasing department of the New Brunswick, N.J., company was frustrated when his wife repeatedly sliced her fingertips while working in the kitchen. He placed a bit of cotton on the sticky side of a thin strip of adhesive tape and covered the whole le...
Know Your Peak Flow A peak-flow meter is a small device that measures how fast the air is moving out of your lungs when you exhale. You and your health care provider can use information from a peak-flow meter to help stop a flare-up in its tracks. When the airflow from your lungs is slower than your normal rate, this can be a sign of asthma problems. It can help alert you to problems hours or even days before you start to experience actual symptoms, such as an increase in cough or shortness of breath. E...
Label Lesson: Flavored Rice Mixes Put plain rice on the menu, and your family make just turn up its nose. Instead, try one of the many flavored rice mixes now on the market. Although the mixes are relatively low in fat, they can be high in sodium. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for rice mixes: Some mixes contain more than 1,000 mg. of sodium per serving. Look for those that contain lower amounts. A surprise ingredient in some mixes is sugar. To avoid it, look on the nutritional and ...
Labor Pains: Reducing Your Desk-Job Ailments If your job requires you to sit for much of the day, sooner or later you may experience pain in your back, neck, shoulder, hands, or wrists. You can avoid such problems by practicing the following strategies. Comfort basics These tips can help you prevent stiff muscles: Take a five-minute stretch break every hour. Stand up and stretch your whole body. Gently shake your hands and wrists. Occasionally do tasks that you can do while standing, such as filing or r...
Laser Surgery Can Improve Vision Problems Laser vision surgery is a popular treatment of vision problems that reduces or eliminates the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Laser procedures can help correct refractive errors, or problems caused by an imperfectly shaped eyeball or cornea. (The cornea is the front, transparent part of the eye that bends and focuses light.) Refractive errors cause light from an object to be imprecisely focused on the retina of the eye, causing a blurred image. Refractive...
Learn to Be a Smart Pharmaceutical Consumer Prescription medications have joined the ranks of new cars and breakfast cereals. Many of them are being marketed directly to the public through ads on television and in magazines. Some medications get so much free publicity they don't need to be advertised. Smart pharmaceutical consumers should use advertisements as a springboard to become more educated about their own illnesses and options for treatment. Often, when people view or read medication advertiseme...
Learning to Live with Heart Disease Millions of people diagnosed with heart disease enjoy active, satisfying lives. By using your mind to help your body, obtaining appropriate medical care, and making changes in your lifestyle, you can learn to live life to the fullest despite your condition. The steps listed below can help you take charge of your heart health and your life. Learn all you can Empower yourself. Start thinking and acting proactively. Learn about your condition, treatment options, and the ...
Learning to Manage Multiple Medications The average American older than 65 takes more medicines than any age group. A study cited by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) concludes that 90 percent of people over the age of 65 take more than one medication daily, and nearly half of those take five or more drugs daily. Managing these medications properly is essential for good health. Age-related changes in the digestive tract, the circulatory system and body composition affect the way medicat...
Leave Mushroom Hunting to the Experts In some instances, eating a single mushroom can be deadly. After abundant rainfall, mushrooms pop up in yards, playgrounds and other locations. Of the thousands of different species, only a few are edible. However, identifying edible mushrooms is difficult. Even mushroom experts have to look for tiny differences in appearance to determine which mushrooms are safe to eat. There is no good way to distinguish edible mushrooms from poisonous toadstools. In most cases of...
Let's Do Lunch Does your lunch just happen? Is it often a last-minute decision of where to eat and whether or not you want fries with your burger? If so, maybe it's time to show lunch a little more respect. Experts agree--lunch is an important meal. Be sure to include foods with a mix of nutrients that will give you energy and keep you satisfied late into the afternoon, so you're not tempted by that high-calorie, high-fat snack later in the day. Consider the difference A deluxe-type burger with regular ...
Letting Kids Grow Up…At Their Own Pace As much as parents might want to hurry their little ones to the next stage of development, most children follow the same general growth and development pattern that can't be changed much. Child development experts say it's not possible to get a child to progress to a new stage of development before he or she is ready. And progress can differ by weeks or even months among children of the same age. As long as the child progresses and develops new skills as time goes ...
Lifting Your Way to Weight Loss If you've tried a dozen diets but the pounds always sneak back, you may be able to lose them for good by making strength-training a part of your weight-loss program. Strength training is essential to weight control, according to the CDC. Here's why: Muscle is active tissue that consumes calories and has a higher metabolic rate, while fat uses very little energy, says the CDC. As people lose muscle through aging or inactivity, they become more sedentary and their metabolis...
Little League Goes to Bat for Safety Baseball is known for timeless traditions, but some modern retooling may help keep young players safer. That's why Little League Baseball has amended the rules for its participants. The changes began with the fall 2008 season with mandatory pitch count limits. Pitchers ages 7 to 8 can throw no more than 50 pitches a game. That pitcher can't change to the catcher position for the rest of that day. Pitchers ages 15 to 18 throwing 31 to 45 pitches must have a day of res...
Live Well with Heart Failure Heart failure (HF) occurs when your heart fails to pump enough blood to the rest of your body. This decreased pumping is often referred to as systolic heart failure. Doctors also recognize a condition known as diastolic heart failure, in which the pumping chamber is altered in other ways. Both conditions can result in similar heart failure symptoms. Diseases or conditions that damage or overwork your heart muscle cause HF. These include uncontrolled coronary artery disease, ...
Living Wills Offer Peace of Mind A living will tells others how you want to be treated when it comes to life-sustaining measures. It is used when a person becomes terminally ill or unable to communicate or make decisions, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) says. Such a will doesn't always tell doctors to withhold or end treatment. In fact, it can call for treatment to go on regardless of your medical condition. Having a living will protects your rights as a patient and means that your family or friends...
Living with a Chronic Health Condition Learning you have a chronic disease is frightening. Depending on what it is and the treatment options available, you may feel panicked or sad. But learning about your condition and doing your best to manage it can help you live a less fearful and more expansive life. Understanding chronic conditions Unlike acute illnesses such as sore throats, a cold, or the flu, which are largely treatable and short in duration, chronic conditions can last for months, years, or a ...
Living with COPD and Asthma If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, you know that they cause similar symptoms–coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. But the diseases are different in some key ways. Lung function In COPD, the airways in the lungs lose their elasticity, the walls of the airways become swollen, and the walls between air sacs can be destroyed. Once this damage is done, it cannot be reversed. Asthma does not necessarily cause lung deteriora...
Living with Parkinson's Disease Coping with Parkinson's disease, the motor system disorder, can be frustrating because of its common symptoms—trembling, stiffness (often called rigidity), slow movements, and the loss of balance and coordination. A good deal of that frustration comes from the loss of control that you once had over your body. It can also be emotionally overwhelming to know that there is currently no cure for the disease. Nonetheless, people have a number of tools at their disposal for bet...
Losing Weight at Work Losing weight may be tricky when you have a challenging career. Consider the many potential saboteurs: having little time to exercise, eating out frequently for business events, and facing the constant temptation of cookie trays. Your weight is controlled by the number of calories you eat balanced against the number of calories you use. To lose weight, you must use more calories than you eat. The first step? Keep a food and exercise diary for about two weeks. Record when, what, and...
Lower Your Cholesterol There's a lot of information about cholesterol in the news, and with good reason. High cholesterol contributes to heart disease, which kills more Americans than all cancers combined. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance that your body – mainly the liver – produces. Cholesterol is used to make some hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids, which help to digest fat. Cholesterol also is used to build healthy cell membranes (walls) in the brain, nerves, muscles, sk...
Lowering Cholesterol: Lifestyle Changes In simple terms, cholesterol is fat in the blood. Too much cholesterol can clog the arteries. Many people need medication to lower cholesterol levels. You may or may not need medication. In addition to medication, there are important lifestyle changes that can help to lower cholesterol. High cholesterol levels Nearly 100 million American adults have high total cholesterol levels — above 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), according to the American Heart Associat...
Low-Fat BBQ: Cooking as Delicious as It Looks This is the season for outdoor cooking. Many foods can be grilled, including vegetables and fruit. And, nutrition experts say, barbecuing uses healthy cooking techniques for a low-fat, healthy lifestyle--especially when compared with frying. That's not to say that a barbecue can't deteriorate into an artery-clogging, calorie-laden meal. To avoid that, choose the right foods and follow some simple guidelines. What to grill? For traditional red meat, nutrition...
Maintain a Healthy Weight for a Lifetime How do some people lose weight and keep it off? How do some people avoid the natural tendency to gain weight as they age? If you have achieved your weight loss goals, or if you didn't achieve your goals, but want to keep your weight in a healthy range, consider these recommendations from the National Weight Control Registry. This is a program for weight management over a lifetime, from the National Institutes of Health. Focus on health, not weight. Which is more ...
Maintaining Weight Once You've Quit Smoking Although people sometimes gain weight when they stop smoking, you can reduce your chances of adding extra pounds by taking steps to prevent it. Being aware of situations in which you could be tempted to substitute food for a cigarette, and devising strategies to cope with those instances is your best bet. The following suggestions can help you maintain your weight after you stop smoking. Exercise regularly Taking a walk, riding a bicycle, dancing, or doing any...
Maintaining Your Personal Health Record Every time you visit a doctor, hospital, or other health care provider, a record of your visit is made. This information is then compiled into your health record. But, in most cases, a complete record of all your personal health information can't be found in any single location or consistent format. Keeping your own personal health record (PHR) allows you to provide doctors with valuable information that can help improve the quality of care you receive. A PHR can ...
Make a Sensation with Sauce Sauce (sôs) n. A liquid dressing served with food. The dictionary makes sauce sound simple, but it can be many things. A sauce can be hot or cold—think gravy or salad dressing—chunky or creamy, sweet or savory. You can put it over, under or on the side, depending on your mood and your food. The idea is to dress up a meal's look as well as its flavor. Picture burgundy cranberry sauce with fresh turkey or zesty red cocktail sauce with shrimp. What you don't want is too many sau...
Make a Splash with a Water Workout Use water as your medium for an effective workout and you'll be joining a diverse group of young and old, male and female, beginners and professional athletes alike who are all wet when exercising. Range of goals Pregnant women, teenagers, and baby boomers take classes to get in shape, cross-train, or train for a specific sporting event. In fact, people who are at many different levels of fitness can be in the same class; the advanced participants simply do more repeti...
Make Exercise a Family Affair Currently in the United States, almost one-third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Serving them healthier meals and exercising as a family can improve their short- and long-term health. Being obese increases your child's risk for several serious childhood medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and psychological disorders. And, in addition to childhood health risks, studies have found that overweight kids are at greater risk of b...
Make Friends with Your Meds Prescription medications are more powerful and beneficial than ever. One small tablet can help someone avoid a deadly stroke or heart attack by controlling blood pressure; another can keep a person with diabetes from having to administer daily insulin shots; still others can reduce anxiety — or stem suicidal thoughts. Yet, research indicates that many Americans don't take their prescriptions as ordered. Many of those don't even fill the prescriptions doctors give them. The in...
Make Healthy Eating a Habit The earlier you teach children sound eating habits, the more likely they are to maintain a healthy weight. But helping a child learn the right skills takes patience and repetition. Well-meaning parents often fear their children are eating too little rather than too much. Overfeeding starts as early as the toddler years. For toddlers, serve a tablespoon of vegetables per meal for each year of age. This may help head off future struggles over getting your child to eat vegetable...
Make Room for Versatile Rice Inside your kitchen cabinet, you'll probably find one of the world's most versatile foods. It has been a central ingredient in salads, entrees and desserts for thousands of years. Packed with energy-yielding carbohydrates and practically fat-free, its popularity continues to soar. Since it also is allergen-free, it has been embraced by people who are allergic to other staples. Have you guessed? It's rice. Rice gets around Archaeologists have determined that rice has been cul...
Make Sure Bunk Beds Meet Safety Rules Do you breathe a sigh of relief after you tuck your child into bed at night? If your child sleeps in a bunk bed, your sense of security could be a false one. Each year, thousands of children in the United States visit emergency rooms for injuries linked to bunk beds. Most are minor, caused by horseplay, but some children have died after being trapped in bunk beds, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Experts blame the potentially dangerous injuri...
Make Sure You Understand Your Treatment For optimum health, you need to understand your health problem and your treatment plan, including how to take prescription medications. These days, however, medical information is complex, and doctors, pharmacists, and other health care professionals don’t always explain information in a way the average person can understand. In fact, if you often find your doctor’s explanations or instructions confusing, you’re not alone. Ask to learn Making sure you understand y...
Make Variety a Goal in Sports Venus Williams was practicing her backhand before she started kindergarten. Tiger Woods showed off his putting skills on the evening news at age 2. But for every prodigy who grows into a successful athlete, thousands of youths suffer physically or psychologically from being pushed to compete at a young age. For that reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children avoid specializing in a sport until they reach adolescence. The repetitive motions often de...
Making Changes to Avoid Heart Disease Your heart is a vital organ that keeps your body functioning. Unfortunately, many people don't treat it that way. They may not realize that their daily habits and lifestyle can overwork and damage their hearts. So, take care of your heart and yourself. Start by making the following lifestyle changes. Get smoke-free Nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow. This makes it hard for blood to reach your heart muscle and temporarily raises blood pressure. The carbon monoxi...
Making Rules for Children Reinforces Love Making and enforcing rules is a fundamental—and difficult—part of every parent's role. Experts, though, point to the following several specific areas where a parent can use limits to show respect for a child's feelings and at the same time enhance the child's health. Sleep Every child needs rest, but exactly how much depends on your individual child and the child’s age. According to the National Sleep Foundation, newborns sleep 11 to 18 hours a day in total, bro...
Making Sense of Medical Advice If seemingly contradictory health news has you confused, it's time to learn how to read between the lines. You can do so by keeping the following recommendations in mind the next time you hear or read about a new health tip in the media. Check it out Be suspicious of advice that sounds too good to be true -- because it probably is too good to be true. Watch out for "experts" who say they can do what medical doctors can't. Investigate the advice before following it. Closely...
Making Sense of Medical Notes If you’ve ever tried to read a medical chart, but couldn’t understand the doctor’s shorthand, the following definitions may help: a.c.—Before meals, as in taking a medicine before meals. Ad lib—At liberty. For example, a patient may be permitted to move out of bed freely and orders would, therefore, be for ad lib activities. BP—Blood pressure. C&S—Culture and sensitivity, a test performed to detect infection. CBC—Complete blood count. CC—Chief complaint, the patient’s m...
Making Sense of Nutrition Labels Learning to maintain a healthy weight is more important than ever. The percentage of Americans who are overweight or obese is increasing. The nutrition label on packaged foods is one of the easiest tools available to help you watch your weight. The label gives you a guide for both calories and nutrition. It lets you know what's in the foods you eat. Take the time to read nutrition labels to make sure you understand the information. At first glance, a nutrition label may ...
Making the Grade on School Tests As schools pass out more standardized tests and push pupils to do well on them, children and parents can wind up with a case of exam-day jitters. But parents can do a lot to ease test anxiety, both in their children and themselves. Start by focusing on the learning and not the scoring. To ease tension, experts say you can: Make sure your child knows the material and has adequately prepared for the test. Teach your child deep-breathing techniques. Make sure he or she gets...
Making the Most of Family Moments The time you spend with your children each day doesn't have to be scripted or scheduled. In fact, if you set aside only specific times as "family time," it may put pressure on both you and your kids. Instead, family time can take place spontaneously in many different ways during ordinary interactions between parents and children, whether it's rocking a baby to sleep or driving a teenager to the mall. You can take steps to make the most of these moments. One place to sta...
Making the Transition to a Vegetarian Diet People decide to eat a vegetarian diet for a variety of reasons. But how they make the change requires they take one of two routes—the overnight approach or the gradual one. The following suggestions can help you make the transition to a meat-free diet using either method. The overnight approach Changing from eating steak to veggie stir-fries overnight isn't easy, but people who like to take immediate action when making lifestyle changes prefer this route. Whil...
Making This School Year Your Child's Best Ever When the school year starts, a young child may fear isolation, not making friends, or being unable to find the restroom in time. An older child may return fearing math class, the lunchroom "mystery meat," and being labeled a geek for wearing clothes that went out of fashion last week. Whatever age your child is, you can help alleviate first-day jitters by helping the student plan for a new school year. By planning ahead, you will reinforce the importance of...
Making Your Lifestyle Heart-Healthy The millions of Americans diagnosed with heart and cardiovascular diseases can benefit from making healthy choices in their day-to-day lives. Follow a healthy diet Making healthier food choices will help your body get the nutrients it needs without all the unnecessary calories. Eating a nutritious diet is a proven way to reduce the risk for heart disease. These are the elements of a heart-healthy diet (amounts listed are for adults): Eat 2 cups fresh fruits and 2-1/2 ...
Managing Adult Acne You're not a teenager anymore, so why is your skin breaking out after all these years? Could it be adult acne? Hormones can lead to acne in adults, just as they do in teenagers. This is because they make your sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). When this occurs, the hair follicles connected to these glands can become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The skin bec...
Managing Arthritis With Exercise Exercise has important health benefits for everyone — regardless of age and physical condition. But if you have arthritis, regular, moderate exercise — within your limits — is critical. It can reduce joint pain, improve flexibility, build up muscles to lessen the load on joints, and increase endurance. It also helps promote your overall health and fitness by giving you more energy, helping you sleep better, controlling your weight, and decreasing depression. The followin...
Managing Food Cravings If you’ve ever felt you had to have chocolate or pasta or a bag of potato chips, you’ve had a food craving. Although there’s nothing wrong with wanting a particular food, giving in to cravings can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Hunger vs. craving There's a big difference between cravings and hunger pangs. When you’re hungry, you’re responding to a physical need, but cravings are usually from an emotional or psychological trigger and are often for a specific type o...
Managing Hypertension with the DASH Diet What you eat can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease. One such diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, has been shown to reduce blood pressure. This diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat. The diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), your blood pressure can be unhealthy even if it stays on...
Managing Midlife Weight Gain Between the late 30s and late 40s, it's not uncommon for both men and women to gain 10 pounds. The gain may come on relatively suddenly, or more gradually, at a general rate of one pound a year, even though you haven't made any major changes to your diet or exercise routine. With age, both men and women gradually lose muscle mass. The loss of muscle mass at midlife is even more pronounced in men because of the loss of testosterone, a male hormone that regulates muscle mass a...
Managing Prehypertension Without Drugs Keeping your blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg is important to good health. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is 140/90 mm Hg or greater, and blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is considered "prehypertension." This means that you are more likely to develop high blood pressure. Both hypertension and prehypertension can increase your risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure, especially if they are uncont...
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects 1.3 million Americans. Treatment programs are tailored to meet each individual's needs, taking into account the severity of the condition, other medical problems, and the person's lifestyle. Managing rheumatoid arthritis The symptoms of RA include pain, stiffness, warmth, redness, and swelling of the affected joints. The symptoms can come and go. The treatment goals include reducing joint swelling, relieving stiffness, preventing joint dama...
Managing Work-Related Stress Workplace stress is highly personal. Some people thrive in fast-paced jobs (think emergency room nurses, police officers, and air-traffic controllers) where making a mistake can put people’s lives at stake. But just because the rest of us wouldn’t last a day in such high-pressure environments doesn’t mean our jobs are less stressful. Short deadlines, endless paperwork, the occasional irate customer, and meetings that drag on for hours, putting us even further behind, all can...
Managing Your Medicine Cabinet Chances are you don't think about your medicine cabinet until you have a cold or a nasty cut. Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet isn't difficult and doesn't take much time. You'll first want the essentials for first aid and symptom relief, rounded out with a few items that meet the special needs of you and other adults in your family. Keep in mind that even a well-stocked medicine cabinet isn't a substitute for professional medical attention. If what you are doing at ...
Many Seniors Go Back to the Books Imagine immersing yourself in the poetry of Robert Frost, the works of Michelangelo or the wonders of astronomy. Or perhaps learning how to use a computer or play the piano is more your style. No matter what you like to do, now is a great time to sign up for a class so that you can explore your interests. Many colleges and other educational organizations offer special discounts to older adults. Here are some ideas about how to get started: Colleges and universities Many...
Many Youngsters Suck Their Thumbs Babies and young children often suck their thumbs. It's perfectly normal, even though some parents worry about it. As children get older, thumb-sucking becomes less common, but a small number still suck their thumbs up to the age of 5 years. The habit is harmless if the child does it occasionally, such as at bedtime, or during a stressful event. When thumb-sucking is a problem Older children who continue to suck their thumbs or fingers may need guidance from parents, a ...
Martial Arts: Something for Everyone Looking for more variety in your workout? Give martial arts a try. People of all ages and abilities use the martial arts to get in shape. Martial arts such as karate, kickboxing, and tai chi are self-defense techniques. They teach you to focus your mind while making your body stronger and more flexible. Some people practice martial arts for self-defense, while others do it for the physical and mental rewards. The variety of martial arts makes it easy for people to fi...
Massage Therapy for Back Pain Many American adults seek medical treatment for back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, it's estimated that eight out of 10 people will experience back pain and that it's one of the most common medical problems. When traditional medicine doesn't relieve the pain, many people turn to alternative treatments such as massage therapy. The treatment is tailored specifically to each individual's needs, and the therapist is responsible for determining the appropriate touch...
Measuring Your Meal You may watch what you eat, but do you really pay attention? If you take time to "eyeball" individual serving amounts over the course of a day, you may be surprised at the gap between the servings listed on food labels and helpings most Americans actually consume. Portion sizes are bigger today, and that increase has contributed to the growing numbers of overweight or obese Americans, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). According to clinical studies, Ameri...
Medical Symptoms You Should Never Ignore At times, it can be difficult to know whether your symptoms are a medical emergency or not. According to the American College of Physicians (ACEP), these 12 symptoms require immediate medical attention. These do not represent every medical emergency. Emergency symptoms Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure lasting two minutes or more Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness Changes in vision Difficulty speaking Confusion ...
Medication Strategies During Pregnancy When you're pregnant, you want to do everything you can to protect your baby. If you have a cold, a headache, or heartburn, is it safe to take an over-the-counter (OTC) remedy? No one can say for sure that a medication is safe to use while you're pregnant. But, avoiding medicines you need may not be a good idea, either. It may be wiser to treat an illness than ignore it. Doctor knows best When you find out you're pregnant, it's important to talk with your doctor or...
Medication Terms You Need to Know Americans treat many of their everyday health problems themselves by taking over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. To use medicines safely, make sure you read, understand and follow the instructions carefully. Many of the words on medicine labels may be hard to understand. Use this guide of common terms used on OTC labels to help you choose and use medicines correctly. Active ingredients. Ingredients that treat or cure symptoms. This is the drug or medicine that is in the pr...
Medications that Can Treat Alzheimer's Disease Many people believe that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can't be treated. The truth is that medications are available that may help slow the progression of symptoms. Although these drugs don’t work for everyone, they offer some hope for the more than 5 million people who have AD. The FDA has approved five medications to treat Alzheimer’s disease. All the drugs may help temporarily prevent some AD symptoms, such as confusion and forgetfulness, from getting worse. ...
Medications to Treat ADHD in Children Children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often given medication as part of their treatment plan. Health care providers usually prescribe psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate, and Concerta). These drugs help balance chemicals in your child's brain that help to control their behavior and focus their attention. Health care providers also prescribe other psychostimulants, such as dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), a mixtu...
Medicine 2.0: How Technology Can Help Your Health You may already use Facebook to find old friends and your smartphone to check email. But did you know high-tech gadgets and networks can also connect you with medical resources? Depending on your health needs, technology may be just what the doctor ordered. If you’re looking for: Up-to-the-minute news about disease outbreaks and disasters. Turn to Twitter. The CDC sends instant updates , or “Tweets,” that are 140 characters or less. Personal stories abou...
Memory Boosters Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to remember names, appointments, and where you left your keys just by taking an over-the-counter (OTC) memory pill? Some natural supplements are supposed to improve memory and concentration. But is staying sharp as simple as taking a supplement? Most experts agree that there is no solid proof that memory-enhancing supplements work. These products may not even contain much of their "active herbal ingredients." The strength and purity of natural suppleme...
Men and Depression Men with depression may have symptoms different than those women experience. Men may find they are fighting with their spouses, losing interest in sports or sex, working 6 or 7days a week, and becoming withdrawn or even more uncommunicative. They may also express an increase in physical complaints. Irritability increases, and they may seek out in high risk behaviors, such as excessive alcohol intake, taking drugs, unprotected sex, or reckless driving. These behaviors are often an atte...
Men and Mental Illness Mental illness is a difficult challenge for anyone to face, and it can affect men and women of any age. But because mental illness can cause different symptoms in men than in women, some disorders in men may be harder to recognize. Men who are depressed, for example, may appear angry and irritable rather than sad and withdrawn. It also may be more difficult for men suffering from depression to seek help because some may see it as a sign of weakness rather than a treatable illness....
Men’s Health Essentials Many men like to think they’re invincible, especially when their health is concerned. The facts tell a different story. The leading causes of death for American men are heart disease and cancer—two diseases that can largely be prevented by adopting a few essential healthy habits, the CDC says. Don’t use tobacco That means in any form. Not smoking or chewing tobacco is one of most important self-care actions men can take. Smoking triples the risk of dying of heart disease. If you ...
Mental Health: Finding the Help You Need When your life spins out of control, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The American Psychological Association recommends you seek the help of a trained mental health professional if: You constantly worry. You feel trapped. You aren't getting any better with self-help. You feel as if you can't handle things alone. Your feelings are affecting your job, relationships, or sleep or eating habits. Other reasons to seek help: Someone who knows you wel...
Metabolic Syndrome and Prediabetes One characteristic of metabolic syndrome is an increased level of glucose in the blood. This can also be a sign of prediabetes. When you have prediabetes, your risk of developing full-blown diabetes increases. Your chance of developing heart disease and stroke goes up, too. The good news is that you can help control and possibly reverse prediabetes by making some basic lifestyle changes. When it’s prediabetes Insulin is a hormone that helps cells turn glucose into ener...
Metabolic Syndrome and Soft Drink Consumption Regular soft drinks contain sugar, which only adds calories to your diet. Sugary drinks also raise insulin levels, which causes you to put on more visceral fat—fat deep inside, around the abdomen and other organs. Too much visceral fat can raise certain blood proteins, and that can lead to metabolic syndrome. When insulin is high after a sugary drink, it may increase hunger. That hunger may lead to overeating. You might even reach for another soda, thus cont...
Metabolic Syndrome Worksheet To help manage your condition, fill in the dates on which you had or will have the following tests or checkups. Lipid profile I had a lipid profile on __________. A lipid profile is a lab test that measures the amount of certain fats and cholesterol in your blood. High lipid levels can lead to a heart attack or worsen heart disease. You should have a lipid profile at least once a year. Maintain healthy levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and HDL ("good") cholesterol. Healthy l...
Metabolic Syndrome: Lowering Your Heart Disease Risk For people with metabolic syndrome, the risk of developing heart disease can be a concern. Here’s how you can help keep your heart healthy: Control high blood pressure. One characteristic of metabolic syndrome in adults is when one or both blood pressure numbers are higher than 130/85 mm Hg. According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure numbers of 140/90 mm Hg or higher are considered high blood pressure, or hypertension. To keep your nu...
Metabolic Syndrome: Managing Salt A key way to reduce the effects of metabolic syndrome is to lower high blood pressure. Reducing the amount of sodium and salt in your diet is a great start. If you are like most Americans, you consume more salt than your body needs. The current daily recommendation from the American Heart Association is to have less than 2,400 mg, ideally less than 1,500 mg, of sodium per day. Sodium chloride or table salt is about 40% sodium. So, two-thirds teaspoon of salt equals abou...
Metabolism's Weighty Role You would give up just about anything to be the same weight you were when you were younger, right? Believe it or not, you need not give up too much. But you do need to make some changes, which may actually be easy to do. Other factors Although metabolism plays a large role in controlling weight, it can't take all the blame. Genetics play a role, too. But genetics are predetermined, and cannot be changed. Lifestyle is not predetermined and can be modified. Metabolism is the amou...
Migraine News: How’s the Weather? More than half of migraine sufferers are affected by weather. The most common weather factors that affect migraines are: Humidity Major weather changes over one or two days Changes in barometric pressure Some migraines attributed to weather are not related to it at all. Many people tend to pin their headaches on weather patterns, when other triggers, such as excessive consumption of caffeine or changes in sleep patterns, may actually be the cause. If weather truly is a ...
Migraine: It's Time to Call the Doctor Because you suffer from migraines, getting a bad headache is not new to you. If your migraine pattern changes or your headaches suddenly feel different, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following: A severe headache that comes out of the blue, sometimes described as a "thunderclap." Migraine headaches can be severe at times, but if you have a headache that comes on suddenly in a differen...
Migraines and Auras If you are among the one-third of migraine sufferers who experience aura before a migraine, you know how unsettling this phenomenon can be. Auras may include: visual disturbances (jagged lines, called fortification spectra, with bright spots or flashes); temporary, partial vision loss; numbness; and tingling sensations. Scientists have speculated about the migraine aura for years but, until recently, they didn't have the tools to study brain activity during a migraine attack. Technol...
Migraines and Endometriosis Women who have endometriosis may also be more likely to have migraines, according to a recent Italian study. Researchers from the University of Genoa found that women who had endometriosis were twice as likely to also have migraines. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that is normally found only in the womb grows outside the uterus, causing bleeding, inflammation, pain and infertility. The researchers, who published their results in the December 2004 issue of the jo...
Migraines: A Monthly Misery? Women who experience migraines around the start of their period may be able to prevent them. Migraine headaches associated with menstrual periods are generally one of three types: migraines that occur only during menstruation and at no other time;migraines that occur at other times, but are worse during menstruation; or migraines that occur before menstruation begins, in the premenstrual phase. Menstrual migraines are caused by changes in the female sex hormones that regulat...
Migraines: Should You Take Preventive Medication? What if you could stop a migraine before it even started? For some people, taking medication every day can help prevent migraines and make them less painful when they do occur. Although these medications may not eliminate your migraines entirely, they can provide some relief from chronic migraine pain. According to the American Headache Society, you may benefit from taking a preventive migraine medication if you: Have two or more migraines a month that k...
Ministrokes Deserve Maximum Attention Do you know what a ministroke is? If you do, you're among the minority. A ministroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a brief episode of stroke symptoms caused by temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. Most people suffer TIAs without realizing it. But a third of the time, TIAs precede the full-blown, disabling strokes that are the nation's fourth leading cause of death. According to the CDC and the American Heart Association, each year, approximat...
Modifying Recipes for Better Health Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and obesity. And modifying your favorite recipes is an easy way to go. Make them more nutritious and lower in fat by reducing high-fat ingredients or substituting healthier ingredients. The following suggestions are designed to help you lighten up your recipes to improve your and your family's health and weight. Cut fat and calories: Reduce the amount of fat use...
Monitoring Medications Medicines can be critical for treating and preventing diseases. Yet sometimes medicines cause side effects and actually make a person feel worse. Side effects are more common as people age, so it's important to understand how to identify and prevent side effects. In older people, it may be difficult to distinguish between side effects and symptoms of disease, especially for those with several different diseases. A person feeling dizzy, for example, may think it is a symptom of his...
More Than Just the Baby Blues The first months of a baby's life should be a time of joy for new parents. But for many new mothers, these months are marked by sadness, fear, anger, or anxiety. It's common to have short spells of sadness or grouchiness after giving birth, because of the pain, change in hormone levels, and lack of sleep. But sometimes the feelings are extreme and won't go away. These feelings may be signs of postpartum depression. How you may feel The "baby blues" can make a new mother fee...
Morning Sickness One of the first signs of pregnancy is usually morning sickness—mild nausea and vomiting. The term "morning sickness" is actually a misnomer. That's because the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy can occur at any time of the day or night. The condition is now usually referred to as "NVP," for "nausea and vomiting during pregnancy." NVP may last longer than the first trimester—some women can suffer from symptoms for the entire nine months. A small percentage of women also suffer such sever...
Movie Watching: Something to Share with the Grandkids You're on the couch, a bowl of popcorn in hand. The lights are dimmed, and you're settling in to watch a favorite movie. What's missing? Your grandkids. Movie watching rates two thumbs up as an occasional activity that is easy, affordable, and fun for every generation. Whether you're introducing your grandchildren to cinematic classics or discovering some of their favorites, watching films together is time well spent. Movies can be used for learning ...
Moving Beyond All-or-Nothing Thinking One of the first mistakes people make when they fall short of a goal to start exercising or to lose weight is to think, "That's it; I've blown it. I'll never make this work." But a slip doesn't mean you're a failure. It's important to understand a slip for what it is: a lapse. You may have fallen a step behind, but your hard work isn't lost. Remind yourself that with a little extra effort, or perhaps a change in your approach, you will be right back on track. It is ...
Myths and Tips About Dressing for Winter Do you know enough about the cold to keep warm? Poor planning of a winter outing can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. The following are some misconceptions about the cold and suggestions for staying toasty this winter. Myth: Dressing warmly avoids colds, viruses, and flu. Mom was wrong on this one—mostly. If you haven't been exposed to a virus, cold weather won't make any difference. There are over 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. Myth: You lose body...
New Hope for Alzheimer's Disease No magic spell can prevent the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease on thinking and memory. And scientists have yet to find a pill that can cure it. But positive news is out there: Research is shedding light on ways to cut risk, and treatments are making life easier and more comfortable after a diagnosis. Preventing dementia Age and certain other risk factors for Alzheimer's disease can't be controlled. But you can reduce your odds of developing the condition. The ...
Baby and Your Back: Safe Practices Babies can be hazardous to your health—your back health. When it comes to parenting, back injury is an occupational hazard. Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for sick leave after delivery. It can significantly reduce quality of life. New mothers, whose backs have just endured the stresses of pregnancy and birth, are particularly vulnerable. So are taller fathers and mothers who must bend farther than others to scoop up tots from playpens. And think about ...
New Rules for OTC Cold Relief Two over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestants are commonly used to relieve nasal congestion and runny nose when people have a common cold. These medications are phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. They are both available without a prescription, but you'll have to ask the pharmacist or clerk if you want medications containing pseudoephedrine. In 2006, the FDA put in place strict rules for the sale of pseudoephedrine. This nasal decongestant, used in a lot of cold and allergy...
New Ways to Heal Broken Bones In decades past, treatment for broken and fractured bones usually consisted of setting the bone back in its proper place and holding it in place with a cast. Although that tried-and-true technique is still used today, advances in orthopedic technology are helping these injuries to heal quicker and more strongly than ever before. New devices, techniques One relatively new treatment for broken bones is an external bone growth stimulator. This device, worn on the outside of th...
Nicotine Substitutes Can Help You Quit If you're ready to stop smoking, then you must be ready for the challenge when your quit date arrives. Clean out your ashtrays, and throw away any lighters and old packs lying around. Doing so can help you get smoke-free for good. Of course, you probably will have to face the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Quitting may frustrate you, even make you irritable or anxious. Headaches, restlessness, and problems concentrating are also common. At times, the urge to smok...
Night Terrors: Usually No Cause for Concern Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are not the same as nightmares. What is the difference? Nightmares are scary dreams that seem very real. Your child wakes up and is usually afraid. They usually occur late in the night. Night terrors are different. Your child suddenly wakes up with a shriek, cry, or some other sound. Your child may appear as though he or she is awake and upset. He or she may also sweat, shake, have a reddened face, and breathe fast. ...
Now Is the Time to Get Moving As cold weather settles in and the days grow shorter, it's tempting to put off any thoughts of becoming active. The bustle of the holidays also makes it harder to follow through on a plan to start exercising, because you just don't think you have the time. But don't let the season or the weather get in your way. You owe it to yourself to get moving. The consequences of a sedentary lifestyle can be costly. Inactivity is a risk factor for heart disease and can contribute to o...
Nurturing Ties With Your Grandchildren Some tips for a successful relationship with your grandchildren: DO talk with your grandchild's parents before trying to start a relationship with the child. Talk about the type of relationship you'd like to establish, and how you can work to achieve it. DO respect Mom's and Dad's wishes. Parents' rules should take precedence over yours. If the grandkids try to get around you, try saying something like "I have a lot of confidence in your Mom and Dad and I believe t...
Nutrition Needs in Older Adults As we grow older and our bodies and lifestyles change, our nutritional needs change, as well. We need about 20 percent fewer calories at age 80 than at age 30. About two-thirds of this decrease can be blamed on a more sedentary lifestyle that often comes with getting older, and the rest on a lower metabolic rate. Although healthy older adults who eat a balanced diet don't need a dietary supplement, several aspects of aging may increase the likelihood of a deficiency in ke...
Nutrition's Role in Disease Prevention Evidence is mounting that a healthy diet can help protect you from some diseases. What you eat--or don't eat--may help prevent heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes. With this in mind, here's how to use your diet to help reduce your risk of disease. Beat heart disease To help prevent heart disease, you need to keep your blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight under control. Healthy eating habits can help you accomplish this, as well as redu...
Nuts to You! Squirrels and dietitians agree: From acorns to walnuts, nuts are good food. Nuts offer valuable fiber, protein, and nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and vitamin E. Research studies indicate that there is an association between increased nut consumption and a reduction of heart disease. Nuts also contain fat. They range from 146 calories for an ounce of pine nuts (about three tablespoons) to 200 calories for an ounce of macadamias (about 12 nuts). Pecans have as much fat as ...
Obese Parents Influence Children's Weight Obesity is the most common health problem facing children, child health experts say. Twenty-two percent of children and teens are overweight, and over 15 percent are obese. Children whose parents are overweight or obese are at higher risk for becoming obese themselves, studies have shown. A study in the Journal of Pediatrics , for instance, found five independent risk factors for childhood overweight. The main risk factor was parental weight. Nearly 80 percent o...
Old Makeup Can Cause Serious Eye Infections That mascara wand can do more than just make your lashes longer--it can also give you an eye infection. Every year, many women end up with eye infections from cosmetics. In rare cases, women have been temporarily or permanently blinded by an eye cosmetic, according to the FDA. Eyelashes naturally have bacteria on them. As soon as you use a makeup brush on the eyelash or eyelid, the brush is contaminated, according to experts. Over time, the contaminated brush ...
Older Moms, Healthy Babies If you are older than age 35 and planning to have your first baby, you may have concerns about becoming pregnant later in life. You may have heard that a woman's risk for complications during pregnancy goes up after age 35. The fact is that most women in their 30s and 40s have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, you should do what any woman should do: Prepare for your baby with healthy lifestyle choices. Talk with your doctor about your risk ...
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Coronary Heart Disease Most Americans eat too much fat and too many calories. That, along with a lack of exercise, has led to an epidemic of obesity and diabetes. It's also contributed to keeping heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States. But what about omega-3 fatty acids? Omega-3s are a beneficial and essential form of fat, one that your body needs but can't make. Although your body needs two forms of omega fatty acids--omega-3 and omega-6, it is the omeg...
On the Barbecue, Charred Is Barred Many foods seem to taste better hot off the grill. But there's a dilemma facing those of us who love to barbecue in warm weather. Researchers have found that cooking muscle meats—beef, pork, poultry, and fish—at high temperatures may pose a risk for cancer. The cooking process can cause amino acids, the building blocks of protein, and creatine, a chemical in muscles, to react and form heterocyclic amines (HCAs). Seventeen different HCAs from the cooking of muscle meats...
On the Road in Retirement Now that you're retired, you have time to travel. So you choose a destination, develop an itinerary, order the passport, and pack the bags. But wait, you forgot one important detail: your health. You've got company. Millions of travelers may ponder every aspect of their itinerary, but forget to take health care precautions. Yet this can be a costly and even life-threatening mistake. Whether you plan to see the pyramids in Egypt or visit your cousin Vinny in the Bronx, you need ...
On the Road to Recovery Recovering from a serious illness or surgery is hard work. You may need help doing some things that you used to take for granted, such as walking, bathing, getting dressed, or preparing meals. Or, you may have to make lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, starting to exercise, or quitting smoking. Although you can get support from others, including doctors, friends, and family, you play the biggest role in your own recovery. This means that to reach your recovery goals, you n...
Optimize Your Health and Happiness Staying healthy mentally and physically isn't simply a matter of good genes. It's a proactive project that lasts your entire life. Like a finely tuned machine, your body needs preventive maintenance. Experts offer the following suggestions to help you keep your body and mind running like a well-oiled machine. Use the right fuel To stay healthy over the long run, tune up your diet. Every day, you have numerous opportunities to give your body good nutrition for preventiv...
Options in Nicotine Therapy About two-thirds of smokers who try to quit on their own aren't successful, and withdrawal symptoms typically cause their relapses. By using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to reduce these symptoms, smokers who try to quit have a better chance of succeeding. Nicotine is highly addictive, whether used by smoking, vaporizing, or chewing in various tobacco products. Nicotine is absorbed in a matter of only a few seconds and high levels of nicotine in the blood are achieved wh...
Oral Health and Asthma If you have asthma, does your dentist know? This is important for good oral health, especially if you use a corticosteroid inhaler. Corticosteroid inhalers are medications used to treat asthma. Also known as controller medications, they help prevent attacks by reducing swelling in the lining of the airways of your lungs. Corticosteroids also make the airways less sensitive to triggers. Over time, asthma symptoms improve. When corticosteroids are used daily as prescribed, the resul...
Osteoporosis: Evaluate Your Risk What is osteoprosis? Osteoporosis is a disease that causes rapid thinning of bones. Over time, this weakens the bones and can make them more likely to break. It can affect any bone, but the hip, spine, and wrist are most often involved. What are the risk factors for osteoporosis? Women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis, in part because men have larger, stronger bones. Men and women older than age 50 are at the greatest risk for developing osteoporosis. One...
OTC Medications: Understanding the Risks You don't need a doctor's prescription to buy over-the-counter (OTC) medications. But this doesn’t mean they are risk-free. It’s just as important to carefully follow instructions when taking OTC drugs as it is when you take prescribed medication. Some OTC medications pose risks for people with certain medical conditions and for pregnant women. Some drugs can cause reactions when mixed with other medications or certain foods or drinks. You may face other risks if...
OTC Meds and Work: Not Always a Great Combination Some common over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can cause serious side effects. These side effects can put your health at risk and interfere with your everyday activities. Some of these side effects can be felt or sensed by you, but not by others. Side effects you can usually feel are: Dizziness Drowsiness Double vision Headache Vertigo Those you may not feel are: Confusion Depression Slow reactions Any of these side effects can weaken or change your: Perceptio...
Overcoming Anti-Gay Harassment For far too many people, being gay or lesbian means having to deal with prejudice and harassment from childhood onward. Gay and lesbian teens are often targets of bullying, harassment, and aggression. Anti-gay bullying can range from verbal abuse, such as name-calling, to life-threatening physical assault. Even if young people escape physical violence, the effects of such bullying can be psychologically devastating. Young victims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgen...
Overcoming Exercise Barriers With COPD Even though many people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) want to exercise, one of the most difficult tasks is getting over barriers that keep them from being active. Here are some common reasons people don’t exercise. Are any of these true for you? If not, what are your reasons? Weigh them against the fact that exercise can help improve your quality of life. Reason: I get short of breath quickly. I can’t exercise long enough for it to do any good. ...
What Do You Really Know About Over-the-Counter Medications? Just because a drug is available without a prescription doesn't mean it's safe to take, the FDA says. Take this quiz and learn the ins and outs of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. 1. How are prescription drugs different from OTC ones? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Prescription drugs require a doctor or other health care provider to monitor their effects. A. They contain higher amounts of active ingredients...
Over-The-Counter Medicines for Infants and Children Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medications you can buy without a doctor's prescription. They usually come as pills, capsules or liquids, and are sold in drugstores or supermarkets. OTC drugs have information on the bottle or box. Always read this information before using the medicine. This information tells you: How much to give How often to give it What the drug contains Warnings about using the drug If the drug is safe for children of certain ages ...
Over-the-Counter Remedies for Seniors Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies are wonderful. You don't need a prescription, and relief is as close as the nearest drugstore. You may already use several OTC remedies. It's easy to forget that OTC remedies are drugs that can cause side effects and affect other medications. That's why it's important to read the dosage instructions, health risks, and warnings on the packaging. Many OTC products contain several different types of medications. For example, you may find...
Paging Dr. Mom One of the many hats that parents wear is that of a first responder . When their child is sick, they are the first to assess the symptoms and treat the illness. It’s a role that parents should become comfortable with, considering that most children develop the flu or an ear infection at least once in their first years of life and catch eight to 10 colds before age 2. Resist antibiotics When your child is sniffling and feeling miserable, you may think that a prescription medication will br...
Parents: Check Toys for Lead You may heard lots of reports about lead paint causing recalls of children’s toys. While federal officials and health experts work to fix the problem, what can you do to keep your kids safe? First, you can check you child's toys against those listed as being recalled due to lead issues. You can find the list—back to 1973—at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. You can even sign up for email updates. If you have toys that have been recalled, don’t throw them...
Parents-to-Be Must Communicate It's the rare expectant couple that doesn't go through classes to prepare for labor and delivery—events that, while momentous, are over in a matter of hours. But few mothers- and fathers-to-be receive training for the much more challenging and long-term tasks: becoming good parents and remaining close and loving partners in the face of new stresses and strains as their family grows. Being a parent may be the most important job you ever have, and it's the one for which most...
Peanut Butter Is Still a Healthy Choice for Kids It's easy to keep, easy to eat, and most kids love it. But is peanut butter good for them? Yes, nutrition experts say. Your children are much better off with a peanut butter sandwich than if they ate the same number of calories in candy bars and potato chips, or by drinking soda. Those snack foods have little nutritional value. The typical supermarket brand of peanut butter, while high in overall fat content, is low in saturated fat—and high in protein an...
Pedal Your Way to Work Trading your car for your bike for all or part of your commute can save you cash, increase your fitness, and help the environment. You may be surprised at how easy it can be. If you drive a car, you've probably been affected by the high cost of gasoline and the ever-increasing congestion on our country’s roads. Here’s one possible solution: Consider commuting by bicycle. Biking to work, at least part of the way or part of the time, offers many benefits. Increased fitness and healt...
People with Asthma Need Yearly Flu Shot Getting the flu can be serious business for people with asthma. The flu can leave you susceptible to serious illnesses, such as pneumonia. That’s why it’s important to take steps to prevent it. The good news is that you can help prevent the flu. Here's how: Get a flu shot every year. Wash your hands often. Stay away from people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth since germs spread this way. The ideal time to get the flu shot is as soon as it i...
Performance Anxiety Can Choke Up Athletes An athlete often faces competition in the same way that another kind of performer does: He or she gets butterflies before going on the field or on the court. Anxiety can help focus and sharpen performance. For some athletes, however, the pressure of performing well takes its toll in the form of performance anxiety, which causes them to do less than their best. It's like stage fright that can overcome a musician or actor. Or the weak knees you feel when you are s...
Periods, Pregnancy, Menopause--and Sleep Sleep disorders affect men and women differently. Although men apparently suffer more from sleep apnea, women are more likely to report spending their nights tossing and turning. Researchers aren't sure why women seem to have more trouble sleeping than men, but they have noticed that women have the most difficulty when hormone levels fluctuate. In other words, women are most likely to have problems sleeping soundly during pregnancy, early motherhood, menopause, a...
Persuading Kids to Eat Nutritious Meals It's a familiar family scene: Mom and Dad cajoling their youngsters at the dinner table: "Eat your vegetables." The National Cancer Institute says that only one child out of five eats enough fruits or vegetables to satisfy the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which recommends eating at least 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day. And nearly one-fourth of the vegetables eaten by children are french fries. More than half of their fruit intake is juice. What can y...
Pets and People: The Health Connection Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, loved dogs, yet he never mentioned them in his research. Only recently have scientists begun to analyze the way we humans relate to other species. Perhaps that's because we need to make sense of the close connections so many people have with their pets, from pythons to parrots, and from German shepherds to Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. Here are some of the most common questions people ask about their pets: Is a dog's mou...
Pets Fill a Special Role in Seniors' Lives Having a pet can be a boon to body and soul — especially as we age. Seniors can benefit greatly from pet ownership Pets offer companionship, something to nurture, unconditional love, and a sense of security in new situations. And pets can relieve stress, which may help explain why studies have found that pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The nurturing role Taking care of an animal that cares about you and responds to you can help with...
Picking Snacks for Picky Eaters Snacking isn't bad for kids. Nutrition experts agree that a wide assortment of healthy snacks, served in moderation, can be an essential part of a child's diet. Children need calories from food for energy, and vitamins and minerals to foster healthy growth and development. Snacks can provide kids with up to 20 percent of their daily energy and nutrient needs. It's all in the balance Is your child a picky eater? As you may know, kids are notoriously finicky. One minute the...
Pilates: A Core Conditioning Program If you want to work your body to the core, try Pilates (pi-LAH-teez). First developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s as a therapeutic regimen for soldiers, Pilates is now popular among dancers, athletes, and movie stars, among others. It helps to release tension while building muscle strength, joint flexibility, and energy. Pilates benefits include: Prevention of and relief from back pain and muscle tension Increased muscle strength and joint flexibility Improved men...
Pills: Make Them Go Down Easy Cricopharyngeus — that's a tough word to pronounce. It's even tougher when you have a pill stuck in your throat. Nonetheless, that's the name of the spot where the pill tends to get stuck. The cricopharyngeus is the ring-like muscle at the top of the esophagus. Some children and adults have difficulty swallowing pills without letting them get marooned in that uncomfortable location. When you swallow food, the epiglottis — the flexible cartilage at the root of your tongue — ...
Planning for End of Life No one likes to think about the end of life, let alone consider questions about how one's final days will be spent. It's important to remember that we have medical choices that weren't available even 50 years ago. Planning for the end of life makes sense for everyone, regardless of health or life circumstances. Thinking it through It's always best to make important decisions without pressure. You need to understand your options and take time to consider what will help you reach ...
Planning for Same-Day Surgery If you are scheduled to have surgery, there's a good chance you will be going home on the same day as the procedure. Same-day surgery, also called outpatient or ambulatory surgery, makes up about 60 percent of all surgeries done in the U.S. today. Same-day surgery can take place at a hospital, surgical center or doctor's office. Because of advances in surgery and anesthesia, many surgeries that once required a hospital stay can be safely done as same-day surgery. Most surge...
Planning the Care of Your Aging Parents If your parents are in their golden years, keep in mind that even gold can lose some of its glow with the inevitable effects of old age. Sooner or later, older loved ones will need assistance. Advance planning Make sure legal documents have been drawn up, including an up-to-date will, a durable power of attorney, a living will, and a health-care proxy. Research the housing options and services available in your parents' community. Discuss with your loved ones how ...
Plastic Surgery Is Up Among Youths In 2010, doctors performed nearly 219,000 cosmetic surgeries on those between the ages of 13-19, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Those elective surgeries included: Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) for more than 35,000 ages 13 to 19 Otoplasty (ear surgery) for more than 8,700 Breast augmentations for nearly 8,500 patients aged 18-19 Breast reduction for more than 4,600 patients aged 13-19 Teens tend to have plastic surgery to fit in with peers while a...
Play It Cool in the Hot Tub What's more relaxing than a good soak in a hot tub? Hot water sure makes you feel great, but hot tubs and whirlpools can sometimes be dangerous—and even deadly. Let's take Joe, who's just finished a grueling workout on the stair climber. He jumps straight into his hot tub and cracks a cold beer to relax. What's wrong with this picture? Plenty. Your body can't cool itself when it's immersed in water that's hotter than body temperature. So Joe, already hot from his workout, has...
Play It Safe with Kitchen Fires Almost half of all fires in the home start in the kitchen, and kitchen fires can quickly become serious. Because of that, it's important to take steps to avoid a kitchen fire, and know what to do in case one occurs. Prevention tips Here are tips from the National Fire Prevention Association to help prevent kitchen fires: Always take a few minutes to wipe up spills on the stove. Keep combustible materials, such as dish towels and pot holders, away from burners. Do not wear...
Posture Perfect: Standing Up for Your Back Correct posture -- while standing, sitting, or sleeping -- is important for a healthy, pain-free back. Good posture keeps your bones in their natural, proper alignment, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). That, in turn, puts less stress on the rest of your body, whether you're moving or at rest. Bones that are out of line are at the mercy of gravity and put strain on supporting muscles and ligaments. You can cause the same kind of str...
Posture Pointers for Preventing Pain Good posture can help your body function at its best. It promotes movement, efficiency and endurance, and it contributes to an overall sense of well-being. It can also help prevent chronic aches and pains that can require medical attention. The following suggestions will help you avoid posture-related aches and pains. Sitting right At your desk, keep your feet flat on the floor with your hips bent slightly forward. Sit with your back firmly against the chair and keep...
Potato's Potential Lies Far Beyond French Fries Bake it, boil it, steam it, fry it. There's no question that America's favorite vegetable is the potato. According to the USDA, each American eats an average of more than 100 pounds of potatoes annually. Fresh potatoes accounted for half. Frozen fries, chips, or dehydrated mashed made up the rest. A potato is low in calories and has no fat. It's a good source of vitamin C, folate, and other B vitamins. Potato skin is a good source of potassium (good for yo...
Potbellies Warn of Later Problems You were a pretty good jock in high school, and in your 20s you tried everything from racquetball to running. But in middle age, even your softball glove is gathering dust. For recreation, you surf -- the Web, not the waves. It's all part of that cavalier male attitude toward health that also makes men less likely than women to see a doctor. The fact is, you might not care as much about looks as your wife does, but that fat around your abdomen is no laughing matter. A m...
Potentially Harmful Remedies for Migraines If you’ve ever taken an herbal remedy, you should know that some herbs may interact dangerously with migraine medicines. Although researchers need to do more studies, they advise people to use caution. Triptans, a class of prescription medications used to treat migraine pain, and tricyclic antidepressants, used to prevent migraine, may interact with the following herbal remedies: Echinacea Garlic (in large doses) Ginkgo biloba Ginseng St. John’s wort Valerian r...
Practicing Better Posture Good posture improves your appearance and reduces stress on muscles, joints and ligaments. So, you’re less likely to have strains and pain, especially in your neck and lower back. The human back has three natural curves. Keeping your ears, shoulders and hips lined up maintains the “S” shape, which is the goal of good posture. Your posture may improve with practice: Stand tall. Keep your chin parallel to the ground. Don’t round your shoulders or throw them back. Avoid locking yo...
Pregnancy: What’s Normal … and What's Not No one said there’d be days like this, when your whole body seems out of control. Is this a normal part of pregnancy? Or should you call the doctor? You will have some uncomfortable symptoms during pregnancy, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Some are caused by changes in your hormones. Others can be traced to the pressure and weight of your growing baby. Normal changes Here are some of the annoying, but normal symptoms: Mild swelling...
Pregnant? Why You Should Know About Lead Along with a new crib and new toys, many expectant parents get their baby's room ready with a new coat of paint. But before you strip the walls of the old paint, you should find out if your home has lead in it. If you're pregnant, it's just as important for you to stay away from lead as it is to protect your children from it. Exposure to high levels of lead can pass to your baby and lead to miscarriage, preterm delivery, low birthweight and developmental delays i...
Preparing for Severe Winter Weather Severe winter storms can be dangerous, even deadly. They can include blizzards, freezing rain, ice, sleet and dangerously low temperatures and wind-chill factors. Knowing how to prepare for a storm, and what to do during and after one, can help keep you and your family safe. Advance planning Take the following steps before a winter storm moves into your area: Make sure your home is properly insulated. Insulate walls and attics. Caulk and weather-strip doors and window...
Preparing for Your Best Year of Fitness Here's a word of advice: If you're getting ready to make New Year's fitness resolutions--don't. Instead, design a yearlong fitness plan to ensure that you make effective lifestyle changes. Month-by-month plan Use this yearlong plan to improve your health each month: January. Set your goals. Take a look at your life: What's missing? What do you wish you could do? Invest in a few sessions with a personal trainer, who will point you in the right direction and help yo...
Preparing Your Daughter for Changes If your daughter had grown up 150 years ago, she could have expected her first period around age 16. Today, the average age for that milestone is 12 to 13. Nutrition, toxins in the environment, and hormones in our food may have contributed to that change. But whatever the reasons, girls are left with questions about their sexuality earlier in life--and parents have to know how to handle them. Tips for talking: Begin appropriately naming body parts by the time your chi...
Prescription Drug Addiction Most people take their prescription medications properly — to relieve pain, anxiety, or attention deficit. The majority of people who are prescribed potentially addictive drugs use them appropriately, but some people end up abusing their prescription medications. Increasingly, however, that’s not always the case. Some people choose to abuse medications that are not prescribed to them. They are often obtained from friends or family members who may have prescription medications...
Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome Shaken Baby Syndrome is a form of child abuse and is the most common cause for inflicted brain injury in the first two years of life. Shaking infants and toddlers can have dangerous consequences because of their large heads and immature brains. A baby's neck muscles can't support the stress of vigorous shaking; when the baby is shaken, its head moves in a sudden whiplash motion that can cause bleeding inside the head and increased pressure on the brain. Shaking a baby can ca...
Preventing Broken Bones Bones are tough and resilient, but if you push them hard enough—if you fall on a hard surface, for instance—they can crack or break. Common sense and certain safety precautions, however, can head off a trip to the emergency room. The CDC and other experts offer these safety tips to help prevent broken bones: Wear the right gear when exercising or playing a sport. Make sure your home is safe from hazards that can cause falls. Wear a seat belt when driving and make sure children ar...
Preventing Car Crime Vehicle thefts, carjackings, and thefts of vehicle contents are common crimes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers the following suggestions to help you prevent them. Whenever you drive: Always lock vehicle doors and keep windows closed. If your car has a flat tire or another malfunction, drive it to a well-lighted area before stopping. Store briefcases, cell phones, and other expensive items out of sight. Park in well-lighted areas. Avoid driving at ni...
Preventing Falls One Step at a Time Although it's impossible to prevent all falls, you can help keep yourself safe as you grow older by improving your balance and employing "fall-proofing" behaviors in and around your home. According to the CDC, 1 out of 3 adults age 65 and older falls each year. The CDC estimates that up to 30% of adults who fall injure themselves seriously enough to impair their independence and increase their risk for premature death. Change your home To help prevent falls in your ho...
Preventing Household Poisonings More than 90 percent of poisonings occur in homes, and more than 53 percent involve children younger than age 6. The following steps can help you prevent a poisoning in your home: Never leave children alone in a room with cleaning, cosmetic or medical products. A child can quickly and easily pull allergy pills from a purse or drain cleaner from a grocery bag. Store alcohol and tobacco products out of reach. Both can cause long-term physical damage or death if swallowed by...
Overcoming Your Midafternoon Energy Slump You may charge into the day full of energy, but by midafternoon, a wave of sleepiness hits you. You find it hard to keep your eyes open, or you find yourself yawning. Many people experience these late-in-the-day energy lags, but you can take steps to prevent them. Here are suggestions for healthy ways to keep your energy flowing throughout the day. Don't miss breakfast The best way to keep your energy level at peak performance is to start the day with breakfast....
Primer: A Parent's Guide to Inhalant Abuse Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that produce mind-altering effects. These extremely toxic chemicals can cause death by suffocation, or they can irreversibly damage the brain, liver and kidneys and cause hearing loss. Knowing the following facts about inhalants can help you protect your children. Most users start abusing the substances before age 13. One national survey indicates that about 6 percent of U.S. children have tried inhalants by the time the...
Primer: GHB, the Club Drug GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is a fast-acting, central nervous system depressant once sold as a food supplement. It is now generally called a club drug because of its popularity among teens attending all-night dance parties (raves). GHB was developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, and subsequently sold in health food stores as a performance enhancer for bodybuilders. The FDA banned GHB in 1990; it is now a Schedule I Controlled Substance. On the street, GHB is used for its abil...
Primer: Smokeless Tobacco Many people think using smokeless tobacco is safer than smoking. Just because there's no smoke, doesn't mean it's safe, the American Cancer Society (ACS) says. A person who uses eight to 10 dips or chews a day receives the same amount of nicotine as a heavy smoker who smokes 30 to 40 cigarettes a day. Spit tobacco is placed inside the mouth, which gives the user a continuous high from the nicotine. It's made with a mixture of tobacco, nicotine, sweeteners, abrasives, salts and ...
Primer: What You Need to Know About Ecstasy Many young people abuse a so-called club drug known as Ecstasy. Learning about the drug can help you explain its dangers to your children and help them avoid the sometimes fatal consequences of taking it. What is Ecstasy? Ecstasy, or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)—called "Adam," "E," "Ecstasy," "X," or "XTC" on the street—is a synthetic, psychoactive (mind-altering) drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties. It is chemically similar to...
Protect Kids From Lead Poisoning Think your children are protected from lead poisoning because you live in a newer home? Think again. Although lead poisoning is often associated with the paint of older homes, children may be exposed to lead from water pipes or the soldering on pipes, and from brass and chrome-plated brass faucets, especially when hot water is used. In fact, lead may be found in many parts of a home, including soil, food, or even the air. So how can you protect your children from lead po...
Protect Your Child from Medical Errors Medical errors are one of the leading causes of death and injury for American adults, according to a study by the Institute of Medicine. A medical error can occur when something that was planned for medical care doesn't work, or when the wrong plan was used in the first place, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. While hospitals, doctors, and government agencies are working to decrease errors, there is much parents can do to protect their ch...
Protect Your Eyes When Jump-starting a Car No one likes the idea of being stranded with a dead car battery. But many car owners don't know how to jump-start a battery safely. This lack of knowledge causes many Americans to lose their sight or suffer serious eye injuries each year in auto battery accidents, according to the group Prevent Blindness America (PBA). All vehicle batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce hydrogen and oxygen gases. If the gases come into contact with a spark, flame, or a lit ...
Protect Your Hearing on the Job Wearing ear plugs and earmuffs can protect your hearing on the job. Noise at work that is above 85 decibels can cause damage to your ears. One-time exposures that are very loud can cause permanent hearing damage. Once noise permanently damages the nerve endings in the inner ear, there's really no way to repair your hearing. Even a hearing aid can't completely correct it. What's too loud? The noise level is dangerously high when you have to raise your voice to talk with so...
Protect Your Kids From Internet Crime Computers and the Internet have become an important part of our lives and our children's lives. An estimated 77 million American children and teens are now online, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Youngsters spend time online messaging, chatting, searching, and surfing. Although most of these Internet experiences are likely positive, parents need to be aware of the dangers to better protect their children. Children and teens can become victims through onlin...
Protect Yourself Against Chlamydia Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States, according to the CDC. Yet, many people don't know about it. For public health officials, stopping its spread is a priority. Fortunately, you can prevent this disease. Many people with chlamydia don't have symptoms. Women especially are unlikely to have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may notice them as soon as one week after you are exposed to the disease...
Protect Yourself from Food Contamination In recent years, contaminated foods have been making news. Some of the dangerous foods were imported from foreign countries, but many were grown and prepared in the United States. With everything from spinach and green onions to peanut butter making people sick, it’s no surprise many Americans are becoming concerned about the safety of our food supply. These tips from the FDA can help you reduce your risk of becoming ill from the food you eat at home and in resta...
Protect Yourself from Sexual Assault Sexual assault, including but not limited to rape, is any kind of sexual physical contact that involves force or any form of coercion or intimidation. Rape can happen to anyone—children, grandmothers, students, working women, wives, mothers, and even males. Many victims know their assailants. In more than half of reported cases, the rapist is an acquaintance, neighbor, friend, or relative of the victim, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. Mos...
Protecting Your Child from Sports Injuries Most children take part in recreational and school sports for exercise and fun. But too many young athletes suffer needless injuries. Each year, more than 3.5 million children suffer sports-related injuries severe enough to require emergency-room treatment. Sports are the second-most frequent cause of injury to teenagers, although, after puberty, boys are more likely to be hurt than girls of the same age. Any physical activity involves some risks, but injury ra...
Protecting Yourself Against Medical Errors Every year, thousands of Americans die because of medical errors. Such errors can occur anywhere in the health care system and can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, equipment, or lab reports. Hospitals, doctors, and government agencies are working on ways to make health care safer, but there are things you can do as well. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) says that errors also happen when health care providers and their patients have pr...
Put a Stop to Nerve Injuries Called Stingers Body-jarring moves are part of the game for football players, wrestlers, and others who play contact sports. They're also the most common cause of stingers , painful electrical sensations radiating through one of the arms. These painful injuries affect the nerves in the neck and shoulders, or those in the neck that branch off from the spinal cord, according to the North American Spine Society (NASS). Stingers occur when the shoulder and head go in opposite di...
Put Peer Pressure in Its Place In the whirl of adolescence, peer pressure can get the best of children and push them to do things that they don't really want to do. Whether this pressure comes from friends or other kids at school, parents can counter it, if they're ready to help. It's natural that children get some guidance from outside sources, including their peers. But uninformed or bad guidance may send children down the wrong path. Pushed toward behavior Adolescents can feel pressure to drive reckl...
Put Up a Food Fight Against Disease You can't change your family medical history, which may put you at increased risk for chronic disease, heart disease, or cancer. But you can fight back against such conditions by altering your lifestyle, particularly your diet. Nutrition is a critical component to promoting good health, and if certain diseases run in your family, you'll want to make your diet as preventive as possible. Here's food for thought on dietary changes that can help you prevent several seriou...
Putting Disease Risk into Perspective Are you terrified you might get mad cow disease? Does news of E. coli outbreaks make you swear off spinach salads for life? True, a few people will get those illnesses. But most of us never will. The things most likely to make us sick seem less dramatic: heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, to name just some of them. Even when we think about these real threats, we may conclude our risk is far higher or lower than it is. Risk perception The way we gauge the p...
Putting Healthy Fats on Your Plate Some people believe that the less fat you eat, the better. You, too, may think that all fat is bad. The truth is, certain types of fat can actually help your heart, so you don't need to avoid fat altogether. Instead, watch how much and what type you eat. For a heart-healthy diet, the USDA recommends that you limit your daily fat intake to 20 to 35 percent of the calories you consume. For children, the daily fat intake should be 30 to 35 percent for those between ages 2...
Putting the 'Fun' Back Into Fitness Top athletes and movie stars have the time and motivation to stay in great shape. The rest of us, though, often find it a challenge to fit fitness into our lives. It's a matter of attitude. If you view exercise as a chore or punishment, that makes it hard for you to do what's necessary. You'll secretly try to avoid it. Instead, start thinking of fitness as fun. If it's something you want to do, then you'll figure out ways to find time for it. For example, if the word ...
Q and A on Generic Drugs Question: Are generic drugs really the same as brand-name drugs, or are they cheap imitations? Answer: The FDA estimates that almost 8 out of every 10 prescriptions filled in the U.S. are generic. It is important to know that all manufacturers of brand name and generic medications must adhere to strict manufacturing requirements from the FDA in order to earn approval to distribute and sell their products in the U.S. FDA regulations require that generic medications be made with t...
Q and A: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suffer from recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or repetitive behaviors (compulsions), which they feel they cannot control. Rituals such as hand-washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed in hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these rituals, however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety. Left untreated, obsession...
Questions About Asthma Medication When you have questions about using your asthma medications or need to help your child with his or her medications, getting the right answers can make a big difference in controlling symptoms. Below are answers to some common questions about asthma medications. Be sure to talk with your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about these medications. Q. What are some signs that my medication schedule may need to be adjusted? A. If you are using your...
Racquet Sports: Tops in Training Playing tennis or racquetball is an enjoyable way to boost the intensity of your fitness program, as well as improve your balance, strength, and agility. Racquet sports alternate bursts of high-intensity exercise while you score points, with brief rest periods while you pick up the ball and serve. This stop-and-start activity resembles interval training. Playing racquet sports, or any active sport, three hours a week can cut your risk of developing heart disease and lowe...
Rating Thirst-Quenching Sports Drinks Sports-drink manufacturers have made a science of finding just the right concoction to replenish bodily fluids lost during exercise. Most sports drinks consist of water, carbohydrates in the form of sugar, and small amounts of electrolytes, which are minerals such as sodium and potassium that encourage quick replenishment of fluids lost during exercise. Manufacturers often claim that their special balance of carbohydrates and sodium will stimulate you to drink a lot...
Your Children: Reading Helps Development Research shows that reading regularly to young children is very important to their overall growth and development. Reading Provides time for special attention between parents and children Encourages children's later reading success Improves language and speech development Pick what you both enjoy Look for books you both love. Ask friends, teachers or librarians. Look for award-winning books. Check book reviews. Have your children pick out their own books. Get you...
Ready to Exercise? Take It Inside Exercising at home can be just as effective and enjoyable as taking a walk or a bike ride outdoors. It can also save you time and money compared with joining a health club or gym. What's important is to have equipment that works well for you. Here are some guidelines that can help you make the right choice when shopping for gear. Take a test run Decide what type of exercise equipment you are looking for, then give yourself plenty of time to shop around. It is important ...
Ready, Set, Run! It may not be as trendy as Pilates or power yoga, but running is still a great fat-burning, stress-reducing aerobic workout. Experts have long linked many health benefits to running. It helps increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol; helps with weight loss; builds strong bones; improves balance and coordination; lowers your risk for heart disease and diabetes; and helps improve sleep. Getting started Nearly anyone can run, at any age, and many people make it a lifetime habit. Most people can e...
Real-Life Ways to Manage Diabetes It's one thing to know what you should do to control diabetes. It's another thing to actually do it. For people with the disease, too often life seems to get in the way of healthy eating, physical activity, glucose testing, medication regimens, and all those recommended doctor visits. If managing diabetes seems like a full-time job, keep in mind it's a task that can't be taken lightly. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death by disease in the U.S., based on 2010 ...
Recognizing Emotional Abuse Physical violence is not the only form of domestic abuse. If you have a partner who verbally humiliates you, demands all your attention, blames you for everything that goes wrong, or threatens to harm you or your children, this is also abuse. Emotional abuse can be subtle at first and may consist of name-calling, ignoring your feelings, or cursing at you. However, over time it usually escalates to repeated put-downs, ordering you to account for every minute of your time, fals...
Recognizing Domestic Violence Domestic violence is behavior someone uses to control a spouse, partner, date, or elderly relative through fear and intimidation. It can involve emotional, sexual, and physical abuse, as well as threats and isolation. In most cases, men are the abusers. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. It can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. ...
Recognizing Medication Tampering Over-the-counter and nonprescription medicines are packaged so you can easily notice signs of tampering. Improved packaging includes the use of special wrappers, seals, or caps on the outer and/or inner containers, or sealing each dose in its own pouch. Even so, no packaging system is completely safe, so it's important that you check for signs of tampering whenever you buy or use a medicine. The following guidelines can help you detect possible signs of tampering. How ea...
Reducing the Sodium in Your Diet Step 1—Hide the saltshaker One of the first steps to reducing the sodium in your diet is to stop salting your food. Put the saltshaker in the cupboard and leave it there. This will immediately reduce the amount of sodium in your diet. Most foods in their natural state contain some level of sodium. With time, your tastes will likely adapt to a lower sodium intake. Step 2—Watch what you put on your food Many of the seasonings and condiments that we use on food are high in ...
Refreshing Summer Meals Turn off the stove. Put away the pots and pans. Forget about cooking. It's time for the cool, easy foods of late summer. There's a good reason to make the switch, if you haven't already this season. When the mercury is high, we all crave meals that are cool and refreshing, nutrition experts say. We instinctively turn to meals that have a high water content to replace the steady water loss that we experience in the summertime. Where to begin? Start with soups. Buttermilk is the pe...
Relaxation Techniques That Really Work Everyone experiences stress and its effects. Short-term effects of stress include headaches, shallow breathing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and upset stomach. Long-term chronic stress can increase the risk for heart disease, back pain, depression, persistent muscle aches and pains, and a weakened immune system, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Chronic stress can affect your emotions and behavior by making you irritable, impa...
Remember This: Many Have Memory Lapses Unpredictable, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing memory lapses are moments many of us would rather forget. Yet if frequent bouts of forgetfulness are causing you stress and worry, take note-there is most likely a simple explanation. Random memory problems There is a big difference between losing cognitive function in the brain--or losing the ability to remember--and simply having difficulty recalling information. Most commonly, random memory problems are asso...
Rev Up Your Walking Workout Put one foot in front of the other. Repeat … again, and again, and again. If that’s the only recipe you know of for fitness walking, then maybe it’s time to spice up your routine. Walking every day is good for you. It has wonderful benefits for the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. It can help you manage your weight and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. To make walking something you can look forward to each day, add the ingredi...
Road Rules: Teaching Your Teen to Be a Good Driver Teen drivers have the highest accident and fatality rates of any age group. If you're the parent of a young driver, you can help protect your teen by learning about the problem and taking steps to decrease your teenager's risk of injuries in a car crash. Increased risk Teens face an increased risk of car accidents for many reasons: Lack of experience and judgment; According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 16-year-old drivers are f...
Room for Mushrooms Are you a "fungophobe"? That's what mushroom lovers call people who are afraid to eat mushrooms. True, some wild ones are deadly -- but that's no reason to fear the rich variety of fresh and dried mushrooms popping up in supermarkets. Nutritionally, we should all be fungophiles -- mushroom lovers -- because they're high in fiber, low in calories, and free of sodium, fat, and cholesterol. The common, white, cultivated mushroom has lots of potassium; the exotic but often available shiit...
Safe Food-Handling Tips From shopping to storing to cooking, food is a big part of our lives. However, foodborne illness doesn't have to be included. Unfortunately, millions of Americans are sickened each year by improper handling of food. You can protect yourself and your family by following these suggestions from the USDA. Grocery shopping Put cold and frozen food last on your grocery list and get it home as soon as possible. Minimize the time that perishable foods are away from refrigeration. Don't b...
Safe Handling of Food Gifts Many people make gifts of food or order food gifts from mail-order companies, especially during the holidays. To ensure food items arrive in safe, edible condition, it's important to have some guidelines as to how perishable food and packaging should look when delivered. This is especially true for meat, poultry, fish, cheese, and cheesecakes, all of which must be handled correctly to prevent foodborne illness. These tips from the USDA can help you determine if perishable foo...
Safety Checklist: How Does Your Family Rate? Keeping your family safe and sound can be as easy as following simple safety rules consistently. The following checklist from the National Safety Council can help you assess your family's adherence to essential safety precautions. If you say "false" after any of these statements, correct the safety issues they address. General safety: No one in your family drives after drinking alcohol. All of your family members buckle their seat belts every time they ride i...
Safety for Snow Sports Whether you're heading for the mountain to ski or just taking your sled to the hill, you can enjoy a great day out and get some exercise at the same time. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends minimizing skiing injuries by getting in shape pre-season, taking lessons to improve skills and understand the outdoor conditions, and wearing properly adjusted equipment. Wear helmets for all snow sports to stay safe. The rest of your winter sports outfit should include many la...
Safety Precautions for Kids in Cars Motor-vehicle crashes are the leading cause of childhood death in the United States. In 2009, 1,314 children ages 14 and younger died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes, and approximately 179,000 were injured. When properly installed and used, child safety seats reduce the risk of death by 70 percent for infants and 55 percent for toddlers. Adults can protect children by wearing seat belts. When a driver buckles up, children in the vehicle are buckled 94 percent of...
Salad Days: It’s Easy Eating Green Green salads are full of nutrients, including fiber and cancer-fighting antioxidants. They also can help you lose weight. Experts say that when they're prepared with health in mind, salads are filling and low in calories, which can be helpful if you’re trying to lose or maintain weight. But even more important, they’re a great way to get your five-a-day servings of vegetables and fruit. At home or when dining out, the following suggestions can help you add the goodness...
Save That Tooth! Your 7-year-old daughter is riding her bicycle and wearing her helmet. She's the picture of safety, right? Seconds later, she comes through the door crying. You see a gaping hole formerly occupied by one of her permanent teeth. What do you do? Timing is critical Comfort your daughter, but move quickly. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Find the tooth. If the tooth fell out, track it down. Treat it with care. When you...
Savoring the Ease of a Casserole Meal Casseroles are all about efficiency. Making a meal in one pot means you do everything at the same time. There's less cleanup and, in many cases, you can do the prep work in advance. In our busy society, any time we can get in and out of the kitchen with as little fuss as possible, we do it. One-dish meals are especially good. It's a meal that's thrown together, but seasoning everything at once can give flavors a chance to mix and make the dish particularly tasty. Ma...
Say Cheese the Low-Fat Way As a word, "cheese" always brings a smile for photographers. As a food, it brings lots of flavor to breakfast omelets, luncheon sandwiches, or dinner entrees. It's got plenty of bodybuilding protein and bone-building calcium, as well. All this would be fine, but for one depressing fact: Cheese tends to be high in fat. Very high. A gourmet cheese such as brie, for example, has about 8 grams of fat per ounce. Ounce for ounce, that's twice as much fat as a sirloin steak. Still, c...
Say Goodbye to Dry Skin Does your smooth skin head south as soon as winter sets in? The combination of cold, less-humid air outside and artificial heating indoors may leave you dry and itchy. What can you do to avoid scratching and flaking your way through the winter months? Try these tips from the American Academy of Dermatology to keep your skin supple until the spring thaw. Be shower-savvy You may love the way a long, hot bath, or shower feels on a cold day—but it can wreak havoc on your skin. Hot wa...
School Lunches: Going Beyond Peanut Butter Still sticking to peanut butter sandwiches for school lunches? They're a brown bagger's favorite, but today's markets offer lots of new options. Some children will refuse any changes to their lunch routine and that's OK as long as what you've been sending with them is nourishing. Every week or so, parents should try to slip in something different. A variety of foods gives children a variety of nutrients and expands their palates. Lunches should include protein,...
Scoping Out Sunglasses You may think we wear sunglasses for comfort and fashion. But here's another important reason to wear sunglasses--to protect the health of your eyes. If you spend long hours in the sun without protection, you increase your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, an invisible form of radiation from sunlight. Overexposure to UV-A and UV-B radiation causes damage to the skin and eyes. You can damage the surface of your eyes in the same way you can get sunburned--with just one exposure to ...
Second Opinions for Cancer Your doctor says you need treatment for cancer. Should you get a second opinion on your treatment options? In many cases, the answer is yes . Whether you’re facing major surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, a second opinion can help ensure you’re getting the most targeted, effective treatment for your condition. At the very least, it’s an opportunity to feel more informed and secure. You can think of a second opinion as part of the learning process. Because of the stre...
Self-Treat? Or See a Doctor? When you’re sick, knowing whether you should treat yourself at home or see your doctor can save you time and hundreds, possibly thousands, of dollars a year. For example, you could treat a head cold by taking a $6 over-the-counter (OTC) medication for congestion and cough. The bill just for walking in the door of your doctor’s office could be $50 to $80 or more. Even if you only have to pay $10 to $20 in co-pay for an office visit, using an OTC medication still saves you not...
Seniors: Keep Key Documents Handy If someone asked your adult children when you last saw a doctor, could any of them answer? What if you were asked for a list of specialists you've seen in the last five years or the results of hospital tests you've had in that period? Can your spouse find your living will (advance directive) or health care proxy forms? The time to pull all that together is now, when you have time, experts on aging say. If you need admission to a long-term care facility, for instance, ha...
Sensible Use of Sleep Aids From time to time, almost everyone has a bad night when sleep is elusive. Short-term insomnia lasts only a few days and usually isn't a cause for concern. But if you can't sleep on most nights for 2 to 3 weeks, talk with your health care provider. Insomnia that lasts this long usually continues until the cause is treated. For short-term problems getting to sleep or staying asleep, taking an over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aid can be a safe and effective way to get a good night's ...
Serve a Super Summer Salad Fast-food outlets and many other restaurants have embraced the idea that salad is the future. Some salads are better for you than others, but choosing a menu item with more vegetables is a good start. Today's salads offer a variety of greens, often with fruits, nuts, cheese, seeds, roasted or grilled vegetables, and beef, chicken, or fish. Eating salads out is fine, but you can build a better salad at home, even if you buy a lot of the ingredients already cut. Today's most imp...
Seven Proven Treatments for Arthritis Pain Arthritis is a general term for more than 100 rheumatic diseases. In a CDC survey, more than 46 million Americans reported they had been diagnosed with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms. Arthritis can affect the joints, muscles, connective tissues, skin, and organs. The most obvious warning signs are pain, swelling, stiffness, or problems moving one or more joints. Although there's no cure for arthritis, the symptoms can be treated effectively in many cases. ...
Sexual Harassment's Emotional Toll According to researchers at the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly 50 percent of American working women will experience on-the-job sexual harassment at some point in their careers. While mechanisms are in place for reporting this harassment, high levels of anxiety and related depression are reported among those who have been harassed. It is important for anyone who thinks he or she is being harassed to go through the proper channels of reporting those con...
Shake the Salt Habit Too much salt in your diet can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. But salt, or sodium chloride, can be hard to avoid. It’s in just about every processed or packaged food in the supermarket aisle. The American Medical Association (AMA) is concerned about the high rate of cardiovascular disease in the United States. It is urging food manufacturers and the government to help Americans shake the salt habit. Americans consume two to three times more sodium than is hea...
Shape Up to Hit the Slopes Getting ready to ski or snowboard often consists of trying to remember where you stashed your gear last spring. That approach may get you to the slopes, but it can reduce your enjoyment once you're there. Skiing and snowboarding use muscles that don't normally do so much work. High altitudes put even more stress on your body. The American Council on Exercise recommends getting in shape prior to the ski season to minimize injuries. Luckily, a little preparation can go a long wa...
Short Height in Children Your child seems short next to other children of the same age. Should you worry? Most likely, you don't need to. Some children grow more slowly than others. Height in the low normal range is still normal, doctors say. If the parents are short, it is likely that their children will be, too. Ask your child's health care provider Although being short is common, growth disorders are not. Don't ignore your concerns — talk with your child's health care provider. During well-child chec...
Should Tattoos Be Taboo? Approximately 40 million Americans have some type of tattoo, and the popularity is increasing. But people who are thinking about getting a tattoo should slow down and think twice. In most states and cities, you need to be 18 or have a parent's permission to get a tattoo. And, there are multiple risks that should be considered before making this very permanent decision. Risks of getting a tattoo: Tattoo inks are not FDA-approved for injection into the skin. The FDA says that many...
Side Effects of Medicine May Increase With Aging Sometimes medicines can cause side effects. Side effects can be minor or life-threatening. They are more common as people age, so it's important to understand how to identify and prevent side effects. It can be difficult to distinguish between side effects and symptoms of disease, especially in people who have several different diseases. For example, dizziness might be mistaken for a symptom of heart disease, rather than a side effect from a new medicatio...
Simple Exercises to Make You Limber No matter what your fitness level, stretching is a valuable activity to add to your daily workout routine. Although stretching is simple to do, it's often the most neglected part of people's fitness regimens, according to the American Council on Exercise. Stretching can reduce your risk for injury and help you become more limber, regardless of your age and physical condition. Stretching basics Stretching can improve your circulation and posture because it helps increa...
Simple Ways to Make Your Diet Better Good nutrition is a cornerstone of good health. A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet can reduce your risk for heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke, and other diseases. The best way to improve your diet is to eat more fruits and vegetables. For adults, the 2010 USDA dietary guidelines recommend 2 cups of fruit and 2½ to 3 cups of vegetables each day. You should also get at least 6 ounces a day of grains (3 to 4 ounces should come from whole grains), and 3 cups ...
Skin, Eyes, and the Sun Along with warmth, the sun also produces light and an invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation can cause sunburn, wrinkles, sunspots, cataracts, and skin cancer, and probably contributes to macular degeneration. The tan was once a symbol of health, but now has been shown to be the result of exposure to UV radiation. You can protect yourself from skin cancer and other sun damage by using sunscreen, covering up, and wearing sunglasses that block UV rays. Some UV radiation...
Sleep and Your Child A good night's sleep is as important to your child as a hearty breakfast. Without enough shut-eye, children are more likely to struggle with their school studies, do poorly on the playing field, and suffer depression, studies show. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), children are getting less than the recommended amount of sleep over a 24-hour period. This can make it tough for your child to solve problems and memorize lessons, which can lower grades and self-esteem. S...
Smart Choices: Eating Healthy at Any Age At every stage of life, smart food choices fuel good health. You can benefit from following an eating plan that emphasizes food choices appropriate for your age and personal needs. Every person needs the same nutrients in varying amounts. Age, gender, and activity level all influence nutrient needs. Everyone should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; whole-grain breads; moderate amounts of low-fat dairy foods; lean meat, chicken, fish, and legumes; and small amo...
Smart Shopping for Women Imagine that the next time you go to the grocery store, you get a magical cart. The cart leads you up and down the aisles, selecting foods that are good for you. The cart rejects the double fudge cookies and replaces them with oranges. But supermarkets don't have magical carts, so to come away with healthy foods, you should keep in mind the ones that women need most. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, many women don't get enough calcium, fiber, or iron. This lack o...
Smile! Are You Eating Healthy? If you're not eating right, you may be at risk for problems with your teeth and mouth. Bad eating habits can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Children's teeth are at special risk because they are still developing. Here's how foods cause tooth decay: When you eat, food meets germs that live in your mouth. When you don't clean your teeth after eating, germs use sugar and starches found in many foods to make acids. These acids destroy the tooth's hard surface (the enamel) b...
Smoking Adds Another Wrinkle to Aging Everybody knows smoking is bad for your health. Now here's something you may not know: Smoking is bad for your looks. It's true. From your rosy cheeks to your pearly whites, smoking doesn't just push you toward an early date with the grim reaper. It also makes you look that way. Researchers from the University of California at San Francisco have found that female smokers are three times as likely to have moderate to severe wrinkling as female nonsmokers. Male smoker...
Smoking and Asthma Did you know that smoking cigarettes can make your asthma worse? It also turns your teeth yellow, gives you bad breath, and makes you smell like an ashtray. There are also deadly diseases like cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, and heart disease that are directly linked to smoking. You have lots of good reasons never to start smoking or to quit smoking if you already smoke. Effect on airways When you have asthma, your air tubes (bronchial tubes) react to things tha...
Smoking and Asthma Don't Mix One of the major triggers for asthma attacks is cigarette smoke. Cigarette, pipe or cigar smoke is especially harmful to people with asthma because it damages the cells in the lungs that make the protective coating lining the bronchial tubes. Without their first line of defense, the tubes become more irritated and inflamed, making an asthma attack more likely. If you're a smoker with asthma, quitting smoking could save your life. Ask your health care provider to suggest the ...
Smoking and Gum Disease Do you have healthy gums? You may kiss them goodbye if you're a smoker, the American Dental Association (ADA) says. Smoking--or using any tobacco product--damages your gums by affecting the bones and soft tissues in your mouth where they attach to your teeth, the ADA says. If you smoke, you are more likely to have receding gums. This condition exposes roots of your teeth, making your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold, and increases your risk for tooth decay. In addition, smoki...
Smoking Hurts Your Back Numerous studies show a link between cigarette smoking and back pain. Smoking damages your arteries, and it’s thought that the damaged arteries in the discs and joints in your back may lead to pain and injury. Smoking increases your risk for osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease that can lead to back pain. Smoking also increases your risk of hip fracture as you get older. Fractures can take longer to heal due to nicotine's harmful effects on bone-forming cells. Quitting smoking t...
Smoothie: A Milkshake Without Fat You like a sweet, thick, icy drink to quench summer thirst. But you also know you should have less fat and more fruit in your diet. So on a regular basis, the old-fashioned high fat milkshake is out. It has too much fat and too many calories to be a daily treat. Consider, then, the smoothie. All you need is a blender, some fresh fruit, some nonfat yogurt and a vivid imagination to concoct something that's pureed heaven. Fruit is a necessary part of your diet—two to four...
Snacking Can Help You Maintain a Healthy Weight If you’re trying to maintain or reach a healthy weight, eating between meals may seem like the last thing you should do. Many nutrition experts say, however, that having a healthy snack midmorning or midafternoon can help you maintain your energy and prevent you from eating too much at lunch or dinner. The following suggestions can help you keep your appetite and weight in check: Keep snacks between 100 and 200 calories. Snacks with fewer than 50 calories ...
Social Drinking vs. Problem Drinking Some people can drink liquor for hours on end and appear to stay sober, while others become tipsy after just one drink. So how can you tell if you or someone else is a problem drinker? People who have alcohol dependence can't always predict how much they will drink, when they will stop, or what they will do while drinking. And it is common for alcoholics to deny the negative effects of drinking or that they even have a problem. Alcohol is considered a drug because it...
Solving Battles at Mealtime Mealtimes with young, finicky eaters can be difficult. Pediatricians and children’s diet experts say there are easy and effective ways to get your kids to eat well other than playing the food enforcer at every meal. Your attitudes about food and your child’s food choices can guide your child toward good eating habits. Try to avoid the bickering and control games that can make meals tense and unappetizing for everyone. So what are control games? A child's obstinate refusal to ...
Solving the Breast Cancer Puzzle Investigators report headway against breast cancer, the disease that worries some women more than any other. The suspects they've identified--from heredity to lifestyle--may point you toward precautions. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, except for nonmelanoma skin cancers. After lung cancer, it is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Anatomy of an enigma To understand the puzzle of breast c...
Someone's in the Kitchen with Grandma Are you famous for your homemade mac-n-cheese, chocolate cake, or barbecued ribs? Can you whip up a tasty meal from odds and ends in your pantry? Now is the time to share your tried-and-true recipes and kitchen sense with those who will appreciate them the most: your grandchildren. With families today living a busier, faster-paced life, we have lost some of that special time spent cooking with children. Too often, many kids mainly eat prepackaged, processed food, or...
Sore Throat: Is It Strep or Viral? Although many people assume that a sore throat means strep throat, most sore throats are not strep. Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Strep throats are caused by group A streptococcal bacteria. Strep throats are usually not associated with a cough or runny nose. Viral sore throats, on the other hand, often are accompanied by a cough, runny nose, or congestion. Doctors treat group A strep with antibiotics. Antibiotics do not help viral infections. Strep is more c...
Sound Advice for a Healthful Pregnancy So, you're having a baby! Once the shock of that news begins to wear off, it's important to think about your lifestyle and health habits during pregnancy. Following these guidelines can help keep you and your developing child healthy in the months to come: Visit your health care provider regularly throughout your pregnancy. Don't take any medications without your doctor's OK. Both prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause birth defects. Don't smoke. ...
Sound Advice for MP3 Users As teens and preteens plug in their earphones and crank up the volume, "Can you hear me now?" threatens to become more than an ad catch phrase. Experts say today's small music players pose a big risk of hearing loss. One reason: The "earbuds" used with iPods and other MP3 players fit into the ears, not over them. That makes the sound more intense than old models. Their digital songs are distortion-free, too. That invites kids to dial up the loudness with no loss of clarity. Mo...
Sounding Off About Coughs Coughs are valuable weapons in your body's self-defense arsenal. Their assignment: Quickly expel intruders from your throat and the airways of your lungs when the normal methods of clearing are not adequate. Usually, cilia (tiny, hair-like fibers) that line the bronchial tubes constantly push material out of the lungs and into the throat. If dust, fluid, viruses, bacteria, or even tumors cause irritation or partial blockage in any part of this region, your cough reflex takes ex...
Special Caution on Concussions Concussions occur frequently in athletes, but they are the type of sports injury about which we know the least. Experts say that's because of the brain's complexity, as well as a lack of research into concussions. Concussions—defined as a trauma-induced alteration in mental status—are often difficult for doctors to recognize. A forceful hit to the head or any part of the body that cause a rapid movement of the head may result in a concussion. The majority of concussions do...
Special Foot Care for Diabetes It's not high blood sugar, heart disease, or stroke that most often puts people with diabetes in the hospital. It's their feet. Foot wounds are the most common diabetes-related cause for hospitalization. Foot wounds in a person with diabetes can also lead to amputation. Fortunately, people with this disease often can prevent these serious wounds with daily foot examinations. Here's what you can do to help prevent foot problems: Take care of your diabetes. Work with your he...
Spice Up Your Workouts with a Little Variety Somehow, your workouts have lost their zest appeal. You go to the gym or go out for a jog, but your heart just isn't in it. Maybe what you need is a challenge. To get results, you have to keep challenging your body. You build strength and aerobic capacity by responding to physical stressors--by lifting a certain amount of weight, for example, or by walking at a certain pace up a hill. After a few weeks, however, your body tends to adapt to these stressors. At...
Sports and Americans: A Perfect Fit Many popular sports are homegrown Softball, soccer, swimming, track. Name just about any sport, and you'll find kids—and adults—participating in it. Some of us are fair weather athletes, and others of us lace on the sneaks year-round. Did you know that many of the sports played across the country, and indeed, around the world, got their start in the United States? Americans have a rich history in developing and popularizing many sports and activities now played worldw...
Sports and Music: Both Good for Kids Both sports and music programs offer many benefits and help to prepare children for future success. The benefits of sports Participating in a sports program gets your child more active and healthier! The activity helps reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Think about these other important benefits: Improving physical skills, such as coordination and balance Learning teamwork Learning discipline Learning to focus on a goal Experiencing the r...
Eye Protection Critical in Sports Your budding baseball star steps to the plate hoping to whack the ball—but sometimes the ball whacks back. Each year, thousands of children suffer sports-related eye injuries, says the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Optometric Association (AOA). Sports is the leading cause of school-age children's eye injuries, but most of those injuries are preventable. The AAO, the AOA, and the American Academy of Pediatrics say all kids in organized sports s...
Sports Injuries: When to Call the Doctor Sports injuries can be either acute traumatic, which require immediate medical care, or chronic overuse injuries. When should you treat a sports injury yourself, and when should you stop playing until you see a doctor? Here are a few sports injuries that you should know about. Head injuries or concussions Don't take chances with a concussion or any other head injury. The brain is composed of tissue with the consistency of gelatin and is normally cushioned by spin...
Sprained Ankles Need Attention Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries seen in doctor's offices and emergency departments every day. When you sprain an ankle, one or more ligaments of your ankle become stretched or torn. Ankle sprains most often occur when your toes are on the ground, but your heel is up and you are walking on an uneven surface. Your ankle can turn inward, damaging the ligaments. Ligaments of the ankle provide mechanical stability, allow motion of the joint, and provide a se...
Sprains, Strains, Breaks: What’s the Difference? If you've sprained your ankle, you know what severe pain is. But maybe that "sprain" was a "strain" or possibly even a "break." The amount of pain in each case can be virtually equal, so oftentimes the only way to find out what you have is to see a doctor. Just the facts Here are some facts on musculoskeletal injuries: Sprains are a stretch and/or tear of a ligament, the tissue connecting two bones. Ligaments stabilize and support the body's joints. For e...
Spring Survival Guide for Asthma Spring is in the air. Unfortunately, so are the many tree and grass pollens that cause seasonal allergies. This can be bad news if these tiny particles cause your asthma to flare up. But the change in seasons doesn't mean that you have to hibernate until winter. While you may not be able to avoid your triggers completely, there are many ways to help limit your exposure and reduce your asthma symptoms. Find your triggers If you have asthma, you know how important it is to...
Stages of Substance Abuse People who become addicted to drugs or alcohol typically go through predictable stages of abuse. Understanding these stages can help you recognize a problem and seek help before substance use becomes a dependence. Experimentation Alcohol or drug use starts with experimentation or voluntary use. In this stage, the use is infrequent and, in the case of teenagers, the substance is usually obtained from and used with friends in response to peer pressure to drink or use drugs. Older...
Start Some Healthy Holiday Traditions The month of December can produce extra stress, a breakdown in healthy eating habits, even depression. But you and your family can adopt some new traditions that may help relieve the season's stress and make your holidays healthy and happy. Your physical health When the holidays become more than you bargained for, your physical health can be compromised because you may put aside healthy habits. And stress can put additional demands on your body. Here are some tips o...
Stay Awake Behind the Wheel Would you ride in a car with a driver who’s been drinking alcohol? No way. How about riding with someone who just pulled an all-nighter? If you’re not sure, consider this: Every year, sleepy drivers cause about 100,000 automobile accidents in the United States. According to a recent poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, 60 percent of Americans have driven while drowsy in the past year. You may believe that you can stop yourself from falling asleep, but you can’t. Y...
Stay Fit When You Have a Health Challenge Working out when you have a serious illness or health problem can be challenging. But for most people who have health issues, exercising can improve their prognosis and well-being. Exercise can play an important role in helping you cope with or recover from a health challenge or accident. Physical activity can help increase endurance, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, as well as ease pain and improve sleep and mental attitude. Certain guidelines ...
Stay Safe When You’re In the Hospital Every year hundreds of thousands of medical errors occur, and as many as 98,000 Americans admitted to hospitals die because of treatment mistakes, according to an Institute of Medicine report. Being actively involved in care decisions and taking extra precautions to avoid infection when in a hospital can help keep you and your family safe, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality says. Avoid infection Hospital-associated MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant staph inf...
Staying Fit the Old-fashioned Way Stroll down the aisles of any department store these days, and your eye will be drawn to a glittering array of labor-saving devices—everything from snow blowers and electric hedge trimmers to remote controls for the TV and DVD player. It's enough to send shudders of alarm through every health and exercise expert in the land—and for good reason. These labor-savers are associated with America's slide toward lethargy. A large segment of the American public isn't getting en...
Steer Clear of Sports Supplements Big-name sports stars aren't the only ones who use risky performance-boosting drugs or supplements. High school youths, especially athletes, frequently use supplements ranging from energy drinks, vitamins, herbs and minerals to illegal anabolic steroids. In well-publicized cases, star athletes have suffered serious and even fatal harm from these drugs and supplements. The possible short- and long-term threats include stroke, heart attack and cancer. Yet many youths who'...
Steps Women Can Take to Reduce Their Diabetes Risk Type 2 diabetes can be deadly for women, especially minority women. The prevalence is two to four times higher among women who are African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, or Asian/Pacific Islander, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Over the last 30 years, death rates associated with heart disease have decreased in women without diabetes, while women with type 2 diabetes have seen an alarming increase, according to the American Diab...
Steroids, Sterols, Anabolic Steroids, and Corticosteroids: What's the Difference? Steroids are important compounds used in medicine, but people often misunderstand what they are. The term steroid and sterol simply refer to chemical molecules that share a common chemical ring stricture. There are many steroids and sterols that are important in health and medicine, and some that may be used as medications. Some steroids are called hormones. Hormones are chemicals that are made in the brain, kidneys, or se...
Stocking Your Kitchen With Healthy Foods You've promised yourself to eat better, but then you realize: Where do I start? Try the grocery cart. One way to ensure that you are able to prepare healthy meals is to buy healthy foods. If you have healthy snacks on hand, when the munchies strike, you can reach for fruits and vegetables instead of chips. The following tips can help you choose healthy foods when you shop. Fresh produce Fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories and fat and provide...
Stop Dating Abuse Before It Starts Seeing your teen off on a date can give you the jitters. Unfortunately, parents also must consider a particularly unnerving topic — teen dating violence. It's worrisome, but it's not inevitable. You and your teen can avoid potentially perilous situations and reduce the risk for problems. Abuse is defined by the National Domestic Violence Hotline as a pattern of coercive control that one person uses over another. Battering is behavior that physically harms, causes fear,...
Stop the Spread of Germs at Work Illnesses such as the flu and colds are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. They’re usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They also can spread when a person touches cold or flu viruses deposited from another person on a desktop, doorknob, desk, telephone receiver, or handrail. Some viruses and bacteria can live for two hours or more on hard surfaces. If the person then touches his or her eyes, mouth, or nos...
Stopping Blood Pressure Drugs Risks a Stroke Medication to control high blood pressure only works if you take it. If you stop taking antihypertensive medication without discussing it with your doctor, you put yourself at risk for a stroke. High blood pressure is the most important preventable risk factor for stroke, according to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association. The higher the blood pressure, the higher the risk for stroke and other health consequences. What's hig...
Straight Talk on Posture Need more energy? It could be as close as the top of your head. If your head is held high, and you lengthen your spine by standing straight, it helps open your chest to create space for all your internal organs. Your entire body benefits, and you can use this "found" energy to pursue activities you love. Studies show good posture can enhance your appearance, confidence, and self-esteem. It also relieves overcrowding of internal organs caused by slouching. We've all tried to stop...
Strategies for Managing Type 2 Diabetes When you have diabetes, the daily management of your condition is critical to your health. You may feel discouraged at times and wonder how you'll keep it up. The key to success is maintaining your motivation. Identifying your specific stumbling blocks can help you get back on track. Here are some common obstacles that you may have encountered and tips for getting beyond them. Eating plans Staying on track with the eating plan that you and your health care provide...
Strategies to Fight Holiday Weight Gain The average American gains one to two pounds during the holiday season. This seemingly inevitable weight gain is avoidable; you can fend off added pounds during the holidays without becoming a dietary Scrooge. One way to do that is to eat healthier foods that are low in fat and calories. You can still fill your plate at a holiday buffet, but fill it with fresh fruits and vegetables instead of fried chicken fingers or cheese sticks. You should also exercise regular...
Strategies to Living the Life You Want You may have a profession at which you excel and a nice house in a good neighborhood. But if you still wonder when the fun starts or what you'll be when you grow up, it may be time for a serious reevaluation. Success doesn't necessarily lead to fulfillment. Unless you take time to formulate your own definition of success, you can reap many rewards in life but still have a sense of hollowness associated with them. Here are some suggestions on how you can develop you...
Street Hockey: Good Surface, Gear Are Critical In an era when many children play little but video games, experts are glad to see street hockey is on a roll. Boys and girls across the country ages 6 and up get regular workouts on organized teams, while others join informal matches on driveways and playgrounds from Boston to Big Sur. What attracts a lot of youngsters is that it's less expensive than regular hockey, and that kids can play it anywhere they can find the space. In-line hockey is usually safer...
Strength Training and Heart Disease If you think that you can't begin a strength-training program because you have heart disease, think again. Heart patients who do a strength-training program 3 times a week build up their aerobic capacity in addition to building strength and flexibility. Strength training has many benefits. It can help you lose weight and help reduce the symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, back pain, and depression. It might even help you sleep better. Here are some tips on ...
Strength Training at Home Strength training improves muscle strength, power, endurance, and size. It also reduces your body fat, increases your body metabolism so you burn more calories each day, enhances your balance and stability, and keeps your bones strong. It also can reduce the symptoms associated with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, or osteoporosis. Getting to the gym for a weight workout isn't always easy, however. That's why it pays to have weights at home as a backup, or even ...
Strength Training Myths If you haven't started lifting weights, it may be because you have run into some of the myths about strength training. Read on to dispel these myths and to get the facts about strength training. Taking time each week to build your strength can help you live a more healthy and independent life. Myth: Strength training is for young people only. Fact: Nearly everyone can benefit from strength training, including the elderly. Older adults who participate in strength training programs...
Strength-Train with Yoga Many people think yoga is essentially a stretching regimen. It is that, and much more. For example, if you happen to be seeking stronger muscles, yoga can help provide that, as well. Yoga also helps you relax and focus, and if you do yoga gently, it can improve your joint motion. Examples of yoga postures that will strengthen your muscles include: The "downward facing dog" posture, which strengthens your arms and legs The "half moon" pose, which strengthens your legs and ankles ...
Stress and Older Adults Stress is an unavoidable part of life. The quickening of your heartbeat and the heightening of your senses that you experience with normal stress is just your body preparing to respond to stress. But when stress goes on for too long it can be dangerous. For older adults, prolonged stress can come from chronic illness, disability, or the loss of a spouse. Other sources of stress may involve money, change in living situation, or family problems. These types of stressors are long te...
Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease Stress is a normal part of life. Stress can come from physical causes, such as not getting enough sleep or having an illness. It can come be emotional, for example, from not having enough money or death of a loved one, or less dramatic causes, such as everyday obligations and pressures that make you feel that you are not in control. Your body’s response to stress is supposed to protect you, but if it is constant, it can harm you. The hormone cortisol is re...
Stress Can Pack on Pounds Some people respond to impending deadlines, financial problems, relationship meltdowns, and other difficulties by eating less. But if you respond to added stress by eating more, you could end up with added pounds. Emotional eating may be caused by different triggers in men and women. Fortunately, you can take steps to avoid stress-related weight gain. To begin, consider which of the following behaviors you’re prone to, and then take steps to counteract your usual behavior. Beha...
Stretches for Your Lower Legs Stretching can keep your lower legs limber and your joints pain free. The following stretches involve the ankles and knee joints. Keep these guidelines in mind when doing them: Check with your health care provider before beginning any exercise program, and especially if you have had knee surgery. Begin each stretching session with 5 to 7 minutes of gentle aerobic exercise, such as walking or riding a stationary bicycle, to warm up your muscles. Start out slowly and build re...
Striking a Match: Ideal Doctor/Ideal Patient Are you and your doctor a good fit? If you feel that way, it’s a good sign. Your health is so central to who you are, so important to how well you function and enjoy life, your doctor can be one of your most valued life partners. Ability to communicate A doctor should explain your condition clearly enough that you can make important treatment choices and self-manage your own care. But while some patients want to know all the risks they face, others prefer to ...
Stroke Awareness for All Ages Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States. It is also a leading cause of adult disability. Although more strokes occur in the elderly, stroke is also a major cause of disability and death among middle-aged people. What causes stroke? Strokes occur when something interferes with the normal flow of blood to the central nervous system: Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots or cholesterol plaques that block the flow of blood through arteries. Hemorrhages occu...
Stroke Recovery Begins with Rehabilitation If someone you love has had a stroke, or "brain attack," in which a blood vessel in the brain was blocked or damaged, you may wonder what lies ahead. A stroke can cause problems with speech, vision, memory, balance, or coordination. It can leave part of the body weakened or paralyzed, among other physical problems. Your loved one may have to relearn how to walk, talk, or do daily activities. It may help to know that rehabilitation can help people regain life sk...
Strokes and Heart Attacks: What's the Difference? Although their symptoms and effects can be similar, strokes (brain attacks) and heart attacks are 2 different medical problems. Both are vascular events, meaning they involve the blood vessels, the arteries in particular. Both conditions can also lead to disability and death. Heart attack Heart attacks are almost always the result of progressive coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD, the arteries that supply blood to the heart become choked with fatty de...
Success Secrets of Losing Weight The majority of dieters regain the weight they lose within the next 5 years. But they could avoid doing so by gradually changing their eating and exercise habits. Your approach to weight loss should be to make changes you can keep up for the rest of your life, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). You can expect to go through three distinct phases as new diet and exercise habits take root and a healthier you begins to ...
Sunny Self-Talk: Seeing Through the Storm How much control do you have over your negative feelings? According to research, a lot more than you might think. In fact, there is always more than one way to view an event, and how you view any situation has a lot to do with how you then feel. Your views also influence your actions. Let's say on the day of one woman's wedding, it rains. She might think, "Oh, this is awful. My wedding is ruined." She might even think, "Bad things always happen to me!" But, what...
Survive Your Little One's First Flight The plane is done climbing into the sky and you're just starting to relax when, with no warning, it begins. "Waaaa," wails your infant. "Mama, off, mama, off!" shrieks your toddler. What's the best way to survive that first flight with your little one without going crazy? Experts say it's best to go into the trip knowing that there are some things that are just out of your control, including how often your child cries and how other passengers are going to react. Pa...
Sweet Dreams as You Age Poor sleep is not a normal part of aging. But if you can’t sleep, remember that you’re not the only one. Many adults 60 and older say they suffer from insomnia, according to the National Institute of Aging (NIA). When you get enough sleep, you feel restored and refreshed, both physically and mentally. Too little sleep or poor-quality nighttime sleep can make you irritable or depressed; disrupt your concentration; cause memory problems, depressed mood, excessive daytime sleepiness...
Sweetness and Light How sweet it is depends entirely on you. Whether you reach for the sugar bowl, the honey pot or a packet of artificial sweetener, it's all a matter of taste and calories. Sugar fuels the body and every cell in it. The more you eat it, the more you want. A variety of foods naturally contain sugar. The most common sugars are in fruit (fructose) and milk (lactose). No matter how sugar starts out, your body turns it into glucose. Table sugar, whether it's white and granular, or brown and...
Swing’s the Thing You can call them the Lindy Hop, the Charleston Kick, the Helicopter, or the Fireman's Toss. But whatever you call the steps and moves couples perform while they swing dance, label them cardiovascular fun. Thanks to a revival generated by a flair for yesteryear, swing dancing--once king during the 1920s, '30s and '40s--is back. And this fast-paced fun can be serious exercise. Dance and fitness instructors say swing dancing or swing aerobics can elevate your heart rate quickly. An hour ...
Take a Hard Line Against Soft Drinks Children often switch from drinking milk to drinking soda when they become preteens or teens. These kids tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables, and get less calcium, protein, and vitamins A and D, because they are drinking less milk. They also take in more calories. Because one in seven U.S. youths weighs too much, health professionals are sounding the alarm. Soft drinks can't take all the blame for the weight crisis. But kids can reduce their calorie intake by dri...
Take a Lap with Indoor Cycling When you cycle outdoors, weather, traffic, and rough terrain can conspire to foil your good intentions to work out. That’s one reason people are taking their cycling workouts inside, where they do intense aerobic exercise with a roomful of people on stationary bikes, with music and an instructor’s motivation. In indoor cycling workouts (also known as spinning classes), participants ride stationary bicycles specially designed to mimic outdoor bikes. But unlike road bikes, i...
Take Action to Beat Heart Disease If you’re at risk for heart disease, we have good news for you. Many people can take steps to significantly reduce their chances of developing it. Even if you already have atherosclerosis or have had a heart attack, there’s a lot you can do to prevent future heart problems. Surgeries, procedures, and medications, such as cardiac catheterization, bypass operations, angiography, stents, and statins are helping many people with heart disease live longer. Even so, heart dis...
Take Care of Your Hard Hat If your job calls for wearing a hard hat, wear it--there's never a good excuse not to. Areas where potential head hazards exists include anywhere there's a danger of falling, walking into objects, being exposed to falling or moving objects or bumping into exposed electrical wires--and anywhere there is a posted "Hard-Hat Area." A quick guide to hard hats Choose the right hard hat. All are designed to protect you from falling objects, and some are specifically designed to help ...
Take Care With Nasal Sprays Many people turn to a medicated nasal decongestant spray to offer fast relief for a congested and running nose. It can reduce swelling and clear mucus from nasal passages quickly. In fact, these products often work so well that people are tempted to use them for too long. If you use a medicated nasal spray for more than three days in a row, you may develop rebound rhinitis medicamentosa (RM) when you do stop using the spray. This condition can cause prolonged sinus congestion...
Take-Out Foods, Restaurant Meals Tied to Obesity Trend Obesity has become a public health crisis in the United States, in part, because Americans are consuming more calories than they did 30 years ago. A large part of that is due to the increased consumption of foods prepared away from home, such as ready-to-eat items available at restaurants, grocery store food counters, and fast-food eateries. A panel funded by the FDA, the Keystone Forum, looked at the association between "away-from-home foods" and t...
Taking Baby's Temperature Thermometers have changed a lot in the last few decades. Mercury thermometers are no longer used, because mercury is a toxic metal. Digital thermometers have replaced them. Contact your local health department, waste disposal authority, or fire department for information on how to properly get rid of mercury thermometers. As a parent who needs to take an infant's or child's temperature, you now have 4 digital options: Rectal temperature. Several digital rectal thermometers are ...
Taking Care of Arthritis Flares Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks connective tissues and damages joints. Throughout the course of RA, episodes of worsening pain, stiffness, and swelling — called flares of the disease — may occur. If they're not treated, they can eventually lead to a lack of mobility and debilitating pain. Long-term benefits Responding appropriately to these flares can ease your pain and help you stay independent. Determining the cause...
Taking Care of Cuts and Scrapes Cuts and scrapes are everyday occurrences, and most can be safely treated at home. Knowing how to clean and care for a cut yourself and when to seek a doctor’s care can help reduce infection and speed healing. Home care for minor cuts According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, minor cuts can be safely treated at home. Here's how to tell if a cut needs medical attention: It is deep enough that you can see fat, muscle, or bone. The wound has jagged edges or edg...
Taking Care of Head Injuries Head trauma can cause swelling inside the brain. This can lead to a potentially deadly increase in pressure inside the skull. Head injury also can seriously damage brain cells. Each year in the United States, head injuries result in more than 1 million emergency room visits and more than 50,000 deaths, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). In addition, approximately 230,000 people are hospitalized for traumatic brain injury in the ...
Taking Care of Yourself After Childbirth After you've had your baby and returned home from the hospital, you are not yet finished with the physical transitions that pregnancy brings. Your body continues to change after delivery. Your breasts fill with milk and your uterus shrinks back to its regular size. Coping with these changes while you adjust to caring for a new baby can present a challenge. To stay in good health, you need to recognize which symptoms are normal and which require medical attention....
Taking Good Care of Your Eyes You should see your eye doctor regularly to help avoid or minimize vision problems. Common eye problems include blurred vision, halos, blind spots and floaters. Blurred vision refers to the loss of sharpness of vision and the inability to see small details. Blind spots, called scotomas, are dark "holes" in the visual field in which nothing can be seen. Floaters are small bits of protein or other material that drift in the clear gel-like portion of the eye. The source of the...
Taking Over-the-counter (OTC) Pain Relievers At first glance, visiting the pain-reliever section of your drugstore might just give you a headache — if you don't already have one. You'll find the shelves crowded with scores of products to choose from. Choosing the best 1, however, may not be the most important thing to be concerned about. Rather, the dilemma is whether to take something for the pain or to see a doctor. For mild aches and pains Headache, muscle pain, joint pain, fever, some sore throats, ...
Taking Steps Against Athlete's Foot You don't need to play a sport to get athlete's foot. But, having a game plan for preventing this pesky infection can help your feet stay healthy. The cause Athlete's foot is a common infection that's caused by several fungi, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). You can come into contact with fungi by walking barefoot almost anywhere that's warm and damp, such as the pool area or the locker room at your gym. Wearing someone else's shoes or b...
Taking Time for Tea The spotlight is on tea, with questions about whether it may be the ultimate health drink. Drinking this age-old beverage has been reported to potentially protect the body from ailments as serious as cancer. Do these claims hold water? For now at least, scientists are taking a wait-and-see approach, as research continues. Antioxidant power True tea—black, green, white, and oolong—all come from the leaves of the same plant, Camellia sinensis. What interests researchers are the chemica...
Talk With Your Kids About These Issues Talking with your child about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is tough. But you can't afford to ignore these topics. Children learn about these substances and feel pressure to use them at a very young age. If you have children, it's hard not to worry. But don't panic – and don't ignore the subject. Instead, if your child is older than 5 or anytime your child starts asking, start talking with him or her about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Here are some guidelines on how ...
Talking Sex with Your Teen With studies showing that almost half of America's teenagers have experienced sexual intercourse by the age of 18, educating kids about sex is something all parents need to do. Parents must be prepared to help their teens navigate the changes in their bodies and their newfound sexuality. Otherwise their teens could be risking early pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and emotional turmoil. The most important thing for parents to remember is that your discussions with you...
Talking with Your Doctor About Alternative Medicine Many people with arthritis, cancer, and other illnesses use alternative or complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, herbs, or vitamins and minerals, without telling their doctor. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes dietary changes, dietary supplements, massage, exercise, mind/body therapies, and other approaches. Steps to take The following suggestions can help you work with your doctor if you choose to use CAM: Inform your healt...
Tap the Power of Water Water is one of the most important parts of your diet. With the summer sun out in full force, remembering to drink enough water is even more crucial to your health. Your body needs water for basic chemical reactions to take place. In fact, water accounts for much of your body weight (about 60 percent for men and about 50 percent for women). When you don't drink enough water, your body can't function at its best. As dehydration sets in, you'll feel tired, lethargic, and you may hav...
Target Your Heart Rate for Better Health Moderate exercise for 30 to 60 minutes on most days is good for your heart—and your overall health. Your watch can remind you how long you've been working out, and a calendar can confirm how many days in the week you've worked out. But, how do you know if you're exercising at a moderate pace? That's why knowing your target heart rate is so important. Your target heart rate is 50 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate, or how much work your heart can handle. It'...
Teach Teens to Stretch Stretching to stay flexible is vital—particularly when your child reaches puberty and goes through a growth spurt. For a child or teen who is active in sports, failing to stretch can cause problems. Too little stretching can make your child more prone to muscle tears or strains and tendonitis, an overuse injury of the muscle tendon. Poor flexibility may also inhibit sports performance. Teaching your children stretching techniques early can get them in the habit of stretching so th...
Teach the Joy of Gift Giving It doesn't take much teaching for children to understand the "getting" part of giving and receiving. But it's never too early to begin setting a good example for your children by teaching them the joy of giving gifts. Start early Preschool age is a good time to start helping young children understand the idea of giving to others. You have lots of opportunities to help teach the concept of giving during the holidays. For example, children can pass on toys to youngsters who wi...
Teaching Children Good Sportsmanship Parents and kids alike love sports, and it's easy to get caught up in a game and become focused on winning. Yet there is much more to be gained from the sports experience than a winning record. When children and teens are involved in sports, they are able to learn and put into practice values that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Good sportsmanship is one of the life lessons that children can learn from sports. You can help your children understand an...
Teaching Kids to Wash Their Hands It's hard enough to get grownups to wash up. Only two-thirds of adults wash their hands after they use the restroom, studies show. How do we get our kids into the hand-washing habit, then? The obvious first step is to practice what you preach: Wash your hands before eating or cooking a meal, after using the bathroom, and after working or playing with your hands. More than half of food-related illness outbreaks are caused by unwashed or poorly-washed hands, says the Amer...
Teaching Your Child to Ride a Bike You may have learned to ride a bike with your mom or dad running alongside to keep you from falling. That method still works, but there's an alternative offered by bike experts, such as the nonprofit group International Bicycle Fund (IBF). It's a method that separates learning to balance from the other skills needed to ride. If you want to stick with the more traditional method for your kids, you can try a tool called an EZ-Bar. This device attaches to the back of the ...
Teaming Up with Your Pharmacist Who can you turn to with questions about your medicines? Besides your health care provider, your pharmacist can help answer questions about your medications. You may not be familiar with what your pharmacist can do for you. Pharmacists do much more than count tablets and pour liquids. Their main job is to focus on the medications you take and the effect they have, says the American Pharmacists Association. Pharmacists want to help you get the most benefit when you take me...
Teens and Prescription Drugs When taken as directed, prescription drugs can prevent and cure diseases. When used without a prescription, or beyond what a licensed health care provider recommends, they can cause serious physical and mental health problems. A growing number of American teens are using prescription drugs to get high. Many researchers consider prescription drug abuse an epidemic in its proportions. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, new substance abu...
Teens and Talk: What's a Parent to Do? Even if you think you have a wonderful relationship with your child, when he or she becomes a teenager, communication may become a problem. A simple parent-child conversation often isn't simple anymore when the child turns into an adolescent. When kids get to be teenagers, they think differently than children. There's a shift from concrete to abstract reasoning. As kids move into adolescence, they no longer accept things just on face value. All of a sudden they hav...
Teens and the Self-Esteem Shield It's a powerful weapon in the war against teenage drug and alcohol abuse, and it doesn't cost parents a penny. It's called the "self-esteem shield." It's simple. Research shows that adolescents who grow up with high self-esteem are far less likely to abuse drugs or drink compared with children who grow up without a sense of self-worth. Here are several steps parents can take to help their children develop self-esteem: Remember that the road to self-esteem begins in infan...
The Benefits of Adding Soy to Your Diet Soy and soy products have been consumed for centuries. But only in the past several decades have Americans started adding soy to their diet. Soy is a great source of protein, and also contains iron and calcium. Soy is a good alternative to meat and other animal-based products because it contains little saturated fat. Soy's health benefits Research is inconclusive as to the real health benefits of soy and/or soy products. However, using soy products as a substitute...
The Benefits of Beans From a health standpoint, beans are every bit as magical as the beans Jack of Jack and the Beanstalk fame exchanged for a cow—and much less expensive. Packed with protein and fiber, beans are a cholesterol-free and virtually fat-free food. And with this inexpensive protein source, you can prepare many different and flavorful hearty bean recipes. For that, you get a highly versatile food that keeps well, is easy to cook and, unlike meat or poultry, has no waste. We're not talking ab...
The Benefits of Laughter Laugher really is the best medicine, or at least a good one. Laughter is so much a part of us that even babies can laugh well before they can walk or speak. And mirthful laughter—the kind associated with humor—can help keep you healthy and happier. Although no one really knows exactly how laughter so positively affects health, researchers do know that when you are laughing, you're providing healthy stimulation for your heart and blood vessels. Laughter can actually reduce the am...
The Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth If you are what you eat, that's particularly true for your teeth and gums. When you drink and munch starchy or sugary foods, you're not only feeding yourself, you're feeding the plaque that can cause havoc in your mouth. Plaque is a thin, invisible film of sticky bacteria and other materials that covers all the surfaces of all your teeth. When sugars or starches in your mouth come in contact with plaque, the acids that result can attack teeth for 20 minutes or mor...
The Best Ways to Treat, Prevent Tendonitis Tennis elbow, quarterback shoulder, and jumper's knee are forms of tendonitis, a painful but preventable injury. Tendonitis is your body's way of telling you, "Enough! You're putting too much stress on this muscle and joint." Tendons are connective tissues that hold muscles to your bones. When muscles contract, tendons react, causing bones to move. Too much stress on joints can tear and inflame tendons, says the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The tissu...
The Cluster Headache: Just Like Clockwork Like the ringing of an alarm clock, a cluster headache announces itself every morning or night. If you suffer from cluster headaches, you know that timing is everything. These headaches--called "cluster" because of their pattern of striking in groups or clusters--hit at the same time of day for a period of weeks or months, then vanish as suddenly and as mysteriously as they appeared. The pain of cluster headaches can be very intense. Most sufferers cannot sit st...
The Connection Between Heart Failure and COPD If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it may be difficult to tell whether you also have heart failure (HF). This is because the two diseases have similar symptoms and common risk factors. Even for health care providers, it can be difficult to diagnose HF in people with COPD, and vice versa. If you have COPD, you’re also at increased risk for developing HF. And if you have both diseases, it’s especially critical to follow your treatment pl...
The Dangers of Binge Drinking Too many young people are participating in a dangerous practice called binge drinking. It means drinking alcohol to the point of intoxication. It's defined as having 5 or more drinks in a row for men. For women, it's 4 or more drinks in a row. This amount of drinking will produce blood alcohol levels far above the legal limit of 0.08%. According to The National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, 40% of U.S. college aged students engaged in binge drinking in the past...
The Doctor Who Discovered Vaccines With all the media attention on new viruses and possible flu pandemics, it's easy to forget that some of the most devastating bugs ever to plague humankind have been wiped out. Consider smallpox. The last lab samples sit under lock and key. But two centuries ago, just before an English country doctor named Edward Jenner stepped forward to attack it, smallpox killed people by the tens of thousands. Dr. Jenner was born in a small town in Gloucestershire in 1749. While st...
The Do's and Don’ts for Children's Meds There are some simple rules for using over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for children. The first and most important: never give any OTC medicine to children 2 years and under without consulting a health care provider, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administraion (FDA). But what about older children, those between 2 and 12? Here is some advice: Aspirin Don't give aspirin to a child under the age of 19 without consulting with your health care provider first. Use of aspir...
The Egg Bounces Back Whether you eat them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, eggs are an excellent choice. The two-word reason: "nutrient dense." That means you get a lot of good stuff—protein, vitamins, minerals—in a few calories. Eggs are a great protein source. An omelet is a better choice than pancakes, but make it with two eggs, not five, and pile on veggies to fill the plate. One large egg has about 5 grams of fat, but more of the fat is monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (2.6 grams) than unhealthy...
The Facts About Marijuana Knowing about marijuana can help you recognize its use in children and others and help a user seek treatment. Marijuana is the most frequently used illegal drug in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). It comes from the hemp plant (cannabis sativa). The chemicals in marijuana that causes its effects are cannabinoids, which are found in the leaves and flowering shoots. Of the cannabinoids, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most well...
The Facts on Fat: What a Healthy Diet Should Include Surprise: Fat’s not all bad. You just have to know how to maximize the healthy fats and minimize the unhealthy fats. Unhealthy fats contribute to hardening of the arteries and can lead to heart disease and stroke. The following fat facts and tips can help you understand how fat should fit in your healthy eating habits. Change your fat mix Fact: Monounsaturated fats like canola oil and olive oil can improve blood-cholesterol levels and reduce the risk ...
Tomatoes, a Good Source of Lycopene Pat yourself on the back the next time you open a jar of red spaghetti sauce. You might just be serving up a healthier future for yourself and your family. Tomatoes and tomato-based products, such as marinara sauce, stewed tomatoes, and pizza sauce, are both tasty and nutritious. They're relatively low in fat and calories and high in nutrients, including potassium and vitamins A and C. There is evidence that indicates spaghetti sauce and other tomato products may offe...
The Healthy-Bones Diet Adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet help maintain your bone strength, reducing your risk for osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak because of the loss of bone density. Although you can take supplements that provide calcium and vitamin D, the best way to get adequate calcium is by eating calcium-rich foods. One in every two women and one in four men older than 50 will have a bone fracture caused by weak bones in their lifetime. Fortunately, followi...
The High Cost of Smoking Most people quit smoking because of the damage it does to their health. But if you need an extra reason to kick the habit, consider that smoking could be costing you thousands of dollars. When people consider the cost of smoking, they usually focus on the cost of the cigarettes alone. But this is only the beginning. Add to that figure the cost of extra over-the-counter and prescription medications for illnesses related to smoking. Add in the cost of more expensive health and lif...
The Inside Scoop on Outdoor Fitness A lot of us have grown used to spending most of our time sitting around indoors. We've grown bigger, too. Currently, almost one-third of children and adolescents are considered to be overweight or obese, and more than one-third of U.S. adults are considered to be obese. If we could just get more exercise, doctors say, we could reap health benefits ranging from reduced weight and longer lives to greater well-being. With warm weather on the way, now's the time to embrac...
The Lowdown on Low Blood Pressure Most people worry about having high blood pressure. For a few people, however, low blood pressure, or hypotension, is a major concern. Current guidelines identify optimal blood pressure as less than 120/80. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute defines hypotension as a blood pressure lower than 90/60. There is no specific lower limit that is defined as unhealthy. Elderly people, however, may have symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness when their blood pressur...
The Menace of Methamphetamine Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that remains a major burden on users, their families, communities, and law enforcement agencies in the United States. According to recent surveys, nearly 5 percent of the U.S. population, or 12 million Americans ages 12 or older, have used methamphetamine at least once in their life for nonmedical purposes. Fortunately, less than one percent of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 25 are current or regular users,...
The Metabolic Syndrome: A Risk for Depression Everyone feels a little down now and then. When you have the metabolic syndrome, it’s also common to feel blue about your health concerns once in a while. But when the mood lingers, it could be a sign of depression. If left untreated, depression can make it hard to function at home, work, or school. Fortunately, treatment is available. The link between the metabolic syndrome and depression goes both ways. Managing various health problems can cause stress, an...
The Nutritious Apple A is for apple: an appealing fruit that's attractive, appetizing, and available year round. We use apples to evoke love and patriotism. "You're the apple of my eye," we say, or "as American as apple pie". Experts say another apple adage is true, too: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." The nutrients and fiber in apples have whole-body health benefits, from better digestion to lower cholesterol. Apples contain a variety of heart disease and cancer-fighting substances called phyto...
The Perfectly Healthy Pumpkin For most of us, pumpkins—especially when baked into pies—are an essential part of the Thanksgiving holiday. Lucky for us, they're also packed full of nutrition, adding a healthy touch to our holiday meal. A little history People have prized pumpkins for centuries. The name "pumpkin" originated from the Greek word pepon , which means "large melon." Pumpkins have been associated with Thanksgiving since the Pilgrims learned from the American Indians just how versatile the pump...
The Power of Meditation Worry, anxiety, and stress can be more than distractions. Continually replaying in your mind daily problems and fears can affect your mental and physical health. By controlling your attention as you meditate, you begin to feel more relaxed and at peace. And this peacefulness usually lasts far beyond the meditation itself, so that when stress appears hours later, you have the psychic resources to deflect it. Meditation allows you to become more awake and more deliberate about your...
The Power of Resilience When tragedy strikes with the death of a loved one, a serious illness, or a job loss, some people fall apart. Others adapt to such life-changing events more easily. Being resilient is what makes the difference. Resilience is used to describe people who lead normal, fulfilling lives despite having experienced trauma or tragedy. They are resilient because they have the ability to recover from adversity and retain a positive self-image and view of the world. Facing challenges on the...
The Road to Table Food Feeding your child during his or her first year of life can be challenging and stressful, especially if you're a first-time parent. But keeping an open mind and an eye on your child are the best ways to make the road to table food an easy path. Breast milk, formula are primary Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants during their first year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Formula is the next-best choice, if breastfeeding isn't possible. Solid...
The Science of Weight Loss The science behind weight loss is actually quite simple. If you want to lose weight, you have to use up more calories than you eat. On paper, losing weight is simple math. One pound of fat equals about 3,500 calories. If your goal is to lose one pound of fat, your body has to burn off 3,500 calories. If you cut back your caloric intake and/or increase exercise each day, you will create a daily deficit of 500 calories, and you will lose one pound every seven days. In real life,...
The Seven Best Foods We Never Eat Stuck in a food rut? You don't have to go far to find some overlooked food choices that are easy to prepare, pack a nutritional wallop, and avoid unhealthy fats. Avocado Sure, it’s great in guacamole. But why not try chopping it into chunks for a super salad topper? Or next time you make a sandwich, add thin avocado slices for a superfood treat. Avocado offers: Heart-healthy, monounsaturated fat Vitamins A and E B vitamins Potassium Copper Sweet potato Toss cubes of the...
The Side Effects of Cancer Treatment Chemotherapy and radiation treatments save lives. They also can bring a variety of temporary but unpleasant side effects. Ask your doctors about what side effects to expect, how to manage them, and what side-effect symptoms to report immediately. On office visits, make certain to tell your health care provider about the side effects you are experiencing. Many side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments occur for the same reason: The treatments kill cancer c...
The Skinny on Fat-Free Foods Attaining and maintaining a healthy weight is an ongoing battle that for many adults involves endless dieting—and a search for a magic bullet to blast away those extra pounds. One weapon Americans have pinned their hopes on is fat-free foods—but are they effective in helping you battle the bulges? The truth is that eating fat-free foods won’t necessarily make you lose weight. That’s because it’s the amount of calories you take in, not the amount of fat, that determines wheth...
The Skinny on Skin Skin is your body's largest organ. It protects you against bacteria, viruses, dirt, wind, heat, and cold. It also can serve as a "window" to the body, alerting doctors when something is wrong internally. Your skin needs a steady supply of new cells to protect your organs against infection, the elements, and other invaders. New skin cells, manufactured in the epidermis, migrate to the outer layer of skin. One square inch of skin contains millions of cells, blood vessels, nerve endings,...
The ‘Soft Teeth’ Myth You Can’t Blame Genes for Tooth Decay in Kids If you think that "soft teeth" are the reason that cavities tend to run in families, you'll be surprised to know the real reason: an infection. The infection is usually transmitted from mothers to babies during the first year of life. "Women of childbearing age who have cavities or have had a lot of fillings are at the greatest risk to infect their newborns with cavity producing bacteria," says Dr. Peter Domoto, chair of the Department ...
The Supermarket as Classroom You can turn a trip to the grocery store into a fun outing that teaches children valuable lessons. Walking the aisles, you can talk about making wholesome food choices, show how ads drive purchases, and expose your child to new fruits and vegetables. With your help, even preschoolers can start to make healthy food decisions. The earlier you start, the better. According to a study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, young adults who shop for and cook meals ar...
The Sweet and Sour Facts About Sugar Judging from food labels, a spoonful of sugar makes everything go down. You may wonder, though, how it affects your child's health. Although it's easy to blame sugar for tooth decay, hyperactivity, or obesity, the sweetener isn't always the villain. Children do need some sugar The type of sugar known as glucose serves as the main fuel for our brains. But that doesn't mean kids need to eat table sugar (sucrose). Our bodies produce glucose from any type of carbohydrate...
The Trouble with Bullies Physical or emotional differences make children targets for bullies. Being a bully or a victim of a bully puts children at risk for engaging in violent behaviors, such as frequent fighting and carrying a weapon, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Bullying comes in different forms. It is commonly thought of as an actual or threatened act of physical violence. But name calling, spreading rumors, unrelenting teasing, and deliberately excludin...
The Truth about Lying For your birthday, your aunt knits you a sweater that is, well, downright hideous. You tell her, 1) I'd go out in an army blanket before wearing that; 2) It would look better on a peacock; or 3) It's beautiful, Aunt Sylvia! I really need a sweater. If you chose the third response, well, you're a liar. Don't feel bad, however. If the truth be told, most of us lie to some degree, especially when faced with an alternative like hurting the feelings of poor, good-hearted Aunt Sylvia. So...
The Truth About Triglycerides You’ve probably had your blood tested for cholesterol by your health care provider. This lipid, or fat, test measures your total cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. It also measures your triglycerides, which can tell your provider a lot about your health. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. Most of your body's fat is stored as triglycerides. Cholesterol and fat Cholesterol and other fats in your blood are needed for cer...
The Value of a Second Opinion When your health care provider recommends surgery or a major procedure or treatment, it's smart to get a second opinion from another expert. But, how do you know a second opinion is in order? And how do you go about getting one? Here are some answers to these and other important questions. When should you get a second opinion? Don't waste time checking out options if you need emergency treatment. But if your health care provider suggests nonemergency surgery or a major medi...
The Word on Talk Therapy We all need someone to talk with now and then. At times, friends and family will do. But, if you’re struggling with strong emotions, a troubled relationship, depression, or other mental health issues, a sympathetic ear may not be enough. You may need to try psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” with a mental health professional. Talk therapy is a way to treat people with a mental disorder by helping them understand their illness. It teaches them strategies and gives them tools to de...
The World's Best Anti-Cancer Diet In your quest to reduce your cancer risk, don't overlook the obvious: Improving your diet can play a substantial role in preventing the disease. Helpful lessons can be learned from other countries that report lower levels of nutrition-related cancers than in the United States. If you are in doubt, consider the following examples. Choose plant power Eating a variety of plant-based foods—fruits and vegetables—is the number one rule for cancer prevention because such foods...
There's Hope for Sciatica Pain or discomfort that travels along the sciatic nerve is called sciatica. The sciatic nerves run from your lower back, down through each hip and buttock and into the back part of each leg. It usually affects only one side. Sciatica is often painful, but rarely causes serious or permanent damage. Most sciatica is caused by inflammation, which may be related to an underlying condition. Most often, it can be diagnosed and treated conservatively. Sciatica pain may feel dull, achi...
Think About Your Beverage If you've walked through a supermarket lately, you've probably noticed the flood of drink products. Consider the refrigerated section: where milk and orange juice once ruled, you'll find a rainbow of fruit juice blends and yogurt drinks. Down another aisle you'll see countless fruity beverages in bottles, cans, plastic, and packets of powder. Varieties aim at everyone from adults to toddlers. Check the labels and you may be surprised at the amount of sugar added to drinks that ...
Think Before Buying a Treadmill There was a time when the only place you'd find a treadmill was in a physiology lab or a sports medicine clinic. Not anymore. Treadmills are one of the highest-selling exercise machines in the country, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Thousands have run out to stores so they could bring home a treadmill and do their walking in the comfort of the living room or den. A machine--no matter how many electronic dials, imaginary inclines and flashing p...
Thirst and Dehydration Thirsty? Then your body is on its way to becoming dehydrated. For the average adult, water accounts for 60 percent of body weight. That water plays a critical role in nearly every bodily process. And being a quart or two low can affect how you feel. Water is key in body temperature regulation. Nearly everything you do during the day—typing, talking, walking, even eating—requires energy. That energy, in turn, generates heat, which escapes the body through perspiration. Perspiration...
Three Cheers for Breakfast! Does your day start like this? The alarm rings, and you're off and running, maybe without enough time to have breakfast. Even if you're not in a rush, breakfast foods may not appeal to you. Or, you think that skipping breakfast will help you lose weight. Whatever your reason, you may be missing out on more than a meal. There are at least three great reasons to have a morning meal, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: You need the energy. Imagine trying to star...
After a Heart Attack If you've had a heart attack, you're probably wondering how your life is going to change. It depends on how severe your heart attack was, how it was treated, and lifestyle changes that you make. In many ways, it's up to you! Your life can be even healthier and more active than before. Work with your health care provider on a plan. Recovering and preventing future problems The first step is to work with your health care provider to find the cause of your heart attack. This may have b...
Time to Fertilize? Wait a Minute! Springtime means gardening and lawn chores--mowing, mulching, planting, weeding. For many weekend gardeners, this is also the time when chemicals make their annual debut--as fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. In pursuit of a greener lawn or a pest-free garden, homeowners often become chemists of sorts. Recent studies, however, have raised a red flag on chemical use, pointing out a possible link between herbicides and pesticides and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, prostate ca...
Tinnitus: Stopping the Sound in Your Head In a silence where some people could hear a pin drop, people who suffer from tinnitus will hear a constant ringing in their ears--or, the sound may be a popping, rushing, pinging, chirping, whistling or roaring. Some people describe it as a freight train constantly rolling through their brains. Yet, for all the distress this common condition can cause, tinnitus has nothing to do with actual sound waves hitting the ear. What causes tinnitus About 50 million Ameri...
Tips for a Healthy Restaurant Breakfast Do you want to cut fat out of your diet, but not give up breakfast at your favorite restaurant? Try healthy alternatives, such as eliminating bacon and sausage on your egg sandwich, or having a small low-fat bran muffin instead of hash browns. You'll be able to eat a healthier breakfast without scrimping on your morning enjoyment. Occasionally, it is okay to order up the big breakfast of bacon and eggs. When you do, be sure to make it your main meal of the day. In...
Tips for Driving After Age 60 Although we can get around by bike, bus, train, or sidewalk, most Americans rely on their car when it comes to getting from one place to another. Driving is a key to independence. As you get older, you should be able to continue to drive. A person's ability to drive isn't based on age alone. Age or disease-related changes in vision, physical fitness, problem-solving abilities, and reflexes, however, may be reasons to reevaluate your abilities behind the wheel. If any of the...
Tips for Healthy Marinades Many marinades are low in calories and fat-free, but they can also be high in sodium and many contain sugar. Oil-based marinades, however, will be higher in fat and calories. One serving of a marinade can be as small as one teaspoon, which doesn't stretch very far. The calorie and sodium count can multiply quickly when you need several tablespoons--or even a half-cup--of marinade. These shopping tips will help you select the most healthful marinades: Pay attention to serving s...
Tips for Staying Healthy and Safe at Work As we go to work every day, we often think about the tasks we need to do and our interactions with coworkers. Most of us may not think much about our health and safety on the job, but we probably should. Colds and other viral infections can spread quickly and can affect productivity. In addition, more than 3 million disabling accidents occur in American workplaces every year. To avoid being sidelined by an illness or injury, start taking action today. Protect yo...
Tips for Tuning Up Your Nutrition Eating healthier food to improve your health or reduce your waistline isn't as difficult as you may think. Small dietary changes, made gradually, can result in substantial improvement over time, according to nutrition experts. Nutrition experts offer the following guidelines for improving your diet and your health. Look for variety Varying your food provides a much greater range of nutrients. Eating the same foods over and over supply your body with the same vitamins an...
Tips for Using Home Medical Tests Visit a drugstore and you'll find lots of home health tests--everything from blood pressure monitors to drug abuse detectors. As technology advances and consumers become more actively involved in their healthcare, options keep growing. But just because the tests exist doesn't mean they're right for you. The question shouldn't be which brand is the most accurate? But, is a home health test appropriate for me? Still, some home tests can reduce doctor visits and medical co...
Too Much Juice? Although most children love fruit juice, that tasty beverage has a price. Juice contains a lot of natural sugar, so drinking too much can lead to obesity, digestive problems, and tooth decay. A typical 8-ounce glass of apple juice has 120 calories. Unless the juice is fortified with vitamin C and calcium, it contains negligible nutrients. Since juice tastes good, children often drink several glasses a day. When children are filling up on juice and skipping other nutrient-dense foods, the...
Toss Your Baby Walker, Pediatricians Say Safety is your top concern for your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls baby walkers dangerous and says you should throw them out. According to the AAP, one of the reasons why a baby walker is not safe is because a child is able to move more than three feet in one second. Walkers can cause children to: Roll down stairs, causing head injuries and even death. This is the most common way children get hurt in walkers. A child also can get hurt if th...
Tracking Symptoms of Heart Failure If you have congestive heart failure (CHF), becoming aware of even small changes in your body can help you manage your condition. Here are common symptoms of CHF: Fluid retention. You may notice swelling in the lower half of your body, especially the feet and ankles, or weight gain. Weigh yourself every morning. Tell your health care provider if you suddenly gain two or more pounds in one day or four pounds in a week. Abdominal swelling or stomach pain. Shortness of br...
Trampoline Troubles Backyard trampolines are popular, but beware. Along with the increasing popularity of these backyard "toys," trampoline injuries are on the rise. People experience over 100,000 trampoline injuries per year in the U.S. alone, with most of these injuries occurring on backyard models. The injuries are serious, too. They include fractures, concussions, and head injuries. Even more sobering are the serious spinal cord injuries and deaths that can occur with trampoline use. In response to ...
Traveling With a Chronic Condition Any trip requires advance planning so you can be comfortable and lower your risk for worsening symptoms. Use this checklist to create a smart travel plan for a safe and enjoyable trip. Bon voyage! Involve your health care providers Arrange a consultation with your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks before traveling. Get written instructions for how to handle problems while away. If you are crossing time zones, be sure to ask your doctor how to take your medicines on schedule...
Traveling With Asthma There are some extra challenges when traveling with asthma. The suggestions that follow can help you avoid asthma symptoms and make your travel easier. Be prepared if your asthma should worsen while you're traveling. Make sure you know where to go for medical care. Avoiding triggers Avoid asthma triggers by planning ahead. Plan your vacation at times and places where pollen counts are low. Avoid placed with high levels of air pollution. For example, stay away from very smoggy citie...
Treadmill Routines Make Indoor Exercising Less Routine Treadmills have become a staple of millions of indoor workout rooms across the country. And with their presence has come a storm of ideas about how to spice up the walking and running routines. With a little creativity, a treadmill workout can be just as satisfying as an outdoor jaunt. Tips and warnings Because you are walking indoors on a rotating belt, there is no wind resistance. You can compensate by using a 1 percent incline. This will simulate...
Treasure Playtime with the Grandkids The grandkids are coming — and you're feeling unprepared. How will you entertain them while staying within your budget? Making your home a fun place for grandkids is easier and more affordable than you may think. Provide a "treasure chest" of inexpensive, kid-friendly items. And, add a healthy dose of your undivided attention. Just making yourself available to your grandchildren builds strong bonds that are long remembered. You're never too old to play In a fast-pace...
Treat Children's OTC Drugs with Care Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can help ease a child's aches and pains, but you should know a few things before you pop open a bottle. Many of the medicines we buy require no prescription. We use them to prevent unnecessary doctors' visits, help control symptoms, and make kids more comfortable. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that this doesn't mean OTCs are harmless. Like prescription medicines, OTCs can be very dangerous to a child if not taken prop...
Treat It Right: Food Safety Did you know that millions of people get sick from foodborne illnesses every year? The culprits are usually raw meat and eggs, but produce and canned foods can cause problems, too. By following these tips, you can help keep your food safe at home: Shop smart. Never let juices from raw meat touch other groceries. Avoid canned goods with dents, cracks, or bulging lids. Wash up. Wash your hands before preparing anything in the kitchen. In addition, wash your hands between differ...
Treating Chronic Pain as a Disease, Not a Symptom The treatment of chronic pain has significantly improved over the last decade. Common types of chronic pain include back pain, headaches, arthritis, cancer pain, and pain from injury to nerves (called neuropathic pain). The old thinking: Rely on narcotics for treating severe pain despite their side effects and the potential for addiction, or avoid use of these medications and indicate to patients that there is not a great deal to offer them. The new thin...
Treating Minor Childhood Injuries Sports and other physical activities can help kids stay healthy and physically fit, but they can also occasionally result in injuries. Scrapes and sprains are a fact of life for most children, so it’s good to know what to do when they occur. Scrapes and cuts When a child gets a scrape or cut, the flow of blood can make even a minor cut look like an emergency. Minor injuries should stop bleeding after a few minutes. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the...
Treating Teen Acne It's a fact of teenage life: When puberty hits, acne often does, too. Just about every teen will find at least one blackhead or whitehead on his or her skin by age 17, and some teens will develop more severe acne, which can leave scarring. The prime culprits of acne, experts say, are heredity and hormones. At puberty, the sebaceous or oil glands around the hair follicles on the skin enlarge. Oil production also increases. Then, the ducts surrounding the follicles become clogged, and a...
Try Team Sports for Fun and Fitness Do you ever feel lonely or bored while running, walking, or lifting weights by yourself? If so, it may be time to join a team. Many people find exercise more rewarding when they can share the experience with others. People who play on a team reap the benefits of meeting new people and learning new skills. Not only are they getting exercise, they're making new connections and watching themselves become better athletes. The object of the game No matter who you are or wh...
Turn High-Fat Recipes Into Low-Fat Dishes Most of us know we should eat less fat and cholesterol, yet changing eating habits that have developed over a lifetime is tough. It's difficult to be satisfied with poached salmon if you've grown up eating fried chicken. Fortunately, there are ways to eat a healthy diet and still enjoy your favorite foods. The secret? Prepare the foods differently. Substitute lower-fat ingredients and preparation methods for traditional higher-fat ones. With a little experimenta...
TV vs. Activity: Key Choice for Kids Red Rover, Red Rover, send Lucy right over. Ready or not, here I come! Simon says, pat your head. Not so long ago, when school was out and the weather was nice, kids were always outside, climbing trees, swinging or playing games. These days, you're more apt to find kids inside, in front of the TV or the home computer. The average child watches 3 to 4 hours of TV every day — leaving much less time for a game of tag or hide-and-seek. Health experts are troubled by the ...
Twelve Weeks to a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Heart disease is a killer, but you can do plenty to reduce your risk and prolong your life. Research shows that making lifestyle changes can decrease your risk of cardiovascular heart disease. Adopting heart-healthy habits over the next 12 weeks will start you on the road to better health and a longer life. Twelve-week plan Week 1: Commit to getting fit. The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that a significant number of deaths each year result from a lack...
Twins and Premature Birth Most births of single babies occur at 39 weeks. But, the average length of a twin pregnancy is 35 weeks. Babies that are low birth weight tend to weigh less than 5 pounds or 2,500 grams, according to the March of Dimes. This increases their risk for many significant health problems. Some problems may be temporary, such as jaundice, anemia, and difficulty breathing. Others have lasting effects, such as persistent respiratory problems, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and...
Type 2 Diabetes and Food Choices You make food choices every day. Whole wheat or white bread? A side of french fries or fresh fruit? Eat now or later? Choices about what, when, and how much you eat affect your blood glucose. Understanding how food affects blood glucose is the first step in managing diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, following a diabetes meal plan can help you keep your blood glucose levels on track. Prevent problems Having type 2 diabetes means that your body does...
Under the Influence...of Drowsiness The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says driving when you're tired can be as deadly as driving after drinking. The NHTSA states that each year numerous vehicular crashes and deaths are caused by drivers who are impaired by sleepiness. Many of these crashes involve a sober driver in a lone vehicle. But the problem of sleepy drivers is larger than these figures indicate, because they don't include accidents that occur during the daytime and don't ...
Understanding Alcohol's Effects What happens when you drink an alcoholic beverage? Although alcohol affects different people in different ways, in general, it is quickly absorbed from your digestive system into your blood. The amount of alcohol in your blood reaches its maximum within 30 to 45 minutes, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Alcohol is metabolized — that is, broken down chemically so it can be eliminated from your body — more slowly than it is absorb...
Understanding Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is a condition that occurs when the inside of the arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body, becomes thickened. This can lead to abnormal stiffening and narrowing of the arteries. The condition can start as early as childhood and can lead to many health conditions, including heart disease and stroke. How does it happen? Atherosclerosis is a disease that develops slowly over time. Excess cholesterol and other substanc...
Understanding Cocaine and Crack Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain. Cocaine generally is sold on the street as a fine, white, crystalline powder derived from the dried leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine is also known as "coke," "C," "snow," "flake," or "blow." Street dealers usually dilute it with inert substances (such as cornstarch, talcum powder or sugar), with active drugs (such as procaine — a chemically related local anesthetic), or with amphetamines. The po...
Understanding Compulsive Overeating People who chronically overeat may be suffering from a common eating disorder known as compulsive overeating, also known as binge eating. This eating disorder is characterized by eating large amounts of food, by eating quickly (often to the point of discomfort), and by eating when no longer hungry. While many people experience a food binge periodically, the compulsive overeater averages binging two times a week for at least six months. Gradual start Compulsive overeat...
Understanding Diuretics Lifestyle changes aren't always enough to lower high blood pressure. If so, prescription medicine may be the next step. According to the American Heart Association, if your systolic blood pressure (top number) is 140 or greater, your doctor may prescribe medication along with the lifestyle changes. Many different types of blood pressure medications are available. Even so, a diuretic, or water pill, may be among the first options that your doctor recommends. The diuretics most com...
Understanding Eating Disorders An eating disorder is an unhealthy obsession with food and weight. People with eating disorders eat – or avoid eating – in extreme ways. At least 8 million people in the U.S. are living with an eating disorder. The overwhelming majority – about 90% – are female. These are the 3 main types of eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa. People with anorexia severely restrict calories to the point of starvation. They are obsessed with being thin and have an unhealthy and distorted bo...
Understanding Joint Pain Sprained ankles and wrists, arthritic knees and hips, and torn rotator cuffs all have one thing in common: they result in joint pain. The usual causes of joint pain are over use, sprains, fractures, and arthritis. Becoming familiar with the usual causes and symptoms of joint pain can help you seek appropriate treatment and ongoing care, if necessary. Here are several medical conditions that can cause joint pain. Arthritis Persistent joint pain, swelling, and limited range of mot...
Understanding Kidney Disease Too often, diabetes leads to kidney disease. But it doesn't have to. When kidney problems are caught early, you can take steps to prevent more serious kidney disease. That's why it's important to check the health of your kidneys with a microalbumin test. The kidneys filter and clean about 50 gallons of blood every day, carefully removing the body's toxic waste products. Diabetes can be hard on the kidneys, and when blood sugar is high, they filter more blood than normal. Ove...
Understanding Long-Term Care When people of any age need others to help them with medical, physical, or emotional needs over an extended period of time, they need long-term care. If a person needs ongoing medical care or is unable to perform everyday self-care activities such as bathing, dressing, or grocery shopping, long-term care may be required. Experts estimate that approximately 10 million Americans need long-term care in any given year. Long-term-care services may be provided in the home of the p...
Understanding Menu Terms One of the challenges of healthy eating is knowing how to spot lower-calorie, lower-fat dishes on a menu. The following guide can help you make informed choices. Sauces Sauces that are lower in calories and fat: Bourguignon. A sauce made by braising meat with red wine, carrots, onion, flour, and mushrooms. Marinara. A highly seasoned tomato sauce made with onions, garlic, and oregano. Sauces that are high in calories and fat: Alfredo. A creamy Italian sauce prepared with butter,...
Understanding Outpatient Surgery If you need surgery, there's a better-than-average chance that you'll have it and go home the same day. Thanks to advances in technology and anesthesia, nearly 6 of every 10 surgeries performed at hospitals are done as "outpatient" procedures, which means you go home the same day you have your surgery. Nearly 35 million such surgeries are performed each year in the U.S., according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Why? Some reasons outpatient surg...
Understanding Prehypertension Prehypertension is a term that alerts people to the risk of developing chronic high blood pressure if they don’t take timely steps to improve their lifestyle habits. Someone who ends up with full-blown high blood pressure may, in time, develop heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, or dementia, and may have to stay on prescription drugs for life. The numbers to remember are 120 over 80 up to 139 over 89. That reading should be seen as a yellow light. According to...
Understanding the Latest Diet, Nutrition News Does a low-fat diet protect against heart disease? Will taking calcium supplements help reduce the risk for osteoporosis? Can staying hydrated while running a marathon actually be dangerous? These days, the rules change so quickly that it's tough to get a definite answer about how to optimize your health and improve your quality of life or your athletic performance. Scientific research uses several different types of studies to reach a conclusion. It can be ...
Understanding the Power of Addiction If a loved one suffers from alcoholism or addiction, you may wonder why the person can't or won't stop using a substance that has such negative and dangerous consequences. Chances are the ability to stop abusing the substance is no longer within his or her control. People who develop drug addictions or alcoholism almost always begin with occasional use or experimentation. With continued use, brain structure and function are altered, and they depend on the drug not si...
Understanding the Teen Brain It doesn’t matter how smart your teen is or how well he or she scored on the SAT or ACT. Good judgment isn’t something he or she can excel in, at least not yet. The rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until he or she is 25 years old or so. In fact, recent research has found that adult and teen brains work differently. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part, but teens process information with the amygdala, the emotion...
Understanding Trans Fat Trans fat is a type of dietary fat that raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol. Saturated fat and dietary cholesterol also raise LDL. Because of this, all three types of fat can boost your risk for heart disease. All fats are not equal Fat, as essential fatty acids, is needed in the body as a source of energy and to help absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, the FDA says. Fat is important for proper growth and development, as well as to maintain good health. Fat mak...
Understanding Your Osteoarthritis Medications Osteoarthritis treatments aim to relieve pain and reduce stiffness. Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative joint disease, most often affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips. It also can affect the hands and spine. OA usually appears after age 45, in both men and women, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Joint trauma, obesity, and repetitive joint use also can bring on OA. Treatment...
Unlocking the Mystery of Recurrent Miscarriage A pregnancy that ends before 20 weeks is called a miscarriage. Most miscarriages happen before the end of the first trimester (before 12 weeks). Many occur before a woman even knows she is pregnant. In the past, a woman who miscarried several times might never know why it happened. Today, more and more women are finding out the causes of their recurrent miscarriages. Recurrent miscarriage is defined as as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses in the fi...
Unwrap the Gift of Toy Safety The biggest threat to the health of children older than 1 is not a dread disease. It's accidental injury. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year thousands of children suffer injuries from toys severe enough to be treated in a hospital emergency room. Your challenge is to find toys that your children will enjoy and that you know are safe. These simple guidelines can help keep the holiday season safe for your youngsters: Avoid toys that shoot or h...
Up for Breakfast? Try this Low-Fat Combo We skip it, postpone it, rush through it, rarely look forward to it, and too often just ignore it. All too often it's only during a vacation that we seem to take time for it. But breakfast can help us maintain good health and increase morning productivity. Remember, the food you put into your body is your fuel for the day. The all too popular coffee and danish (or doughnut) provides a minimum of vitamins and minerals and includes far too much sugar and fat. The s...
Up in Smoke: Cigars and Your Health Most people realize that cigarettes can cause lung cancer and heart disease. But many people erroneously believe that cigars aren't harmful. If you think cigars are a safe form of smoking, consider some of the consequences associated with their use: According to the National Cancer Institute, cigar and cigarette smokers have similar levels of risk for oral, throat, and esophageal cancers. The risk for lung cancer increases with more frequent cigar smoking and depth of...
Use Caution with Pain Relievers Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are safe and effective when used as directed. It's when a person doesn't follow the label's advice that problems may occur. They can cause serious problems if people take too much of them, use them for longer than their labels recommend, or if they are taken by people with certain medical conditions. Whichever type of OTC pain reliever you use, it should be used for only a short time, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Acetaminop...
Use Your Medications Wisely You don't have to look past your medicine chest to find prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies that can make you feel better, improve your health, and even save your life. We use more medications, supplements, and herbal therapies today than ever. A survey found 4 out of 5 U.S. adults take at least 1 medication each week. More than 1 in 3 adults takes 5 or more medications. That's no surprise when you think of what medications can do. They help treat chronic disease...
Using a Surgeon's Tools to Erase the Years It's called plastic surgery, but there's no plastic involved. In this case, plastic refers to the ability of the surgeon to reshape the skin, the face, or other body parts. With advances in technique and an aging population, plastic surgery is more popular than ever. Plastic surgery is divided into cosmetic procedures, or those done strictly for "looks," and reconstructive procedures, or those done after an injury or illness affects structure or skin. The proce...
Using Allergy Medications Keep these guidelines in mind when looking for allergy relief: Be aware of side effects Some over-the-counter allergy medications will make you drowsy. They may contain antihistamines, decongestants, or both. Be careful not to take them when you will be driving or working with machinery. Newer antihistamines -- loratadine (Alavert, Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra) -- are available over-the-counter and are less likely to cause you to be sleepy. Read care...
Using Antibiotics Safely and Wisely Got antibiotics? Many people save leftover medicines to treat the next sore throat or earache in the family. Keeping leftover antibiotics to treat a future illness may seem like a good idea, but only a health care provider can tell when you really need an antibiotic--and if you do, which type is best for your illness. Taking antibiotics when you don't need them, or even when you do, can be dangerous. Antibiotics have been misused so much in recent years that doctors n...
Using Dumbbells for a Fast and Effective Workout Dumbbells, one of the most underrated and versatile types of exercise equipment, can help you build strength and muscular endurance. Although you can get the same results at the gym using a variety of machines, dumbbells—free-weights you can lift with one hand—are easier for most people to use, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE). If you're new to working with weights, be sure to talk with your health care provider before beginning an exer...
Using Herbal Supplements? Use Caution, Too Herbal supplements are a multibillion-dollar-a-year industry used by more than 38% of Americans. If you're one of them, how can you find out if your supplement works, or if it's safe? Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, the FDA treats supplements as food. Unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal medicines and supplements can be sold without proof of their dosage, purity, composition, effectiveness, or even safety. And th...
Using Sports Psychology to Improve Your Fitness Fitness has a mental component, in addition to physical challenges. Even if you're in great shape, you can encounter intellectual obstacles that can decrease your motivation and stifle your performance. When professional athletes start experiencing these obstacles, they usually seek help from sports psychologists to get a mental edge. However, it does not matter what your skill level may be, as everyone can benefit from mental health training. Here are tec...
Using Yoga to Relieve Stress To combat stress, many people turn to meditation or other mental stress reduction tools. But stress also creates physical responses in your body and, as such, can be managed with exercise—in particular, with yoga. Stress sends your entire physical system into overdrive. Your muscles tense, your heart beats faster, and your breathing patterns change. If you don't eliminate the source of your stress, your body secretes more hormones that increase your blood sugar levels, raisi...
Vaccine Offers Hope for Children's Earaches Earaches are common during childhood, but a vaccine can ease the pain for thousands of kids. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, marketed under the brand name Prevnar, was approved by the FDA in 2000. An improved form of the vaccine, Prevnar 13, was approved in 2010. Prevnar 13 targets the most common strains of pneumococcus. This type of bacteria causes ear infections, and it also causes many cases of serious illness in infants, such as pneumonia, bacteremia (...
Vegetarian Diets: The Myths vs. Facts Roughly 20 million Americans are vegetarians, from partial vegetarians who limit the amount of animal flesh they eat, to vegans, who eat only plant foods—no meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, or eggs. A vegetarian diet may take a little extra planning—especially at first—but it is easy to learn how to ensure your diet is healthy. As with any diet, you have to make the right choices. Here are some myths surrounding vegetarian diets. Myth: Vegetarian diets are alway...
Vegetarian Kids Some vegetarian children are that way because that's how their family eats. Other youngsters, almost all usually in their teens and predominantly female, have made their own decision to ban meat from their diet. Most nutrition experts and dietitians say that children of any age—even infants—can safely follow a vegetarian diet, but planning and daily close attention to the diet are involved to be sure that children receive the proper nutrients, especially if their diet does not include eg...
Vegetarian Teens Need Diet Advice At a young age, some children who make the connection between their hamburger and the barnyard animals in their books announce that they're no longer eating meat. More often, though, children decide to shun animal-based food as teens. The vegetarian rate among U.S. children and teens is a steady 2 percent. But the popularity of vegetarian diets among Hollywood stars and others in the media can influence teens. Vegetarians fall into four major categories: ovo vegetarians...
Vegetarians and Weight Loss Most people who follow a vegetarian diet are less likely to be overweight or obese than nonvegetarians. Even so, becoming a vegetarian is no guarantee you will attain or maintain a healthy weight. That’s because the same rules apply to vegetarians and nonvegetarians as far as weight is concerned. That is, if you consume more calories than you burn, you’ll gain weight. This is true no matter what you eat. A calorie is a calorie, whether it comes from a hamburger or a whole whe...
Video Games: More Losers than Winners Video games are fun. Just ask the millions of kids who play them. They also have some positive benefits. Educational games help kids learn, and newer gaming systems make kids stand up and move. But before you grant your kids unlimited access to their favorite video heroes and villains, weigh the downsides many health care providers cite. Video games can take up too much of your kids' time. They may keep your kids from schoolwork and isolate them from family and frie...
Visions of Light Desserts Dance in Our Heads Ah, the holidays. Visions of sugarplums, cookie exchanges, and company parties dance in our heads. Trouble is, we often find ourselves with several post-holiday pounds dancing around our hips. Research has shown that the average person gains nearly seven pounds between Halloween and New Year's Day. But, you don't have to entirely give up your holiday favorites, including delicious desserts, in order to lighten up the season. There are a few simple ways to ind...
Vitamin Supplement Advice When do you need a vitamin supplement? According to researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, a daily multivitamin may be a good idea for most adults. That's not to say you should abandon good nutrition in your daily diet. If you eat a varied diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, you're likely to get all the vitamins and minerals that you need. If you take a dietary supplement that focuses just on one or two nutrients, you may end up with too much of those nutrient...
Walk Your Way to Better Health A growing body of research has found that a regular program of moderate exercise—such as walking—may add years to your life. The CDC says that moderate exercise requires some exertion, but not so much that you can't carry on a conversation while doing it. A moderate pace of walking is 3 to 4.5 mph; vigorous walking is 5 mph or faster. A moderate walking pace uses 3.5 to 7 calories per minute; vigorous walking uses 7 calories per minute. Exercise can help you sleep better; ...
Walking Works for Everyone Fit people may think walking is "too easy" to keep them fit. Overweight people may wonder if they really can become trim by walking. Older people and those with medical conditions such as osteoporosis or heart disease may wonder if walking is safe. In fact, walking works for people of all ages, fitness levels, weights, and health conditions. Appreciate the benefits Walking is easy because you can do it almost anywhere and at any time. It also offers a range of health benefits....
Warming Up to the Microwaves Cool, clean, and quick, microwave ovens help feed millions of U.S. households. More often than not, we use them to make popcorn, reheat coffee, "fry" bacon, or "bake" a potato. When we cook a complete dinner in the microwave, the meal usually comes from a box. If you've read the package of your favorite entree, you may have gulped at the fat content or cringed at the carbohydrate and sodium levels. It doesn't have to be that way. Strengths and weaknesses of microwave cooking...
Watch that Backpack Load When your children act as if they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, maybe you should check their backpacks. Overloaded or poor-fitting backpacks can be harmful. Children can hurt themselves by using poor postures—arching the back, bending forward, twisting, or leaning to one side—while hefting a heavy backpack. Such postures can skew the spine’s alignment so its disks can’t absorb shocks as they should. Overloaded backpacks also place stress on muscles and...
Watching Your Diet This Winter When the thermometer plunges, you may feel like eating high-fat comfort foods. Dietary habits do change seasonally, but winter doesn't mean your healthy diet has to hibernate. A varied, balanced, year-round diet--one that highlights vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans, and de-emphasizes meat and other high-saturated fat foods--can reduce your risk for major, chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Still, eating righ...
Water-Safety 101: Basic Guidelines Every year, thousands of Americans are injured or killed in boating and swimming accidents. You can protect yourself and your family from such accidents by following these guidelines. Boating safety: Check weather and water conditions before leaving shore. Do not drink and boat. Alcohol is a factor in many boating accidents. Choose a designated boat driver who will not drink. Insist that everyone wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device or life jacket whil...
Ways to Improve Your Workout A proven way to improve your health is finding -- or making -- the time to exercise. But just going through the motions won't give you the health benefits you want. Experts say doing the same workout over and over can get boring, and you're unlikely to improve because you're always using the same muscles. Changing elements in your routine over time can bring amazing results, which in turn are likely to inspire you to make regular exercise part of your life. Make changes Chan...
We Can Head Off Teen Tragedies When our schools erupt in violence, we're shocked. Preventing teen turmoil starts at birth. Parents set examples in the way they interact, express anger, and treat substance abuse, experts say. As children grow, communication is critical. When your kids are young, talk about peaceful problem solving, being respectful to themselves and others, and the risks of becoming involved in drug or alcohol use. And as your children get older, define clear limits for acceptable behavi...
Weighing the Benefits and Risks of Alcohol Drinking alcohol in moderation may reduce your risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular system illnesses, according to recent studies. On the other hand, alcohol dependence devastates many individuals and families and there is evidence linking alcohol and breast cancer. The following facts can help you decide whether to drink or not. While reviewing this article, remember that if you do not currently drink, you should not begin drinking for the slight he...
Weight Room No Longer Off-Limits to Kids Strength training is an important part of physical conditioning for adults, along with aerobic exercise and stretching for flexibility. But what can—or should—kids do when it comes to strength training? Although pediatric experts once thought that children should not train with weights, that attitude has changed. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) now say that strength training is fine for kids, as long as they a...
Weight Training for Women Misconceptions about weight training—often based on unfounded fears of becoming too muscular—can keep women from pushing their fitness levels. That’s unfortunate because weight training provides several important health benefits for women. Most important, it helps them maintain a healthy weight as they approach and pass menopause. It also can help them avoid osteoporosis and prevent back problems. If you've never lifted weights, consider working with a trainer for your first fe...
Wellness Made Easy: The Real Basics of Better Health Wellness has three basic components: a balanced diet, regular exercise, and wise lifestyle choices. Incorporating all three into your daily routine can help you live a longer, healthier life. Adopting even one of them can improve your well-being. Eating healthy A healthful diet can reduce your risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other nutrition experts, a healthy diet is: Hi...
What About Energy Drinks for Kids? As some schools ban colas from vending machines, ads are hyping a source of even more caffeine: energy drinks. The pitch: These drinks can aid both mental and physical performance. In reasonable amounts, caffeine isn't harmful for children, but some experts suggest that kids not go overboard on caffeinated drinks. The FDA does not restrict caffeine in energy drinks, but it limits caffeine in cola to about 5.4 mg per ounce. Most cola contains far less. Energy drinks, ho...
What About Vitamin E Supplements? Vitamin E is fat-soluble and an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells from the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging byproducts of your metabolism. The body uses vitamin E to ward off harmful bacteria and viruses. Vitamin E also helps widen blood vessels and keeps blood clots from forming in them. Eating vitamin E in foods is not risky or harmful. Although many researchers have believed that vitamin E might help reduce the risk for cancer and heart ...
What Are the Health Effects of Air Pollution? Air pollution is the black cloud belching from an industrial smokestack. It's the smog that settles over certain cities, dimming the skyline. It's the smelly exhaust of an old car that burns oil. Air pollution also can be invisible, causing lung damage, cancer, or other serious health problems in people who may not realize the potential danger of the unseen gases or particles suspended in the air. What are you breathing? The U.S. Environmental Protection Age...
What Can My Pharmacist Do for Me? Pharmacists are a critical part of the health care team. Many supervise pharmacy technicians, who prepare medicine to fill your prescriptions. But today's pharmacists do much more. They counsel you on how to use your medicine correctly. They may work beside your doctor in the hospital to help make the best medication choices for you. And they help prevent overdoses and dangerous drug interactions by tracking the amounts and combinations of the drugs you take. Many state...
What Do You Know About Birth Defects? According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, birth defects are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that cause physical or mental disability. Some may be fatal. Several thousand different birth defects have been identified. Birth defects are the leading cause of death in the first year of life. 1. What percentage of U.S. infants are born with birth defects annually? a. 1 percent b. 3 percent c. 5 percent d. 10 percent...
What Do You Know About Prostate Health? Prostate cancer and other diseases of the prostate are common. Learning about these diseases can help you recognize problems and seek medical treatment early. Mark each statement true or false. 1. The prostate is located beneath the bladder and consists of glands and ducts embedded in muscle fibers. True False 2. Prostate cancer is always fatal. True False 3. Most prostate cancers cause symptoms such as a weak stream of urine; pain while urinating; frequent urinat...
What Every Parent Should Know About Immunizations Watching your child get a shot isn't easy. It's even harder if you have fears or concerns about the safety or necessity of the vaccine. Millions of parents immunize their kids each year without concern. Yet some parents have heard rumors that vaccines can cause serious health problems. So, who can parents turn to for the facts about vaccine safety? Your child's doctor is your first resource for reliable information. Health care providers are bound by law...
What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack? A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a ministroke or warning stroke, causes symptoms similar to those of a stroke. The difference is that TIAs don’t cause permanent brain damage, and they usually last less than one hour but can last up to 24 hours. Approximately one-third of people will suffer a stroke in the year following a TIA. TIAs happen when a blood clot or artery spasm suddenly blocks or closes off an artery briefly. This stops blood from reaching a ...
What Is Cardiac Asthma? Cardiac asthma is not the same as bronchial asthma, although it causes similar symptoms. Bronchial asthma is triggered by allergies, pollutants, exercise, stress, or lung disease. The small airways in the lungs become irritated and inflamed due to these triggers. This inflammation results in wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Cardiac asthma can produce similar symptoms, but cardiac asthma is caused by the backup of fluid in the left side of the heart. This fluid backup ...
What Is Celiac Disease? This genetic digestive disorder, also known as celiac sprue or gluten intolerance, causes damage to the small intestine and interferes with the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food, according to the Celiac Sprue Association (CSA). Celiac disease runs in families. According to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), it affects an estimated 1 in 133 individuals, both adults and children, in the United States, although some reports indic...
What Is Erectile Dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction (ED) is typically used to describe the repeated inability to attain and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. It is normal for men to experience changes in erectile function, such as taking longer to achieve an erection. When the problem becomes persistent, it can be a sign of a physical or emotional problem. ED can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. The probl...
What Is Motion Sickness? The fishing boat wallows in ocean swells. The station wagon lurches around another mountain curve. The commuter airplane bounces through a turbulent sky. And you start to feel a little queasy. Why? The problem is tied to your inner ears, or labyrinth, says the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Your inner ears contain a delicate mechanism that senses your head's position. One of the main functions of this mechanism, besides helping you keep your balance, i...
What Is Periodontal Disease? Q: I hear the words "periodontal disease" from time to time, but what does it mean? A: Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place and is caused by several different types of bacteria. The severity of the periodontal disease can range from a mild inflammation (called gingivitis) to more advanced disease, in which the gums pull away from the teeth and the bone that supports and surrounds the teeth is lost. Inflammation is usually cau...
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress? For some people, frightening memories of a terrible event can resurface months or even years after the ordeal. In reliving the event, people become fearful and unable to cope with daily life. Mental health experts call this post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of anxiety disorder. One of the biggest myths about post-traumatic stress is that it occurs most often in war veterans. In fact, women are most at risk, especially those who have experienced interpersonal vi...
What Is Rotavirus? Rotavirus is a viral infection that causes severe diarrhea in children, particularly in youngsters less than 2 years old. It can cause up to 10 percent of all cases of diarrhea in children under age 5. The infection, and resulting diarrhea, can be dangerous for young children because it can cause them to lose body fluids very quickly, leading to dehydration. Fortunately, a vaccine is now available to help protect children against rotavirus. Infection Rotavirus is very contagious, in p...
What Is Spinal Stenosis? Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and pinches the nerves, resulting in back and leg pain. In adults 50 years of age and older, the risk of developing spinal stenosis increases, although younger people who are born with a small spinal canal may also develop symptoms. Aging can cause the ligaments (tissues that connect the spine and bones) to become thicker and calcified, and the disks between vertebrae to break down. Growths called bone spurs may oc...
What Is the Sense of Taste? Your sense of taste is brought to you by more than 10,000 little taste buds on your tongue that turn eating into a pleasurable experience. Your taste buds are on the papillae, the tiny bumps you can see on your tongue. Each taste bud houses gustatory cells that handle tasting chores. Food particles flow into the taste bud and the cells go to work. Nerve signals are sent to the brain and reach the gustatory section of the sensory cortex, the so-called taste center. In this tas...
What Kids Drink Is Important, Too If your children fill up on high-calorie fruit drinks and soft drinks, they may skip food containing essential nutrients—and pack on extra pounds. That's what one recent study concluded about kids who drink a lot of juice and turn out shorter or heavier than average. Over the past three decades, children started drinking more carbonated soft drinks and noncitrus food drinks, and less water and milk. Here are some disturbing facts about soft drinks: Soft drinks don't sat...
What Tests Does Your Newborn Baby Need? You may think your child's first test will come in school, but it will actually happen before leaving the hospital's newborn unit. Early screening tests for babies can find problems before symptoms arise, prompting early treatment. Most screenings involve a blood test. The sample often goes to a state laboratory; your baby's health care provider gets the results. Newborn screening requirements vary by state. The March of Dimes, which wants to expand screenings in ...
What the Inside of Your Nose Reveals Have you ever wondered why your health care provider looks inside your nose during an examination? When a patient has a runny nose or congestion, the health care provider needs a good look at the source of the problem. Health care providers will look inside your nose as part of a routine healthy full physical exam. They will also look inside your nose when they suspect other problems, such as an infection or allergy. Sometimes, they're looking for other sources of yo...
What Those Blood Pressure Numbers Mean A quick, painless test measures blood pressure: A rubber cuff is wrapped around your arm and inflated, which compresses an artery in your arm and momentarily stops your blood flow. The pressure in the cuff is slowly released and, as blood begins to flow, your blood pressure can be measured either with a stethoscope or a device that recognizes the sound made by the flow of blood. Blood pressure readings are a double measurement of the force of the blood against arte...
What to Do About a Pain in the Neck The neck is the most flexible part of the spine, but because it isn’t well-protected by muscles, it’s also easy to injure. Neck pain can result from many different causes — from arthritis to inflammatory disease. Causes of neck pain and problems may include the following: Injury (damage to the muscles, tendons, and/or ligaments) Stress Herniated cervical disk Arthritis (for example, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) Congenital abnormalities of the vertebrae and ...
What to Do After a Stroke Strokes occur when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot or bursts. About 795,000 Americans each year suffer from a stroke. Changes in the blood vessels occur over years. This means, if you have had 1 stroke, you are at greater risk of having another one within the next year. A stroke may cause physical and mental difficulties. These can include mild to severe paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty understanding words or speak...
What to Do After Your Diagnosis If you or a family member has been diagnosed with a serious or chronic condition, you likely have a lot of questions about treatment and long-term health. Some conditions, such as cancer, may have more than one possible treatment. Doing some research on your own can give you enough information to make good decisions, says the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Newspapers, magazines, TV shows, and the Internet provide lots of health information--some of it ...
Know What to Do If Someone Collapses Would you know what to do if a friend or acquaintance collapsed while you were there? Knowing how to respond in such a situation is crucial to the person's recovery. Medically speaking, a collapse does not necessarily mean a sudden, unconscious fall to the ground. It can mean a range of dramatic changes in one's consciousness and behavior. The person may suddenly stop talking or become unresponsive. If a person collapses and doesn't respond after being shaken, call 9...
What to Do if You Get Something in Your Eye When you get something in your eye, you may feel an impulse to rub furiously until the dust or dirt is gone. Don't. Rubbing the eyelid can drag foreign bodies across the cornea, causing increased irritation and possibly scratching the cornea. The cornea, the clear portion of the eye covering the iris and pupil, has lots of nerve endings and is very sensitive. Scratching the cornea can cause excruciating pain, as many contact lens wearers know. In addition, vig...
What to Do If You Have to Evacuate Your Home Taking the following steps can help you protect your family and home if you have to evacuate because of a natural or manmade disaster, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Advance plan Consider in advance what kinds of disasters might strike your area. Do you live in an earthquake zone? Is flooding a possibility? Then think about what you’ll do in an emergency. Think about the places your family spends time, such as school and work. Learn wh...
What to Do if Your Child Needs Surgery If having surgery makes you nervous, imagine how it can seem for a child. Long hospital corridors, intimidating equipment, and people wearing surgical masks and scrubs all seem strange and frightening, especially to a youngster who's ill or in pain. By helping the youngster anticipate and face those fears, you can ease the trauma and smooth the way for a quicker, easier recovery. Advances in care Many adults are still haunted by their own terrifying childhood encou...
What to Expect in the Emergency Room A trip to an emergency room (ER) is something you or a loved one may never have to face. However, there is a good chance you will see the inside of an ER at some time in your life. There are about 130 million Er visits each year in the United States, according to census data collected in 2010. In the interest of protecting yourself, it's best to learn about emergency medicine before you find yourself in an ER. How ambulances work A private company, a government agenc...
What to Know About Herbs and Surgery Millions of Americans use an herbal supplement for health benefits. It could be echinacea to avoid a cold or gingko to improve memory. On the surface, using these products sounds like a good idea. They are considered “natural” and are sold in pharmacies and health stores, so you might think that they must be safe. Unfortunately, natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe. The FDA doesn’t regulate herbal supplements the same way it does prescription and over-the-counter (O...
What to Know About Joint Replacement Surgery Joint replacement surgery is major surgery to replace an entire joint in the body with an artificial one made of materials like plastic or metal. Hips and knees are the most commonly replaced joints, but ankles, elbows, fingers, shoulders and other body parts can be done, as well. The design of replacement joints and the surgery itself have come a long way in recent years. The majority of joint replacement surgeries are considered successful. Why you might ne...
What to Look for on OTC Drug Labels Medication errors — taking the wrong medication or the right medication too frequently, or in the wrong amount — can be dangerous. According to the FDA, knowing how to make use of over-the-counter (OTC) drug labels can help you protect yourself and your family from harm. Read carefully Always read the label. Even though the print may be very small, all OTC medicine labels have detailed usage and warning information to help you choose and use the products. Look for the...
What You Can Do About Dog Bites Dogs are more than pets; they are family. But, even well-behaved dogs can bite. In fact, half of the dog bites that occur every year are by the family pet, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Dogs are responsible for most animal bites. However, many incidents can be avoided. Teaching children how to stay safe is especially important, because they are the ones most likely to be bitten. Warning signs Some behaviors may signal that a dog is aggressive, afrai...
What You Can Do For Baby's Teething Everyone loves babies—and when they're crying and inconsolable, teething can be one of the reasons. Teething occurs when baby teeth start coming through the child's gums, usually between ages 6 months and 3 years. When this occurs, your child may have sore gums for a few days at a time. And if your baby has sore gums, he or she will let you know it. Babies often get relief from a teething ring, a cool spoon, a cold wet washcloth, or a toothbrush. Your baby actually gr...
What You Can Do to Prevent Atherosclerosis Your good health has an enemy: atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is common, and its effects can be very serious, causing strokes, heart attacks, and death. The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself from this disease. Click Image to Enlarge What is atherosclerosis? The inside walls of healthy arteries are smooth and clean, making it easy to transport the blood your body needs. But arteries can become clogged. Fatty substances, such as cholester...
What You Can Do to Prevent Child Abuse The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) estimated that there were 1,570 child fatalities in 2011. NCANDS defines child fatality as the death of a child caused by an injury resulting from abuse or neglect, or where abuse or neglect was a contributing factor. Child abuse can happen in any family and in any neighborhood. Studies have shown that child abuse crosses all boundaries of income, race, ethnic heritage, and religious faith. The incidence is ...
What You Must Know About Suicide In 2010, over 38,000 Americans committed suicide, making it the tenth leading cause of death. Depression is the major underlying cause of suicide. Understanding and recognizing the warning signs of depression and suicidal behavior are helpful in preventing suicide. The following answers to important questions can help you understand suicide and take steps to stop it. The reasons Q: Why do people commit suicide? A: A suicide attempt is an indication something is gravely w...
What You Need to Know About AIDS Some people are so fearful of infection by HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS, they won't shake hands with someone who is HIV-positive. But you can't get the infection unless you have unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, share needles, or come in contact with infected blood or blood products. HIV isn't transmitted by casual contact. You cannot get it from sharing water fountains, toilet seats, pencils, or pens. And it's not spread through coughing or sneez...
What You Need to Know About Hearing Aids Hearing loss is common, especially as people get older. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, one-third of adults older than age 60 have hearing loss, and one-half of adults over age 85 are affected. Hearing loss often starts with an inability to hear high-frequency sounds. A person with diminished hearing often will complain that he or she can hear others just fine but can't make out what they're saying. If you suspec...
What You Need to Know About Heroin Heroin, horse, smack, cheese, gum. By any name, it's a killer drug and, until recently, was not considered a problem among children of middle-class parents. But lately, heroin has been showing up in new places. Today, the typical user could be the child next door. That's especially true if you live in a suburban community that may once have seemed immune to drugs. Recent government studies show that over 30,000 teens use heroin for the first time each year with nearly ...
What You Need to Know About Mental Illness Every year, one in four Americans suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder that interferes with their ability to function at work or school, or in their daily lives. Many of those with a mental disorder don't seek treatment because they don’t think treatment will help. Others don't get help because they don't recognize the symptoms. Yet others may not seek treatment because they can't afford it. The social stigma of mental illness also prevents people from se...
What You Need to Know About Vomiting Although nausea and vomiting can make you feel miserable, it's important to remember that these are not diseases, but rather symptoms of many illnesses. Nausea is a feeling of uneasiness in the stomach often tied to an urge to vomit. Nausea doesn't always lead to vomiting, however. Vomiting is the emptying of the contents of the stomach through the mouth. Typical triggers These are some of the more common causes of nausea and vomiting: Gastroenteritis, an inflammatio...
What's Good (and Bad) About Our Favorite Foods Here are some foods whose virtues you may be overestimating and foods you can substitute for increased nutrition. Apple juice One cup of apple juice has 120 calories and 0.3 gram of fiber. For better cholesterol and weight control, and improved digestion, choose an actual apple instead. A medium one has 80 calories and 3 grams of fiber. Baked potato chips They're significantly lower in fat than regular potato chips, but they have little to offer nutritional...
What's in the Food You Eat? Take a look at the ingredients of the packaged foods you eat. You'll quickly move from foods you know, such as tomato puree or wheat flour, into the strange world of food additives. Names like calcium propionate (used to control mold) or ascorbic acid (an antioxidant and color stabilizer) abound on labels. Most additives are safe and beneficial, experts say. What's more, they're everywhere. It's tough to find an additive-free processed food, although natural food stores offer...
What's Up With Sinusitis? Millions of Americans are affected by sinusitis every year. Even so, it's often misdiagnosed and misunderstood by people with the condition. Sinusitis affects the sinuses, which connect to the nasal passages. Sinusitis is an infection in these sinuses. An infection can be caused by allergies, certain medications, changes in the air or abnormalities in the sinuses themselves. Acute sinusitis is the most common form of this condition. Because your nose can get stuffy when you hav...
What's Your Healthy Weight? In today's society, the media focus on celebrities and whether they lose a pound or gain one, so it's hard to grasp the concept of a healthy weight. Obesity is determined by percentage of body fat and weight, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Having a large percentage of body fat, regardless of how much you weigh, is unhealthy. You could be of normal weight or underweight and still have an unhealthy amount of body fat. Being overweight means t...
When a Family Grieves After a loss, family members often deal with their grief in different ways. Grief can draw families closer together. Sometimes, it can pull them apart. No one can adequately prepare you to handle your grief, let alone a spouse's or a child's grief. Learning about grief and how it affects your family can help you get through the difficult times together. It may even help your family grow stronger. A world upside down When you're grieving, you tend to be in a state of chaos. Grief th...
When a Family Member Is in Recovery Families with a loved one who’s abusing drugs or alcohol long for the time when the person will get help and begin recovery. After the person attains sobriety, families experience a “honeymoon period.” All seems well, and they have good feelings toward one another. Conflicts and problems seem to be gone, and they have great expectations for the future. Complicated reaction But as the weeks go by, many complicated feelings may come to the surface. For example, both par...
When and How to Stop Antidepressant Medication Each year millions of Americans are prescribed antidepressants. There are many types of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) tricyclic antidepressants. Many of these medications are used to treat depression, as well as panic disorder, and compulsive behavior. How they work These medications work by affecting substances in the brain called neurotransmitters. These...
When Children Say 'No' to New Foods When it's time to eat vegetables, does your child do the Brussels sprout pout? Well, don't give up. It can take eight to 10 tries before children accept a new food. Children are born with a natural preference for sweet foods and develop a liking for salty foods at around 4 months. That's combined with an innate suspicion of foods unknown to them. But if a child rejects a food at first, it doesn't mean they'll always dislike it. Conditioning affects food choices. If a ...
When Exercising, Don't Skip Stretching It's no stretch to say that a lot of us underestimate the value of flexibility. While it's true that stretching won't strengthen your heart or flatten your stomach, it can help you reach those goals more efficiently. Aerobic exercise and strength training need muscles that are in balance and work smoothly. That's where stretching comes in -- as a complement to the activity you choose. It's so important the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) includes flexibi...
When Rest Doesn't Relieve Fatigue Fatigue is often described as being "bone tired" – a feeling of overwhelming weariness and lack of motivation or energy. Everyone feels this way now and then, but this kind of fatigue is usually short-lived and can be eased by getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and making changes to your eating and exercise habits. Sometimes, though, those common cures just won't work, or you have other symptoms in addition to fatigue. That's when you need to talk with your health c...
Spider Bites No matter where you live, you'll find spiders in and around your home. Although all spiders have mouth parts that can bite, most spiders aren't dangerous to people. Depending on the particular spider, it's either because its venom isn't toxic to people, or its mouth parts aren't strong enough to bite through human skin. Two types of spiders found in the United States can cause illness in people. One type is the widow spider, of which the "black widow" is the best known. The other type is th...
When to Call 911, Your Doctor, or the Hospital When a medical emergency occurs, it's not always easy to think clearly. But a crisis means that you need to act quickly. Learning about your choices in care ahead of time will help you when an emergency does happen. When you need immediate medical help, you have three choices. You can call the 911 emergency number. You can go to a hospital emergency room. Or, you can call your doctor for advice. Here's a look at which choice is best. When to call 911 The 91...
When to Call the Doctor for Childhood Illnesses Many childhood illnesses, including colds and stomachaches, are mild enough to be treated at home. But what about when the symptoms are more severe? When should you call the doctor? Treat at home In most cases, says the American Academy of Pediatrics, you can treat your children yourself if they have the following conditions: Cold or flu Mild fever Stomachache Vomiting and/or diarrhea Headache Minor cuts and scrapes Poison ivy or oak If you have questions ...
When to Call the Doctor for Chronic Disease Problems Once you've been diagnosed with a chronic illness, such as asthma, hypertension, heart disease or diabetes, one of the best things you can do to help keep your condition under control is work closely with your health care provider. That means regular appointments, of course. But between office visits, symptoms may flare or new ones may crop up. How do you know if you're experiencing "just the usual," or if a headache, chest pain or shortness of breath...
When to Keep Your Child Home from School You have plenty of other things to do at 6:30 in the morning than play amateur doctor. Yet that's the situation many parents face when a child awakens with a health complaint and you must determine whether the complaint is serious enough to warrant a sick day. Here are some tips for deciding whether to keep a child at home: Monitor any symptoms of illness before your child goes to sleep at night. Make time to evaluate the symptoms in the morning. Symptoms can get...
When to Seek Help for Your Mental Health If you are in good emotional health, you are aware of your thoughts and feelings, generally can control your behaviors, and feel good about yourself. That doesn't mean a person with good emotional health won't ever have emotional problems, or even mental illness. But a person with good emotional health may be more likely to realize when a problem becomes troublesome enough to see a health care provider or a counselor. What distinguishes mental illness from proble...
When You Have an Eye Allergy Eye allergies affect more than seven in 10 people with allergies. Although not contagious, this type of eye problem can cause discomfort and aggravation to sufferers. An eye allergy can be seasonal when caused by pollens at a certain time of year, or year-round when caused by pets, feathers, perfumes, or eye makeup. Eye allergies are usually, but not always, associated with other allergic conditions, particularly hay fever and eczema. Symptoms Eye allergies usually affect bo...
When You’re Taking Heart Medications Millions of Americans take some kind of heart medication. For some people, this means downing a single daily pill to help lower blood pressure. For others, it may mean taking a wide variety of different drugs to strengthen heart function, decrease cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, or stabilize heart rhythms. These little pills and potions are life-giving — and powerful. Even a small drop in your blood pressure reading can cut your risk of having a heart attack...
When Your Child Refuses to Go to School It's Monday morning, time to get moving, but instead of getting ready for school your child is complaining about a stomachache, a headache, dizziness, or something similar. Is your child sick, or just afraid to go to school? School avoidance syndrome is one of the most common causes of vague, unverifiable symptoms in school-age children. This syndrome may be triggered by stress. How does a parent distinguish between a real illness and anxiety? Ask yourself the fol...
When Your Child Says, 'I'm Sick' What happens when your child says, "I'm sick"? Do you keep him or her home or send him or her to school? Following these steps can help you decide and care for your child. First, ask yourself these questions: Will your child need constant care from a grownup? Will the illness make it hard for your child to learn or play? If you answered yes to either of these questions, keep your child at home. Another consideration is whether your child may make other children sick. But...
Where to Get Medical Care If you have a deep cut, need minor surgery, or have the flu, where do you go for care? Traditionally, you'd go to the local emergency department, be admitted to the hospital, or make an appointment at your health care provider's office. Now you have more choices. Where you are treated makes a difference in terms of convenience and in the cost of care. Keep in mind, if you have a true emergency, such as symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, or a serious cut or injury, don't hesi...
Where to Turn for Mental Health It's normal to feel stressed or anxious now and then. But it's time to call for help if emotional issues persist for a significant period of time and interfere with your life, your job, or your personal relationships. With all the mental health resources and effective treatments available these days, you don't need to suffer and wonder what's wrong. Education and awareness have done much to erase the stigma once attached to mental illness. Still, many people don't seek he...
Where's the Wisdom in Wisdom Teeth? For many people, wisdom teeth may seem to be misnamed. Often these teeth are troublemakers that decide to turn crooked, refuse to grow in completely, or become misshapen. Also called third molars, wisdom teeth are the rearmost teeth on each side of your top and bottom jaws. They arrive between ages 17 and 25 - the "age of wisdom." Because these teeth arrive last, they often enter a jaw that is already crowded. As a result, the last teeth in usually don't get a seat on...
Where's Your Body Fat? A lot of attention has focused lately on how heavy Americans are becoming. In fact, almost 70% of Americans are overweight or obese, putting them at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Women with more than 32% body fat and men with more than 25% body fat are obese. To measure body fat, health professionals use a variety of methods, including underwater weighing, skin-fold calipers, bioelectrical impedance, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA),...
Who's Who in Health Care When you have a health problem, a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider may care for you, depending on your condition. The following list of health care professionals can help you understand the wide array of people called upon to render care. All providers of care should wear name tags that identify their role. You have the right to ask about the person's background if you are unclear about his or her role. This list is presented in alphabetical order. Chiropractors prac...
Why Calcium Is a Children's Health Priority What's a simple way to improve your children's nutrition? Add milk and other calcium-rich foods to their diet. Nutrition experts say that maintaining a diet with adequate calcium will allow a child to achieve maximum bone density. An important mineral Calcium is one of the most important minerals in the body, making up 1.5 to 2 percent of total adult body weight. Besides providing the skeletal structure for bones and teeth, calcium plays a key role in many fun...
Why Children Get Carsick—and What to Do Motion sickness is common, especially in children, but what causes it is only partially understood, and why some children have it and others do not is unknown. Carsickness isn't really about the car. It's about the brain's ability to interpret a message based on what it senses. Normally, the eyes, ears, and joints all send signals to the brain, and the signals are similar, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If you're traveling in a car, most body par...
Why Do We Sneeze? Everybody sneezes. You can try to hold it back, but a sneeze usually just can't be stopped. And that's a good thing, because it's actually one of the body's natural defenses, designed to help get rid of foreign invaders that sneak into your nose and threaten your lungs and other body parts. The medical term for sneezing is sternutation , a rather complex process that includes your brain, nerves, and muscles all over your body. Your nose is lined with tiny hairs called cilia that catch ...
Why Doctors Remove Cataracts Perhaps the first thing you'll notice is a glare from oncoming headlights at night. Usually, a haze surrounds the lights. Then, you're likely to find reading more challenging. It's harder to see the letters, and they tend to blur together. This is what happens when you develop cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, a clear, soft gelatinous structure behind the pupil that works much like a camera lens. The leading cause of cataracts is aging. Other contributin...
Why Fat Cells Are Important Excess body fat is bad for your health, but we all need at least a little fat. Experts note that fat plays an important role in maintaining good health, so we should all understand how fat cells function in the body in order to keep our own fat levels in a healthy range. What is a fat cell? Fat cells, also known as adipocytes, store excess energy from foods as fat. Fat is stored in the form of fatty acids called triglycerides. Adipose tissue, or a group of fat cells, is found...
Why It May Be Time to Throw Away Your Scale If you're trying to achieve a healthy weight, you've probably formed a close relationship with your scale. You know what you weigh today, what you weighed yesterday, and what you hope to weigh tomorrow. This numbers game is an integral part of most weight-loss programs. Some experts, however, wonder whether the scale is the only — or even the best — way to measure your success. The scale is not always the best indicator of progress. The scale does tell you whe...
Why the Doctor Examines the Neck and Throat When your doctor gently presses on the outside of your throat and neck during an office visit, it may seem like a brief and unimportant part of your examination. But checking the throat and neck can help your doctor diagnose a range of illnesses and disorders, from a routine case of strep throat to a life-threatening case of cancer. One of the things your doctor checks for in an examination of the neck and throat is enlarged lymph nodes, or "swollen glands," a...
Why the Doctor Asks for a Urine Sample It's probably safe to say that no one really likes giving a urine sample. But the fact is that few tests can match the routine urine analysis for telling your doctor about what's going on inside your body. The bladder can hold almost 2 cups of urine for two to five hours comfortably, and excretes about 2 quarts of waste products and additional water daily. And just as you use a dipstick to check your car's engine oil, doctors rely on a specially treated "dipstick,"...
Why the Doctor Looks at Your Fingernails Did you know that certain medical problems can be detected when your health care provider examines your fingernails? Their color, shape, and condition can tell your doctor a lot about your health. If you're in good health, your fingernails tend to be smooth, somewhat curved, and slightly pink in color. These are some of the changes that may indicate a medical problem: Color. A bluish tinge to the nails can suggest there's not enough oxygen in the blood. If your n...
Why the Doctor Presses Your Abdomen For those trained in examining the body, pressing on your abdomen can provide significant clues to potential problems. The external examination with the hands gives doctors information about such important structures as the liver, spleen, kidneys, intestines, pancreas, bladder, gallbladder, appendix, abdominal aorta (the major blood vessel from your heart to your legs), and in females, the uterus and ovaries. When the doctor presses on your abdomen, he or she is feeli...
Why the Doctor Takes a Blood Sample You probably don't enjoy giving a blood sample, but it's an important part of a physical exam. From a small sample of your blood, your health care provider can order scores of tests and find out a lot about your overall health. Here are four common tests, according to the American Association of Clinical Chemistry: blood lipid level, complete blood cell count (CBC), blood sugar level, and thyroid function tests. Blood lipid level. The levels of total cholesterol, LDL ...
Why the Doctor Treats Snoring Seriously The movies and TV often depict snoring as funny, even hilarious. But snoring is no joke: It's a medical problem that can have serious health and social implications. Up to half of adults snore at some time in their life. Of those, half are habitual snorers who may keep their partners awake just about every night by snoring in any sleeping positions, but most commonly when the snorer is on his or her back. When you hear someone snoring, it means air is not flowing ...
Why the Doctor Uses a Stethoscope You'll see a stethoscope wrapped around the neck of practically every doctor. But you may not be aware that this wonderfully useful instrument had its origins not in science, but in modesty. Doctors used to check the heart by simply putting an ear on the patient's chest. However, that was a bit embarrassing for many people. So in 1817, a French doctor named Rene Laennec began using a hollow wooden tube for the task. The idea caught on, and by the early 1900s, the stetho...
Why the Family Meal Is Important For many parents, it would be much easier and simpler to forget about family dinners. Jobs, children, after-school activities all contribute to families being constantly on the go, thus feeling the need to eat on the run. But more and more parents are realizing the importance of shared family time at the dinner table. Often, this is the only time when all family members are all together in one place. Although family dinners are viewed by some people as another burdensome...
Why Your Body Needs Water Need a reason to drink water? Water is essential to good health—and life. Up to 60 percent of an adult’s body weight and about 74 percent of a newborn’s body weight is water, making it the largest single substance in the human body. Here's what water does for you: It helps carry nutrients to all the cells in your body. It helps carry waste products from the cells. It is a part of essential reactions within the body. It helps regulate body temperature by absorbing heat generated...
Why Your Doctor Uses Medical Imaging Imaging techniques, such as X-rays, MRIs and ultrasound scans, provide reliable and detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Today, most of these techniques use computer technology to create high-resolution images with little risk and discomfort to patients. If you're scheduled for an X-ray or imaging test, here are some things you should know about various procedures, what they're used for and any risks involved. X-rays are beams of ionizing (high-energy) radiat...
Why Your Health Care Provider Tests Your Blood Sugar If you don’t have diabetes, and your doctor orders a blood sugar test, what is he or she checking? In adults, a screening blood sugar test is generally used to determine whether your blood sugar is too high. Often, adults with elevated blood sugar don't experience obvious symptoms of diabetes or prediabetes. Catching and treating type 2 diabetes early is important to prevent complications of diabetes. According to 2011 statistics from the CDC, about 1...
Winter Advice: Beware Hypothermia Winter can be fun. Think of skiing, sledding, and snowboarding. Winter can be annoying. Think of dead car batteries and shoveling the walk. And winter can be dangerous. Think of, and be prepared for, hypothermia and frostbite. It's not just the back country hiker or winter fisherman who's at risk for cold-weather problems. Anyone who doesn't dress warmly enough or gets overheated then chilled while outside risks developing hypothermia. Hypothermia, or abnormally low bod...
With Help, You Can Break a Bad Habit Whether it's a minor habit like biting your nails or a more serious one, like habitual drinking, stopping a damaging or bothersome behavior is difficult. With a little hard work and strategy, however, it's possible to break a bad habit. One approach is called the transtheoretical model, and it can help you break habits by following specific strategies at certain points in your transition. Developed by psychologist James Prochaska in the late 1970s and early 1980s, th...
Women and Depression: Understanding the Gender Gap Everyone feels worried, anxious, or sad from time to time. But when a woman has a true mental health disorder, including depression, she finds it hard to function normally. Cultural, biological, and social factors influence the role of women in society. Expectations within these frameworks may raise the risk for depression. Stress also raises the risk for depression. When a woman feels she can't function within the established norm, she may develop symp...
Women and Substance Abuse All kinds of American women abuse drugs and alcohol. They may be rich or poor, young or old, urban or rural, professional or homemaker. Addiction-related diseases kill four times as many American women as breast cancer, but it is a health problem that rarely receives enough attention. This is critical, considering the impact it has on the woman and those around her. Because women are more often the family care providers, the entire family is affected when the mother, wife, daug...
Women with Asthma Can Have Healthy Babies Pregnant women with asthma are just as likely to have healthy, normal babies as women without asthma, as long as their disease is kept under control. That means getting regular monitoring and taking medication as needed. The Working Group on Asthma and Pregnancy of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program concluded that it is riskier to leave a woman's asthma uncontrolled than it is to use asthma medicines during pregnancy. Concern about oxygen A dev...
Women, Alcohol, and Drugs: The Risks Are Higher As a woman, your body is much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and more easily damaged than a man’s body. Because women have less water in their body than men, alcohol doesn't dilute as much and more of it gets absorbed into the blood. Women also tend to be smaller. That’s why women suffer greater physical damage and often become more intoxicated than men when they drink identical amounts of alcohol. In addition, women's bodies break down alcohol d...
Women's Guide to Staying Healthy Women can't always stay healthy and prevent disease. But by having certain screening tests and practicing healthful behaviors, they are more likely to live long, healthy lives. Review the following guidelines for women at average risk and discuss them with your health care provider. If you have risk factors for a disease or a diagnosed condition, these recommendations may not apply to you; talk to your health care provider about when you should have these tests. Screenin...
Work Out on the Water Instead of getting in the water this summer, try getting on it. With a sailboat, canoe, kayak, windsurfing outfit, or pair of water skis, you can explore a whole new world of activities. Once you've embraced proper training and safety, you'll get a fine, fun workout. Canoeing Benefit: Canoeing can offer intense exercise. Even your legs can get a workout by helping you steer—you can push them against the sides and throw your hips one way or the other to nudge the canoe in the right ...
Working Out in the Cold Cold weather doesn't have to put a freeze on your outdoor exercise program. If you take precautions, you can still work out when the weather turns chilly. Wear the right clothing Clothing is critical, says the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Although a double-thick cotton sweatshirt may seem like a good choice, it doesn't insulate nearly as well as synthetic fabrics such as lightweight polyester or polypropylene. Don't overdress. You can overheat even in below-freezin...
Working with Your Diabetes Health Care Team If you have diabetes, you have plenty of company. The number of adults diagnosed with diabetes is increasing daily. You should also be keeping company with a number of health care providers, from your primary care doctor to your dentist, eye doctor, and foot doctor. Diabetes affects the body in many complex ways, and having a team to help you stay as healthy and vital as possible, for as long as possible, is critical. Yet no matter how much you depend on healt...
Wound Care Critical for Diabetes People with diabetes suffer from a variety of symptoms and complications. Skin infections are one of them. Because of poor blood circulation, wounds of all kinds—including minor scrapes, cuts, and burns—heal slowly and can become easily infected. In addition, high blood glucose leads to high levels of sugar in body tissues, causing bacteria to grow and infections to develop more quickly. Also, because of nerve damage in hands and feet, a person with diabetes may not noti...
You Can Choose a Healthy Life Each year, two out of every three deaths in the United States are caused by cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. That figure could be significantly reduced if Americans made healthier food choices, got more exercise, and stopped smoking, according to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and American Heart Association. In fact, these organizations feel so strongly about the importance of everyday choices that they have sponsored a joint initiati...
You Can Head Off Stress Fractures Whether you're an avid basketball player or a weekend hiker, you may be at risk for a stress fracture if you overdo it. A stress fracture occurs when you increase the length or intensity of your workout too quickly. Your muscles become so fatigued by the extra work that they transfer the stress to the bones — most often in the lower leg — and a tiny crack appears. A stress fracture can also occur when you workout on a different surface or use improper equipment, says th...
Your Arthritis Health Care Team Arthritis is a complicated disease that affects many areas of your body. Understanding how to work with different health care specialists can improve your care and quality of life. Arthritis can make even simple tasks — walking, typing, cutting food, brushing teeth, climbing stairs — uncomfortable or impossible. No matter what form of arthritis you have, taking an active role in your health care team can help determine how well you function with pain, stiffness, or inflam...
Your Asthma Health Care Team You don't have to go it alone with asthma. An entire team of health care experts is on hand to help people with asthma manage their symptoms and continue to live normal, active lives. Asthma causes the airways to become inflamed and easily irritated so that they react strongly to things to which you are allergic. When your airways react, they become narrower. Less air reaches your lungs, and breathing becomes difficult. Sometimes this reaction is life-threatening. Asthma can...
Your Child and Vitamin D Does your child come home, grab a soda, and plop down in front of the TV or computer? Shunning milk and the sun is more and more common for children, and the result is a lack of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones strong. Research indicates that even a mild vitamin D deficiency can stunt growth and decrease the ability for children to meet their peak bone density, which can increase their risk for osteoporosis later in life. A true deficiency can c...
Your Child: At 2 Years You have to take your child to day care and then get to work — and you're late. Your 2-year-old suddenly decides she doesn't want to go. The more you try to put her into her car seat, the more she fights and screams. In a few moments she’s crying and you’re frustrated. These tantrums, as well as other unwanted behaviors, seem to be happening a lot lately. Uh-oh — has she hit the "terrible twos?" Remember that this phase of a child's life also can be the "terrific twos." Watching y...
Your Child’s Separation Anxiety and School As the school year approaches, your child may have some anxiety about going to school, whether or not it is the first time. The idea of new experiences away from their parents or other loved ones can be quite frightening for children. Complaining of an upset stomach, headache, or something else isoften how a child shows is or her anxiety and fear. Separation anxiety is a normal part of development for all children. The anxiety may not only be related to school....
Your Child's Asthma Action Plan at School It's important to share your child's asthma action plan with his or her teacher and other school staff. If your child doesn't have an asthma action plan or it's not up-to-date, make sure you talk with his or her health care provider. What’s an action plan? What's an asthma action plan? This plan describes how to manage your child’s asthma. It includes information about your child's symptoms and medications. It also includes instructions about managing symptoms a...
Your Child's Diabetes Care Team Having a child with diabetes can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a team of experts can guide you now and in the years to come. Diabetes care team Your child may see the following specialists: Doctor. Your child's doctor may be a diabetes specialist, pediatrician or general practitioner who has experience caring for people with diabetes. Make sure both you and your child feel comfortable asking questions and that you understand the explanations given. Diabetes educator. A ce...
Your Child's Imaginary Friend ... What It Means You're about to sit down on the couch next to your 4-year-old and she yells, "Don't sit there! You'll crush Gertrude!" Oops. You should have known better. "Gertrude" goes everywhere your daughter goes. If your child starts hanging around with an imaginary friend, enjoy the company. It's often part of a child's development, usually happens between ages 3 and 6, and can offer wonderful insights into your child's world. Imaginary friends range from animals to...
Your Child's Social and Emotional Development Your child starts to develop socially and emotionally from birth and should reach social and emotional developmental milestones at certain ages. These milestones are the age at which most children develop abilities such as smiling, playing, and interacting. Although some children are a little faster or slower than others, delayed social and emotional milestones could be an early warning of future problems. Talk to your health care provider if you have concer...
Your Guide to Food Additives Almost all foods in U.S. supermarkets contain additives, most with long names derived from chemical formulas. A food additive can be something intentionally added to a food by the manufacturer or a substance that ends up in the food during the production process. Substances can be added to a food for several reasons. They can make the food item more uniform throughout. An emulsifier helps keep a food item from separating into different elements. A stabilizer or thickener hel...
Your Guide to Organic Foods The demand for organic foods continues to grow in the U.S. If you're like many American consumers, you want foods that are high in nutrition and safe for you and your family. The term organic sounds as though it fits the bill, but is it really superior to nonorganic foods? Although words like natural and whole can be used freely to advertise foods, the term organic can only be used to describe foods that meet specific standards set by the USDA. In fact, calling food organic w...
Your Lips Need Protection Unprotected lips are prone to a variety of ailments including cancer. Although your skin contains oil that protects it from drying out and from extreme temperatures, your lips do not. Your skin also has melanin, a pigment that colors your skin and offers some protection from the sun. But your lips don't. Lips are full of blood, which explains not only why they bleed so easily but also their attractive reddish color. Your lips need special consideration as they provide a number ...
Your Pancreas The pancreas is an oblong flat gland, about 6 inches long, located below the liver, deep in the abdomen, between the stomach and the spine. It is about as long as your hand in an irregular tube shape. The pancreas has 2 types of cells: Endocrine. The endocrine cells make hormones like insulin and glucagon, along with other hormones that the pancreas makes. These 2 hormones work together to regulate the level of sugar in the blood. Exocrine. The exocrine cells produce and secrete enzymes in...
Your Relationship with Your Children as Teens and Young Adults It is very important for your children to move from being teenagers to young adults in a way that is healthy for them — and for you. As your children moved through other stages — for example, from babies to toddlers or from preschooleers to school-age children, your relationship, communication, and parenting style changed. This stage is no different. As your children mature and become more independent, your relationship with them will contin...