Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 20:47:26 GMT Server: Apache/1.2.4 Last-Modified: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 16:44:46 GMT ETag: "4b72b-2f6b-342008fe" Content-Length: 12139 Accept-Ranges: bytes Connection: close Content-Type: text/html
8/1/1997 There is good news for those who suffer from ulcers. A common bacterium, H. Pylori, has been associated with some types of ulcers. When this is the case, the ulcer can be treated with a combination of standard ulcer medication and antibiotics. This combination has been shown to help the healing and reduce the possibility of recurrence. Ask your doctor about a blood test for H. Pylori. 8/2/1997 When protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays, don't forget your lips. Your lips are extremely sun-sensitive. Make sure your lip moisturizer contains a sunscreen, preferably with a protection rating of at least SPF-15. 8/3/1997 Do you think you're too old to regain youthful flexibility? Wrong! Recent studies have shown that anyone, at any age, can improve flexibility with stretching exercises. Consult your doctor to find out the best way to start a stretching regimen. 8/4/1997 Some studies have shown that foods rich in vitamin C and E may help ward off allergy attacks. Foods rich in vitamin E may also help reduce the risk of developing adult-onset asthma. So pile on the broccoli, strawberries and cantaloupe (good sources of vitamin C), and almonds, peanuts and sunflower seeds (for added vitamin E). 8/5/1997 Broccoli is a better source of nutrition than most people think. Not only is it full of vitamin C and an excellent cancer fighting food, but it is also packed with calcium-a calcium that is as well-digested as that in milk, according to the USDA. One cup of broccoli has about 60% of the calcium of a glass of milk, but without the fat. 8/6/1997 Not all sun-blockers are alike. If you have fair skin, buy a sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide for better protection against the sun's harmful rays. Many commercial tanning lotions (those with a high SPF rating) contain these ingredients. Check the label. 8/7/1997 Even if you're not the best swimmer, water can still provide a satisfactory way to get some exercise. Try waterwalking in a pool (at the shallow end) or at the beach (stay parallel to the shoreline). Waterwalking at a steady, brisk pace can burn between 300 and 500 calories per hour! 8/8/1997 If you have osteoarthritis and have been avoiding exercise due to pain, try a warm bath or shower before exercise. Start gently and carefully, and be sure to warm up first with gentle stretching. If it is still too painful to continue, stop and consult your doctor. 8/9/1997 Be especially careful when treating your lawn and garden this summer. Wear gardening gloves, and, if using dry chemicals, wear a mask also. If any of the chemicals get on your skin, wash them off immediately with soap and water. 8/10/1997 Summer air pollution can present special problems for those who suffer with asthma or heart problems. Keep updated on local pollution reports. If possible, restrict your outdoor activity to morning hours, or better yet, stay inside. Be sure to clean the air filter on your air conditioner frequently, and have your doctor monitor your condition and medications. 8/11/1997 If you've had cataract surgery or take a drug that increases sensitivity to light (such as tetracycline), see your eye doctor, who may recommend lenses that offer extra protection. 8/12/1997 In addition to regular mammograms (for women over 40), a monthly self-examination of the breasts is important. In order to be a good diagnostic tool, however, the exam must be done properly, at the same time each month. Ask your doctor to instruct you in the correct self-examination procedure. It could save your life. 8/13/1997 Here's another good reason for women to stay fit and eat a low-fat diet: obesity and high-fat diets have been linked to some breast cancer. Staying fit, along with monthly self-exams, will assure that you're doing all you can to reduce the risk. 8/14/1997 Bunions can be painful, and are often caused by poorly fitting shoes, especially those with narrow toes and high heels. If you suspect you are developing a bunion, try switching shoes, soaking your feet in warm water or using some gentle massage. If the problem persists over time, consult a podiatrist. 8/15/1997 Mild cases of dandruff can usually be kept under control by an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. In severe cases, however, the condition may be something more, such as psoriasis. If dandruff is getting worse, despite over-the-counter treatments, or if severe crusting, itching and redness develop, see your doctor. 8/16/1997 Do you ever see spots before your eyes? Tiny spots and lines that occasionally drift across your eyes are called floaters, and are generally nothing to worry about. They are sloughed off retinal cells "floating" in the jelly-like substance that fills much of your eyeball. But in rare instances, when accompanied by flashing lights, blurry vision or partial vision loss, they could indicate a more serious condition. In that case, see your eye doctor immediately. 8/17/1997 Iron deficiency, in its initial stages, usually has no symptoms. It can take months or even years to see symptoms of full-blown iron deficiency, or anemia, to appear. These symptoms may include weakness, shortness of breath, paleness, poor appetite or increased susceptibility to infection. However, these symptoms disappear when iron levels return to normal. 8/18/1997 Over a lifetime, the average woman will need twice as much iron as a man. Good sources of iron include beef liver, clams, raw oysters, dried apricots, beans, legumes and baked potatoes. While spinach is a well-known source of iron, it is not as easily absorbed as the iron from other sources. 8/19/1997 Not all sources of iron are easily absorbed by the body. In general, iron from meat, fish and poultry is absorbed better than iron from vegetable sources. To boost iron absorption, add foods or beverages that are rich in vitamin C. By adding as little as 75 milligrams of vitamin C (as in a 5 oz. cup of orange juice), you could get three to seven times more absorbable iron from your meal. 8/20/1997 Make sure that the seal on your microwave oven is kept clean. This will keep the door tight and avoid any leakage. If you suspect a problem with your microwave oven, or if it is old, you may want to have it checked by a repair shop or the manufacturer. While most microwave ovens are problem-free, always stand a few feet from the oven when it is in use to be safe. 8/21/1997 RSIs (Repetitive Stress Injuries) are not always work-related. Many can be caused or aggravated by sports or exercise equipment. It's important to vary your sports activities by cross-training, or at least providing frequent breaks during practice sessions. When appropriate, use wrist supports. If pain is present, stop your activity. 8/22/1997 If you choose to cross-train to improve your overall fitness level, follow a few simple guidelines. Start slowly, as with any new activity. Combine sports that train different parts of your body such as swimming and cycling or rowing and running. Alternate activities every other day, if possible, to give each muscle group time to recover. 8/23/1997 One of the easiest ways to cross-train is at the gym or YMCA. Most have training "circuits" which combine aerobic activity with different progressive resistance equipment. Each piece of equipment works different muscle groups to give you a balanced workout. 8/24/1997 Chronic halitosis (bad breath) is often an indication of gum disease. If this is a persistent problem for you, despite good oral hygiene habits, ask your dentist. (Good oral hygiene includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day.) If your gums consistently bleed when you floss, see your dentist immediately. 8/25/1997 Something as simple as correct posture may help you avoid back and neck pain. Stand with your head held over your shoulders, chin parallel to the floor and your neck straight. Tightening your abdomen will help relieve strain on your lower back, especially when standing for long periods of time. 8/26/1997 Proper posture while you're sitting is just as important as good standing posture. When you're sitting, extra stress is put on your lower back caused by the upper body shifting forward. Choose a chair which firmly supports your lower back (if necessary, use a rolled up towel or lumbar pillow for lower back support). Sit firmly in the back of the chair with your chest lifted and your upper back straight. 8/27/1997 Glaucoma is an eye disease marked by increased pressure within the eyeball, which can ultimately damage the optic nerve. Since it has no symptoms in its early stages, it is important to get a glaucoma test with your annual eye exam. A few minutes can save your vision. 8/28/1997 Many adults don't get enough fiber in their diet. A diet high in fiber may help reduce the risk of a number of different diseases or conditions including constipation, diverticulosis, heart disease, and even breast cancer. While not all the evidence is in yet, one thing is certain. The simple change of adding more fiber may greatly benefit many areas of your health. 8/29/1997 Adding more fiber to your diet doesn't mean living exclusively on oat bran. A wide variety of foods contain fiber-including all fruits and vegetables! Simply substituting fruit for those cupcake snacks, or whole wheat bread for white bread, can significantly increase your dietary fiber. 8/30/1997 Frequent flying can take its toll on the body, as any airline pilot or flight attendant can tell you. It may wreak havoc with sinuses, dry out the skin, cause swollen feet and hamper digestion and circulation. Try to anticipate these conditions by drinking plenty of water before and during the flight, walking around the cabin whenever possible and chewing gum or using a decongestant to help clear your ears. 8/31/1997 When traveling, be sure to pack enough of your prescription medication for the entire trip. If you take several different medications, you may want to pick up a divided pill box at your nearest Walgreens. |