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01/07/2010

"Cosleeping" is the practice of letting babies sleep in bed with their parents, an older sibling or a caregiver. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has said the practice is dangerous for any child under 2 years old, according to the Nemours Foundation. Advocates of the practice dispute the agency's recommendation. Nonetheless, the Nemours Foundation says the following people should avoid cosleeping with an infant: * Anyone who has consumed alcohol or used any drugs. * Smokers (because of an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome). * Children, especially of toddler age, because they may inadvertently roll over on the baby. Questions and concerns about cosleeping should be discussed with your child's pediatrician, the foundation says.

01/06/2010

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are key to having healthy teeth and gums. But the sights, sounds and potential pain of the dentist's office are enough to keep many people away. The American Dental Association offers these suggestions for making a dental appointment less frightening: * Talk to your dentist about your fears. The dentist and the staff should do what they can to make the experience easier. * Schedule your appointment during a time that's not busy. Opt for an appointment early in the morning or sometime on a Saturday. * Bring a portable music device with you. Focus on the soothing tunes, instead of the sounds of the dental instruments. * Close your eyes and visualize a relaxing scene -- to take your mind off what's happening in the dentist's chair.

01/05/2010

You can sprain an ankle during just about any activity, even walking. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle become stretched beyond their normal range, or torn. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this list of possible non-surgical treatments for a sprained ankle: * Take it easy and allow your ankle to heal. Depending on the sprain's severity, healing generally takes four weeks to six weeks. * Use RICE -- rest, ice, compression and elevation. * If swelling and pain make it tough to walk, use crutches for a few days to help you get around. * For some types of ankle sprains, your doctor may recommend an air splint or castboot. * Rehabilitation therapy may be prescribed to help prevent chronic problems.

01/04/2010

Is your resolution to get a handle on your cluttered house? Try one of these 5 steps to manage your messes. 1. Set small goals. Pick the area of your home that would bring you the most peace if it were organized. Is your closet in disarray? Is your junk drawer overflowing? If the task seems too big, break it down: Instead of tackling the whole kitchen, take it one shelf at a time. The sight of even a small clean space will inspire you to keep going. 2. Make a plan. Create a vision of how you'd love the area to look. This mental picture will help you develop your action plan. Then, figure out how much time you can devote to the project, and stick to that schedule. Be ruthlessly honest with yourself about how much time you can give to the task and how long it will take. 3. Don't blame yourself. You're not the only one drowning in clutter, so don't beat yourself up about it. Save your energy for making positive changes. If you catch yourself thinking a negative thought like I'm such a slob, replace it with something positive, like I'm taking control. Give yourself credit for trying. 4.Divide and conquer. Sort your belongings into three piles: "toss," "keep," and "donate." If you're struggling with whether to keep a sentimental item you don't use, ask yourself, How will I feel next month if I give it away? And remember, sometimes the meaning is in the memory, not in the memorabilia. 5. Stick with it. You did it! To stay organized, set rules on how you'll keep the area clutter-free. Maybe you'll declare the kitchen counter a sundries-free zone; maybe you'll vow to toss flyers twice a week. The more you stay organized, the more you'll feel like you own your space, instead of your space owning you.

12/17/2009

To keep colds at bay during the chilliest months of the year, exercise just might be the key. David Nieman, a representative of the American College of Sports Medicine, says that studies have shown that people who exercise at least 45 minutes four or more days a week take 25 to 50 percent less time off from work because of illness. "This reduction in illness far exceeds anything a drug or pill can offer," Nieman said in a news release from the sports medicine group. "All it takes is a pair of walking shoes to help prevent becoming one of the thousands predicted to suffer from the common cold this winter." But what if you're already under the weather? Should you try to get some exercise? Nieman suggests: * If a cold is only in your head and has not reached your chest, feel free to exercise. * Don't overexert yourself. That means no running: Just take a walk. Studies have not shown that moderate exercise is bad if you have a cold. * If you have symptoms beyond the sniffles, stay in bed. This advice holds if a cold has traveled to your chest, if you have severe aches and pains and if you're running a fever. Swollen glands spell trouble, too. * Take it slow when recovering from anything but a mild bout of illness. Take a couple of weeks off from exercise before you start workouts again. Nieman has one more bit of advice: Exercise before you get your flu shot because research has shown that moderate-level physical activity will boost your immunity in the long run.

12/16/2009

If you've just been diagnosed with diabetes, it may be difficult to separate fact from fiction. The American Diabetes Association debunks some popular myths about the disease: * You can't "catch" diabetes from someone else. * Dessert isn't off-limits forever for all diabetics. While eating too many sugary foods is a bad idea, you can have an occasional dessert, especially if you exercise and otherwise eat healthy. * Eating too much sugar can't "cause" diabetes. The disease stems from genetic and lifestyle factors. * Carbohydrates and starches (bread, potatoes, pasta) aren't off-limits, but healthy portion sizes are important. * Diabetics aren't more susceptible to colds and other illnesses. * Insulin doesn't cause hardening of the arteries or high blood pressure. * Fruit, while healthy, can't be consumed in huge amounts, since it contains carbohydrates.

12/15/2009

If the air inside your home is dirty, you and your housemates can have symptoms including headache, dizziness, asthma and allergy symptoms, and fatigue. The National Women's Health Information Center offers these suggestions to keep the air in your home clean: * When using chemicals such as paint or paint thinner, open the windows and keep the area well-ventilated. * Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep humidity levels between 30 percent and 50 percent. * If you use a humidifier, clean it and replace the water daily to prevent the growth of mold and mildew in the appliance. * Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathroom, and vent clothes dryers outside. * If rugs or carpets get wet, quickly have them cleaned to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. * Clean your home regularly, being careful to remove dust and any other allergens.

12/14/2009

Whether you're traveling or welcoming people into your home, lifting luggage can be hazardous. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this advice to help prevent injury while lifting luggage: * Opt for suitcases that are lightweight but sturdy, and have wheels for easier transportation. * Pack items in a few smaller bags rather than packing one huge, heavy suitcase. * Stand next to the suitcase and lift while bending at the knees -- not the waist -- using your leg muscles. * Hold the suitcase as close to the center of your body as possible. * Use both hands, if possible, rather than carrying the suitcase on one side. * Keep your body straight, rather than twisting or turning. * Don't be in a rush, and ask for help when you need it.

12/11/2009

Too much sugar in a child's diet can contribute to weight and dental problems. The Baylor College of Medicine offers these suggestions for limiting the amount of sugar your child gets: * When baking, cut sugar down to two-thirds of what the recipe says. * Sweeten cookies and other baked goods with dried fruits instead of candy or chocolate. * Instead of offering your child a muffin or a doughnut for breakfast, serve a bagel. * Serve natural, unsweetened fruit juice instead of sodas or other sugar-laden beverages. * Save candy for a special treat. Only allow your child candy once or twice a week.

12/10/2009

It's common for people with chronic health issues to feel angry. But being angry all the time can harm your physical and emotional health. The American Diabetes offers these suggestions for how to deal with anger: * Determine what you're angry about, and think about how your anger is impacting your life. * Learn techniques to calm yourself when you feel angry. Take deep, slow breaths, sit down and stay quiet for a few minutes. * Try to change the things that make you angry. * Keep a diary about your anger, and find a better way to deal with each situation. * Use your anger to motivate you to change your life.

12/08/2009

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can lead to serious illness or death if inhaled in significant amounts. Potential sources include: unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, furnaces, wood stoves, gas stoves, fireplaces and water heaters, and automobile exhaust. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning could include tiredness, headache, confusion, nausea and dizziness. The National Safety Council offers these suggestions to help protect you and your loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning: * Make sure that every appliance in your home is installed properly and is working correctly. * Have your furnace, chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned each year. * If using a fireplace, make sure the flue is open. * Never heat your home with a gas range or oven. * Be sure that your stove and furnace vent outdoors and there are no leaks in the exhaust systems. Also make sure that your furnace takes in enough fresh air. * Never burn charcoal indoors or in any enclosed space, such as in a camper or R.V. * Never leave a gas-fueled tool or vehicle running inside a garage or tool shed, or anywhere indoors. * Never use kerosene or gas heaters indoors.

12/07/2009

Mold exposure can lead to respiratory, eye and skin irritation, or much more serious reactions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions to minimize mold growth in your home: * Make sure indoor humidity levels are kept between 40 percent and 60 percent. * During very humid weather, run the air conditioner, a dehumidifier or both. * Ensure that your home is well-ventilated, including exhaust fans where needed. * Before painting a room, add a mold-inhibiting agent to the paint. * Scrub bathrooms regularly with cleaning products designed to kill mold. * Avoid carpet in moist areas, such as in bathrooms and the basement. * Promptly get rid of any carpets or upholstered items that have been soaked.

12/04/2009

Teeth below the gums are supposed to continue growing and break through. But sometimes, teeth -- most often wisdom teeth -- don't emerge and become impacted. Head and neck pain may signal an impacted tooth, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. Here's a more complete list of common symptoms: * Persistent bad breath. * Problems trying to open the mouth. * Sore or tender gums, or pain in the jaw. * Headache. * Swollen or red gums near the impacted tooth. * Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck. * Persistent bad taste in the mouth.

12/03/2009

Cavities are holes that form in the teeth, and can cause pain until they are filled by a dentist. The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests how to help prevent cavities: * Practice good oral hygiene, which means flossing each day, brushing at least twice daily and getting a professional teeth cleaning twice a year. * If you want something sticky, sweet or chewy, eat it with other foods as part of a meal instead of alone. Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward. * Minimize snacking, which increases acid production in the mouth. * Avoid high-sugar drinks, chewing gum with sugar, or sucking on sugary candy. * Consider getting a dental sealant applied to your molars to help prevent cavities. * Use mouth wash and toothpaste with fluoride.

12/01/2009

If you're plagued with persistent shoulder pain or weakness, you may need to strengthen the shoulder muscles. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggested exercises: * Tie an elastic tube to a doorknob. Then gently pull the tubing toward you, hold for five seconds, and repeat five times. Switch arms and repeat. Do this twice each day. * Stand in front of a wall, resting your hands on it. Make sure feet are separated to shoulder-width. Do a push-up while leaning against the wall, holding for five seconds. Do this five times, twice each day. * Sit in an armchair with your feet on the floor. Place your hands on the armrest, and push your body slowly up off of the chair, holding for five seconds. Do this five times, twice each day.

11/30/2009

Weight-bearing exercises are important, especially for girls and women who want to build bone strength and prevent osteoporosis later. Weight-bearing exercises are done standing up and make the bones and muscles work against gravity. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these examples of good weight-bearing exercises: * Fast-paced walking, running or jogging, or going for a hike. * Gardening or cutting the grass with a push mower. * Team sports, such as basketball, soccer and baseball. * Racquet sports, such as tennis. * Aerobics or dance classes. * Bowling, karate or judo, skating or skiing. * Lifting weights or climbing stairs.

11/27/2009

A herniated disk occurs when the nucleus of a disk in the back or neck pushes out of the disk toward the spinal canal, putting pressure on surrounding nerves. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this list of potential non-surgical treatment options: * Rest your back, taking care to avoid any strain of the spine and surrounding muscles. * Take an anti-inflammatory medication -- over-the-counter or prescription -- to ease pain and inflammation. * A few times each day, apply ice or a cold compress to the area. But don't leave it on for longer than 20 minutes each time. * Once the spasms have stopped, apply heat to the area. * Perform exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles. * Talk to your doctor about cortisone injections to help ease inflammation.

11/26/2009

Jet lag is the term for disrupted sleep when you travel between time zones, and your body doesn't adjust to sleeping on a new schedule. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to minimize jet lag: * Stick to a good bed time and sleep schedule before departing. Don't miss out on sleep in an attempt to beat jet lag. * Adjust your bed time by a few hours before you leave, depending on which time zone to which you'll be traveling. * If you're only traveling for a few days, don't worry about adjusting to a new time zone. * Don't sleep on the flight, unless the flight includes your usual bed time. * Don't consume alcohol or caffeine, but do drink plenty of fluids. * Keep up with your exercise routine, just not too close to bed time.

11/25/2009

Insomnia is a broad term that may include difficulty sleeping through the night, or problems falling asleep in the first place. The National Women's Health Information Center offers this list of possible treatment options for insomnia: * Practicing relaxation therapy to help manage stress. * Working with a doctor, initially restricting the amount of sleep (rising earlier or going to sleep later), then gradually increasing sleep to encourage a full night's rest. * Reconditioning yourself for sleep, which involves limiting your bed for sleep or sex -- no TV or reading. This helps condition your body that your bed is only for sleep. * Getting a physical exam to see if there are any health conditions that could be contributing to insomnia. * Evaluating your lifestyle for behaviors that could negatively affect sleep, such as drinking alcohol or caffeine at night.

11/24/2009

Carbohydrates include foods with fiber, sugars and starches. Simple carbohydrates have one or two sugars, while complex carbohydrates contain at least three sugars, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Simple carbohydrates with natural sugars include milk products, fruits and vegetables. Simple carbs with refined sugars -- including candy, soda and syrups -- have little nutritional value and should be avoided in excess, the agency says. Examples of complex carbohydrates include starchy vegetables, legumes (such as dried peas, beans and lentils) and whole-grain foods. The NLM says between 40 percent and 60 percent of your daily total caloric intake should come from carbohydrates, mostly from complex carbohydrates.

11/23/2009

Kids often get stressed, even without the pressures of adult life. Just as in adults, stress needs to be addressed in children. The Nemours Foundation lists these possible sources of childhood stress: * Being involved in too many activities in and out of school. * Having insufficient play time. * Having parents who frequently fight and don't get along. * Having an ill relative. * Seeing frightening images on TV, such as about war, terrorism or natural disasters. * Losing a loved one.

11/20/2009

It's not always possible to prevent low back pain. But the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says there are things you can do to help keep it away: * Get plenty of regular exercise, including aerobics and exercises to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. * When carrying heavy objects, lift with your legs, not your back. Always bend at the knees with a straight back; don't bend over. * If you're overweight, lose those extra pounds to reduce stress on the lower back muscles. * Don't smoke. Smoking contributes to degeneration of the spine. * Maintain good posture, especially while sitting, lifting objects and standing.

11/19/2009

Adenoids are glands that are found between the airway and the back of the throat. When the adenoids are removed, the procedure is called adenoidectomy. Adenoidectomy is most often performed on children, and rarely on adults. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of reasons for why a child might need an adenoidectomy: * Difficulty breathing through the nose because of enlarged adenoids. * Frequent snoring. * Sleep apnea. * Recurrent ear infections that affect attendance at school or occur five times or more per year. * Frequent tonsillitis infections.

11/18/2009

A bunion is a painful protrusion at the base of the big toe that can make even walking a chore. A severe bunion can affect the alignment of several toes, causing some to overlap.

You can't always prevent bunions, but you can take steps to reduce your risk. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions:

Make sure shoes fit properly.
Choose shoes that are soft and comfortable, and form around the shape of your toes and feet.
Look for soft-soled shoes with plenty of room in the toes and instep.
If shoes are too tight, have them professionally stretched.
Don't wear shoes with pointy toes or with a heel that's more than 2 1/4 inches high.

11/17/2009

Falls in the home can lead to serious injury, including the all-too-common broken hip.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions to minimize the risk of falling:

Keep stairs clear and well-lit, and make sure there are handrails on both sides. Also, there should be no loose rugs, carpets or boards.
Make sure there's a slip-resistant rug outside the shower, with handrails and non-skid strips on the shower/tub floor.
In the bedroom, make sure there is clear and easy access to the door. Also, keep a lamp or flashlight near the bed.
Install a night light in the hallway, making that late-night trip to the bathroom safer.
Make sure furniture and decorations don't block walkways.
Keep all cords neat and out of the way, and all rugs or carpets firmly attached to the floor.

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