Health Tip: Your Family Has a Medical History

Your doctor probably has asked you questions about your family history, since it may have a significant impact on your well-being. Read more

Health Tip: Use a Ladder Properly

(HealthDay News) -- If it's time to do some work on your roof, a refresher on ladder safety is of high importance.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions:

• Don't sit on the shelf or top rung of the ladder. Most likely, it won't support your weight.
• Don't use more ladder than you need. Only use an extension ladder for really tall jobs, and opt for a utility ladder or sturdy step stool for lower-height projects.
• Pay attention when pulling or pushing anything while you're on a ladder. These motions can make it easier for you to lose your balance and fall.
• Don't reach too far or lean off the ladder; it's safer to get off the ladder and center it closer to where you need to be.
• Climb up the middle of the ladder (don't lean toward either side) while another person steadies it from the ground.

Health Tip: Be Proactive at Your Next Doctor Visit

(HealthDay News) -- If you don't go to the doctor very often, it's important to make the most of every visit.

It's your opportunity to talk to your doctor about any health problems, or questions that you have.

Here are conversation pointers for your next medical visit, as recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Bring up any symptoms or health concerns that you have.
• Create a log of your health history and bring it to your appointment.
• Tell your doctor about any stress in your life that could be affecting your health.
• Discuss any medications or supplements that you take, and any side effects that you suspect may be caused by them.
• Bring any recent medical records, test results or X-rays.
• Clarify anything your doctor says that you don't understand.
• sk for extra time to spend with your doctor, if you need it. If your doctor can't be available personally, a nurse or physician assistant may be able to spend time with you.
  
  

Health Tip: Help Prevent Sunburn

(HealthDay News) -- Consistent use of sunscreen and limiting sun exposure are prime ways to prevent sunburn. But it's also helpful to know the factors that increase your risk of being burned by the sun.

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers this list:

• Children and babies are more sensitive to the sun and are more likely than others to get a sunburn.
• Anyone -- even dark-skinned people -- can get a sunburn. But fair-skinned people are at greatest risk.
• Your risk of a burn increases when you're near things that reflect the sun, including snow, water or sand.
• The harmful rays of the sun are strongest and most dangerous between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Certain medications, including antibiotics, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Health Tip: Build Strong Bones

(HealthDay News) -- Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak, brittle and may break easily.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers these suggestions to help prevent osteoporosis:

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

Health Tip: Minor Reaction to Childhood Immunizations

(HealthDay News) -- When children have a severe reaction to an immunization -- with symptoms such as high fever, breathing problems, continuous crying for several hours, weakness, or red streaks near the injection site -- it requires immediate medical attention.

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital offers these suggestions for much milder post-injection discomfort:

• For soreness at or near the injection site, apply a cool, damp cloth or an ice pack.
• Administer an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen. Do not give the child aspirin.
• For minor cases of hives, apply hydrocortisone cream.
• Any fever that develops should not last more than three days. Administer acetaminophen and lots of fluids. If the fever lasts more than three days, seek medical attention at once.
• Your child may be cranky or fussy after the immunization, and may sleep a lot. If these symptoms don't improve after three days, call your doctor.

Health Tip: Coping With Pet Allergies

(HealthDay News) -- If being near a pet makes you sniffle, sneeze, and your eyes water, you may not have to live a pet-free life.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology offers these suggestions:

• Always wash your hands after you touch a pet. And avoid kissing or hugging your furry friend.
• Keep cat litter boxes away from vents, and try to limit your exposure to them.
• Give your pet a bath each week to reduce dander. And try to have a person who isn't allergic regularly brush your pet outdoors.
• Don't allow pets on upholstered furniture. If necessary, cover the furniture in plastic.
• Make sure your pet is on a healthy diet to help reduce shedding.
• Try to eliminate rugs and carpets from your home, and use a double filter or micro-filter bag in your vacuum.
• Ask your doctor about getting allergy shots to control symptoms.

Health Tip: Considering Home Birth?

(HealthDay News) -- Home birth is a safe option for many moms-to-be who want to deliver in the privacy and comfort of their home.

But for some women who are at risk of complications, a home birth may not be the safest option.

The American Pregnancy Association lists these factors for women who may be better off at a hospital when they deliver:

• Being diabetic.
• Having preeclampsia or chronic high blood pressure.
• Having had a prior premature birth preterm birth, or being at risk for preterm labor.

Health Tip: Breathing Polluted Air

(HealthDay News) -- When the air you breathe is polluted, it can cause symptoms such as labored breathing; irritated eyes, nose and throat; burning of the eyes; cough; and tightness in the chest.

To minimize these side effects of air pollution -- especially if you have heart or lung disease -- the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions:

• When pollution levels are high, stay inside as much as possible.
• If you must engage in outdoor activities, try to schedule them first thing in the morning or in the evening, after sunset.
• When air quality is poor, don't exercise outdoors.
• Avoid any outdoor activities that require you to exert yourself. Taking in more air also means breathing in additional pollutants.

Health Tip: Feeling Hungry?

(HealthDay News) -- Feeling particularly hungry is a common symptom -- with many possible causes.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list:

• Stress or anxiety.
• Premenstrual syndrome.
• A side effect of taking certain medications, including some corticosteroids or antidepressants.
• Bulimia.
• Graves' disease.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Diabetes.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Health Tip: Weight-Lifting Safety

HealthDay News) -- Weight lifting is a great way to work and strengthen your muscles.
To lessen your risk of injury, heed these weight-lifting safety suggestions provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Find a trainer or coach to teach you the proper techniques for lifting.
• Set goals for yourself based on your age, physical strength and maturity.
• If you're younger than 15, it may be too early to start a weight-lifting program. Your body simply isn't physically mature enough.
• Always warm up before lifting, and cool down and stretch afterward.
• Wear shoes with good traction.
• Always use a spotter when performing any major lifts.

Health Tip: Pregnancy and Asthma

(HealthDay News) -- Having asthma doesn't necessarily mean an unhealthy pregnancy. The key is to control symptoms and prevent attacks.

The University of Virginia Medical Center offers these suggestions for asthmatic women who are pregnant:

• Avoid anything that triggers asthma symptoms, such as tobacco smoke or pet dander.
• As prescribed by your doctor, keep taking your asthma medications throughout your pregnancy.
• Keep exercise moderate. If you have exercise-induced asthma, use your asthma medication. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise regimen.
• If you are in the second or third trimester during flu season, make sure you get a flu shot.

Health Tip: When Your Child is Teething

(HealthDay News) -- Baby teeth usually begin to appear between 5 months and 7 months of age. Infants may continue to get baby teeth until they are about 2 1/2 years old.

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital offers a list of common symptoms of teething, and some warning signs that something may be wrong.

Normal signs:

• Additional drooling.
• Frequent chewing or sucking on the fist or fingers.
• Swelling or puffiness of the gums.
• Being unusually fussy.

Unusual symptoms:

• While some discomfort is normal, teething shouldn't cause your baby to have a high fever.
• Teething also shouldn't cause cold-like symptoms or diarrhea.

Health Tip: Pregnancy and Back Pain

(HealthDay News) -- Back pain is a common complaint for pregnant women, but there are things you can do to help relieve the strain on your back.

The American Pregnancy Association offers these suggestions:

• Try doing exercises recommended by your doctor that help strengthen and support your lower back and abdomen.
• Don't bend over to pick something up. Squat down and reach for it instead.
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid high heels.
• Don't sleep on your back, get as much rest as you can, and keep your feet elevated.
• Try wearing a support belt.

Health Tip: When Diabetics Get Sick

(HealthDay News) -- Controlling illness is important for anyone, but prudent medical care is even more vital for diabetics. Hormones released during illness and other times of stress can affect blood sugar levels.

The American Diabetes Association suggests that diabetics should call the doctor if they aren't sure how to care for themselves, or if they have these warning signs:

• If symptoms of illness, possibly including fever, have continued for a couple of days without improvement.


• If diarrhea or vomiting has continued for more than six hours.


• If there are moderate or large amounts of ketones in your urine.


• If, even after taking enough insulin to account for your illness, your blood sugar is 240 or higher before meals and stays there for more than 24 hours.


• If you have symptoms of ketoacidosis or dehydration, which may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, dry or cracked lips, and breath that smells like fruit.

Health Tip: Buy a Safe Bathtub for Baby

(HealthDay News) -- Your baby needs his or her own place to take a bath. Tubs made for adults are simply too big and lack safety features for infants.

Use these guidelines, provided by the Nemours Foundation, to help select the safest tub for your baby:

• Look for tubs with a backing on the bottom, so it won't slip or move.


• Choose a tub that is made with thick, sturdy plastic. Make sure it can easily support the weight of your baby and the bathing water.


• Don't use any flotation device, bath ring or suction seat that doesn't have a safety belt.


• These devices can turn over, posing a drowning hazard.


• Don't use a foam cushion in the bath, as your baby may tear it and could swallow small pieces.


• Choose a tub with smooth edges.

Health Tip: Warning Signs of a Bleeding Disorder

(HealthDay News) -- Routine heavy bleeding during menstrual periods shouldn't be ignored. It may be a sign of a bleeding disorder that can be treated.

The National Women's Health Information Center says the following symptoms may indicate a bleeding disorder, and should be evaluated by a doctor:

• Having very heavy periods.
• Bleeding frequently in the mouth or gums.
• Having frequent nosebleeds, or nosebleeds that continue for long periods.
  Bruising easily.
• Bleeding excessively after an injury or after surgery.
• Bleeding heavily or for a long time from a minor cut or injury.
• Having blood in the stool or urine.

Health Tip: Managing a Chronic Illness

(HealthDay News) -- Managing a chronic illness, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may seem overwhelming.

Here are helpful suggestions for people with a chronic illness, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Take a look at your unhealthy behaviors, and choose one or several that you want to work on and improve.


• Come up with a specific plan and goals for dealing with each unhealthy behavior.


• Devise alternate plans to help you stick to your goals -- for example, how to handle weather that affects your exercise plans.


• Make sure your goals are realistic, and that you feel confident that you can reach them.
  Talk to your doctor about your goals, and discuss your progress.

Health Tip: Managing Your Child's Migraines

(HealthDay News) -- If your child gets migraine headaches, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help prevent them:

• Make sure your child eats meals on a regular schedule, and never skips a meal.


• Keep your child on a regular sleep schedule.


• Make sure your child gets daily exercise, but don't overdo it.


• Figure out what triggers migraines in your child, and try to avoid those factors. Common triggers include stress, too much intense exercise, or changes in weather or altitude.


• Avoid foods that are known to trigger your child's migraines. Popular culinary causes include: cheese, processed meats, chocolate, caffeine, nuts, pickles and foods high in the preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Health Tip: Keep Baby From Heat Rash

(HealthDay News) -- Heat rash is a common problem among infants, appearing as small red bumps or blisters on the skin caused by sweating.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to protect your baby from heat rash:

• The goal is to keep baby cool and dry. During hot or humid weather, dress baby in lightweight, cool and absorbent cotton clothing.


• Keep baby in air-conditioned areas, or use a light fan. But position it far enough away that only a light breeze can be felt.


• Avoid using powders, creams and ointments on baby's skin. These products won't prevent heat rash and may actually block the pores.