daily health tips

Paternal Bonding

2007-06-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Even though dads can't participate when moms are breastfeeding, there are many other ways for new fathers to bond with newborns.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

*Dad should be present through labor and delivery to share the baby's first moments.
*Dad can help with bottle feedings, and can still be present during breast feedings.
*Dad can read and sing to the baby, and give her a bath.
*Dad can make the same coos and noises that she makes as she begins to try to communicate.
*Dad can carry the newborn using a baby carrier that rests across the chest.
*Dad can let the baby feel and grab his face and hair, helping her get to know him.

How To Deal With Temper Tantrums

2007-06-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

When some young children become frustrated, they throw temper tantrums.

To help a child learn to deal with his or her emotions in a healthier way, follow these suggestions from the Nemours Foundation:

*Help your child express what he's feeling and why. Have a conversation with him, instead of an argument. Praise your child for talking calmly about what's making him angry.
*Encourage your child to walk away from a situation when he is angry, and allow him to spend some time alone to calm down.
*Give your child other methods of expressing his anger -- let him write or draw what he is feeling.
*Have your child perform another activity that can help take his mind off of what's made him angry. Have him run around outside, dance around the bedroom, or do a few cartwheels.

Understanding Sun Protection Factor

2007-06-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

Sun protection factor (SPF) is a rating given to sunscreens to help gauge the amount of protection they provide against the sun's damaging UV rays.

An SPF of 15 means you'll have 15 times the amount of protection from the sun that you normally would without any sunscreen, the Nemours Foundation says. That means spending 15 minutes in the sun with SPF 15 applied is the equivalent of spending roughly 1 minute in the sun without any sunscreen.

Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is recommended for anyone, especially children. Sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays offer the most benefit, the foundation says.

Vitamin A Compound Could Fight Rheumatoid Arthritis

2007-06-15T01:33:00.000-07:00

Research in mice suggests that a vitamin A derivative, retinoic acid, may fight autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as colitis or rheumatoid arthritis, U.S. scientists say.

A team at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology in California found that manipulating the amount of retinoic acid (a substance derived when vitamin A is broken down in the body) in the mice affected levels of pro-inflammatory T-cells.

These T-cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a role in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

"We found that you can control inflammation in a living animal with retinoic acid or you can treat cells with retinoic acid in a test tube and transfer them to the organism to suppress inflammation," research leader Hilde Cheroutre said in a prepared statement.

full report..

What Causes Nightmares?

2007-06-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

Nightmares can cause poor sleep and anxiety, triggering health problems.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the following factors can contribute to nightmares:

*Eating just before bed, which can increase brain activity.
*Any anxiety or stress.
*Any major life event, including the death of a loved one.
*Illness, including fever.
*An adverse reaction, side effect or withdrawal from a drug.
*Alcohol withdrawal, or excessive alcohol consumption.
*Breathing disorders, including sleep apnea.
*Sleep disorders, including narcolepsy.

Suggestions for Stretching

2007-06-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Stretching before exercise is a great way to warm up your muscles and prevent injury. But stretching the wrong way can cause problems, too.

Here are guidelines on how to stretch safely, courtesy of the Women's Heart Foundation:

*Stretch for at least five to seven minutes before exercising.
*Keep muscles relaxed, and stretch slowly. Never bounce your muscles while stretching.
*Stretch until you feel some tension in your muscles, but never until it hurts.
*Hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds, and breathe slowly and deeply.
*Relax, then stretch again for a few seconds longer at each stretch. Repeat each stretch several times.

Drink Responsibly

2007-06-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Provided you don't have a drinking problem, are of legal age, and are not pregnant, the U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions for drinking alcohol responsibly:

*Never drive a car if you've been drinking.
*Drink alcohol with food -- never on an empty stomach.
*Drink slowly and in moderation to avoid severe impairment.
*If you are taking any medications, don't drink alcohol without checking first with your doctor.
*Alcohol is not safe -- even in moderation -- if you have a history of alcohol abuse.

Ward Off Jet Lag

2007-06-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Jet lag occurs when the body has trouble adjusting to travel across time zones.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these recommendations to minimize symptoms:

*Get plenty of sleep before you leave.
*Avoid alcohol consumption right before, during, and right after your flight.
*Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and healthy portion sizes.
*Get plenty of exercise during your trip.
*If you take sleep medication, use it only for a few days.
*Follow the local schedule of your new time zone, not the old one.

Stay Awake Behind the Wheel

2007-06-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Driving when sleep-deprived can be extremely dangerous.

To help you stay awake and alert, follow these suggestions from the National Sleep Foundation:

*Get plenty of quality sleep the night before a long drive.
If there's a time that you typically begin to feel sleepy, avoid driving during that time.
*If you're planning to drive through the night, try to get at least some shuteye between midnight and 6 a.m.
*If driving all day, stop and take a mid-afternoon nap.
*Try to take a break about every 100 miles or so -- stop to get gas, walk around, stretch, nap or get some exercise.
*If traveling with a passenger, it helps if he or she is awake, too. Talk to each other to keep yourselves alert.

Asthmatics Can Still Play Sports

2007-06-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

Kids with asthma don't need to stay on the bench. Under a doctor's care, they can still exercise and play sports, as long as their asthma is under control, the Nemours Foundation says.

To avoid an asthma attack and a possible trip to the emergency room, all medications must be taken as prescribed, the foundation says.

If your child isn't having regular asthma attacks, he should be able to play any sport, although endurance sports like running, biking, basketball and soccer may be more difficult.

Your child should always carry emergency medication and make the coach aware of the child's condition, the foundation says.

When Teens Are Depressed

2007-06-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

Every teen has occasional bouts with bad moods.

But when these feelings become debilitating or last for weeks or months, they could be a sign of depression.

Helpguide.org says the most important thing teens can do is talk to others about what they're going through. The group offers these suggestions:

*Talk to friends, school counselors, parents, family, or teachers about your feelings.
*If school, grades, or exams are contributing to depression, talk to your teachers and guidance counselors for support.
*If you're worried about being pregnant, talk to your doctor or a family planning clinic.
*Stay busy, and surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good about yourself. Avoid people involved with drugs and alcohol.
*Talk to your doctor about whether medication and counseling are appropriate options.

Sensible Ways to Shed Pounds

2007-06-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

osing weight can a daunting task. But there are sensible ways to go about it, AARP says.

Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, the group offers these suggestions:
*Don't skip meals -- eat three a day, especially breakfast. Skipping meals can cause you to overeat later in the day.
*Drink a lot of water, and drink a glass or two before a meal to help you feel more full and eat less.
*To fill you up without extra calories, eat foods that are rich in fiber and water, such as fruits and vegetables.
*Track what and how much you eat by keeping a food journal.
Don't give up, and remember that every little bit you do helps.

Flaxseed, ginseng show benefit in cancer treatment

2007-06-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

Flaxseed slowed the growth of prostate tumors in men, while ginseng helped relieve the fatigue that cancer patients often feel, U.S. researchers reported on Saturday in two of the first scientifically rigorous looks at alternative medicine.

The studies reflect doctors' efforts to explore the risks and benefits of foods and supplements that are routinely taken by their patients with little scientific proof they help.

Americans spend between $36 billion and $47 billion a year on complementary and alternative therapies, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

"Patients are taking these compounds but we need to know if they are doing any good or any harm,"; said Dr. Bruce Cheson of Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, who led a panel on alternative therapies at a meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

In the flaxseed study, researchers at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina and colleagues evaluated the seed's role as a food supplement in 161 men who were scheduled to undergo surgery for prostate cancer.

Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, a fiber found on the seed coat.

"We were looking at flaxseed because of its unique nutrient profile,"; said Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, a researcher in Duke's School of Nursing, who led the study.

Half of the men in the study added 30 grams of flaxseed daily to their diets for about 30 days. Half of the flaxseed group also went on a low-fat diet.

full report...

Playground Safety

2007-06-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Before your child visits a new playground, parents should inspect the facility to be sure it's safe.

To help protect your child from injury, the National Program for Playground Safety offers these guidelines:

*Make sure that you or another trusted adult is always supervising your child's play.
*To prevent possible strangulation, don't allow your child to play while he's wearing clothing with drawstrings.
*The playground should have age-appropriate equipment in separate sections, so that younger children can avoid injury from older children's play and equipment.
*Playground surfaces should provide cushion in the event of a fall -- surfaces that are concrete, grass, asphalt, gravel or packed dirt can contribute to injuries. *Acceptable surfaces include hardwood fiber/mulch, pea gravel, sand, or rubber mats.
*All equipment should be properly rooted to the ground, with no loose, rusting, or missing parts.

Prevent a 'Charley Horse'

2007-06-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

A 'charley horse' is a painful muscle spasm that occurs most often in the legs. It begins suddenly and may cause severe pain when the muscle won't relax.

Proper preparation before exercise can help prevent charley horses. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions:
Stretch properly and thoroughly before any exercise.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids before and after exercise.
Include plenty of potassium in your diet. Orange juice and bananas are excellent sources.
Don't overexert yourself and strain your muscles, which could cause spasms.

Safe Toys For Your Child

2007-06-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

All toys, no matter how safe, may not be appropriate for children of all ages. Other toys may have moving parts or sharp edges that make them inappropriate for children of any age.

Here are suggestions on how to choose safe toys for your child, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
Don't give your child toys with small parts that can be easily removed or broken.
Follow safety information and age guidelines listed on toys.
Look for toys that say "non-toxic," or "washable/hygienic materials" on stuffed animals that can be washed.
Make sure your child only has access to toys that are appropriate for her age.
To prevent choking, don't allow young children to play with marbles, or other small toys less than 1 3/4 inches diameter or 2 inches long.

Swim, Swim, Swim

2007-05-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Exercise should be part of everyone's healthy lifestyle, but some people may have difficulty with high-impact exercise like running.

Swimming is a low-impact activity that offers a great workout for all muscles of the body.

According to Epigee Women's Health, swimming may be a good option for people who need to be extra careful during exercise, including those who are:
Pregnant.
Extremely overweight.
Elderly.
Disabled.
Recovering from an injury.

Signs of Hyperthyroidism

2007-05-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid overproduces hormones that control the body's metabolism.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these common warning signs of hyperthyroidism:

*Sudden, unexplained weight loss.
*Weakened muscles and fatigue.
*Feelings of nervousness and anxiousness.
*Excessive sweating.
*Rapid heartbeat.
*Tremors.
*Eyes that are red, wide, or swollen

The academy says other diseases and conditions can mimic these symptoms, so your doctor may run some tests to confirm a suspected diagnosis.

What Causes Seizures?

2007-05-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

A seizure occurs when electrical activity in the brain is abnormally high. Seizures often are characterized by shaking or twitching of the body, and possible loss of consciousness.

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers this list of potential causes:

Epilepsy.
A head injury or other trauma to the brain.
An infection that affects the brain, including an abscess or meningitis.
Brain tumor.
Stroke.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Illicit drug use (especially cocaine or stimulants).
Alcohol withdrawal.

Protect Against Dust Mites

2007-05-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in bed linens, carpets, pillows and other warm areas where dust may gather. The waste from dust mites can cause allergy and asthma symptoms to flare.

To help rid your home of dust mites, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions:
*Cover your mattress and pillows with an airtight cover made of plastic or polyurethane.
*Wash sheets and pillows each week in very hot water.
If possible, bedroom floors should be hardwood or linoleum, rather than carpet.
*Vacuum carpets and furniture every week.
*Spray carpets with a 3 percent tannic acid spray every two months. But this solution, itself, can cause problems in allergic or asthmatic people, so check with your doctor first.
*Use a dehumidifier, and keep your air conditioning running when possible.
*Use special filters to trap dust mites in your air conditioner and vacuum.

The Benefits of a Multivitamin

2007-05-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

While many people get enough vitamins from a healthy and balanced diet, others should take a multivitamin supplement to help maintain a healthy body.

Children and pregnant women need more vitamins than the average person, and may be prescribed a multivitamin by their doctors, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Other candidates for a multivitamin include people whose illness prevents them from absorbing enough vitamins from food, or people who don't or can't eat enough vitamin-rich foods.

Multivitamins are available in chewable tablets, capsules, tablets you swallow, and in liquid form. It's important to follow the package or doctor's instructions when taking a multivitamin, the NLM says.

'Light' Cigarettes Aren't Safer

2007-05-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

"Light," "mild" or "low-tar" cigarettes are sometimes billed as healthier for people who don't quit.

But these cigarettes do nothing for a smoker's health, the U.S. National Cancer Institute says. The NCI offers the following information:

People who smoke light cigarettes are still at risk for serious health problems, including lung cancer.
Nicotine-craving smokers of light cigarettes actually may inhale more deeply, take larger or more rapid puffs, or smoke extra cigarettes to get enough nicotine.
Smoking machines that measure tar and nicotine intake often do not accurately emulate a person who smokes.
There is no evidence that switching to light cigarettes helps smokers quit.

Prenatal Checkups

2007-05-19T04:16:00.000-07:00

If you've just learned you're pregnant, don't hesitate to schedule a doctor's appointment.

Regular doctor visits during pregnancy are important to ensure that you and your baby stay healthy, according to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

At some point, you can expect to undergo:

A physical exam, including a pelvic and breast exam, checking your heart, lungs, eyes, ears, nose and throat, and measuring your height and weight.
Blood, urine and blood pressure tests, and a Pap smear to check for disease that could affect your health during pregnancy.
Checks for several harmful conditions, including anemia, bladder infections, syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, cervical cancer, hepatitis B, vaginal infections and other problems.
Questioning about the state of your health and that of the baby's father.

Symptoms of Yeast Infection

2007-05-19T04:15:00.000-07:00

Vaginal yeast infections occur when the yeast that is found naturally in and around the vagina grow in large numbers.

The normal acidic environment of the vagina should keep yeast growth in check. But if this environment becomes less acidic, too many yeast can trigger an infection.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these common symptoms of yeast infections:
Itching or burning.
Vaginal discharge that is white and thick.
Painful intercourse.
Swollen vulva.

Taking Care of Problem Skin

2007-05-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

Acne is caused by factors including hormonal changes, certain medications, and the use of certain products.

Here are skin-care suggestions to help reduce acne, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

Wash your face once or twice a day with a gentle, mild soap or cleanser that won't dry the skin. Always wash your face after sweating or exercising, but don't wash excessively or more than a few times a day.
Wash your hair with shampoo each day, particularly if you have oily hair.
Keep oily hair pulled back and away from your face.
Don't touch your face with your hands or fingers.
Don't pick at, scratch or pop any blemishes, as this can cause infection and scarring.
Avoid any makeup or face creams that are greasy or oily.