Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 20:47:47 GMT Server: Apache/1.2.4 Last-Modified: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 16:44:46 GMT ETag: "4b680-2ea6-342008fe" Content-Length: 11942 Accept-Ranges: bytes Connection: close Content-Type: text/html Walgreens, The Pharmacy America Trusts-Health Tips, July

Previous Walgreens Daily Health Tips


July, 1997

7/1/1997
Take care when drinking alcoholic or caffeinated beverages in the heat of summer. Both can cause dehydration which can lead to weakness, dizziness, nausea and cramps. Be sure to drink plenty of water during the hot summer days.

7/2/1997
If you're allergic to milk products, you may be deficient in calcium. Consider taking calcium supplements. Ask your doctor which supplements may be right for you. Your doctor may even recommend a combination of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.

7/3/1997
There are numerous benefits to calcium/magnesium supplements. They are essential for heart, muscles and bones. In addition, calcium and magnesium have been helpful for leg cramps and allergies, and have been found to be natural calmatives.

7/4/1997
If you jog during the hot weather, try keeping your head wet by sprinkling yourself with water before you run, and thereafter, every 10 to 20 minutes. It also helps to wear light clothing that allows perspiration to evaporate.

7/5/1997
If you take prescription medicine, it's best to take it with a glass of water. To combine it with other beverages may be dangerous. Hot beverages may cause the medication to dissolve prematurely, irritating the esophagus. Beverages such as milk may neutralize the potency of certain medications. But water helps maximize absorption naturally and safely.

7/6/1997
Don't risk your eyes to save a few dollars on eye makeup. Dermatologists recommend discarding mascara after three months of use. Bacteria on your lashes can be transferred to the mascara, then back to your eye, causing infection.

7/7/1997
If you find it difficult to remove water from your ears after swimming, use one of the commercial products available instead of using cotton swabs. Inserting anything in your ear presents the risk of damaging your ear drum. But ear wax removal kits are designed to remove excess water safely when you follow label directions.

7/8/1997
During food preparation, bacteria can be transferred via cutting boards, utensils and human handling. Remember to keep separate cutting boards for meats and vegetables or wash your board thoroughly with soap and hot water between uses.

7/9/1997
Barbecue season presents excellent opportunities for bacteria to spread. Grill safely. Clean your grill after each use, and handle meats carefully. For example, never place cooked meat from the grill back on the original plate containing the raw meat juices. Always use a separate plate.

7/10/1997
One simple way to safeguard your food from harmful bacteria is to refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible. Food, raw or cooked, should never be left out for more than two hours. Thaw meats in the refrigerator rather than on the kitchen counter where bacteria can spread rapidly.

7/11/1997
Following a vegetarian diet can give you more fiber, vitamins and less fat. But choose foods carefully to avoid deficiencies in protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron and zinc. You may want to include vitamin and mineral supplements to complete a well-balanced diet. Discuss your diet with your doctor or registered nutritionist.

7/12/1997
Breakfast does make a difference. Numerous studies have shown that school children who eat breakfast every morning outperform those who don't. This applies to adults as well. Your body needs fuel to function as much as your automobile needs gasoline to run.

7/13/1997
There is new evidence that eating a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet may help to prevent breast cancer by decreasing breast density, a characteristic that's associated with the disease.

7/14/1997
A recent study from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston suggests that spinach and other leafy vegetables (which are high in the nutrient folate) may help regulate mood. Researchers discovered that folate levels were low in people with certain types of depression. A diet high in folate-rich foods may help.

7/15/1997
Anyone who suffers with PMS knows that the symptoms range from annoying to debilitating. But there are some simple things you can try in order to reduce the symptoms. Get some exercise, avoid caffeine and sugary foods, eat small, frequent meals and investigate stress reduction or relaxation techniques.

7/16/1997
Contact dermatitis is skin irritation, itching or inflammation caused by a substance in direct contact with the skin. This substance can be anything from cosmetics to jewelry. If you notice sudden irritation, itching, redness, swelling or blisters, do a quick check to determine what jewelry or cosmetic changes you've made recently. If this is impossible, you may need to see a dermatologist.

7/17/1997
There are some home remedies you can try in order to get relief from contact dermatitis before seeing a dermatologist. Try a cold compress, calamine lotion or an over-the-counter cortisone treatment. If these don't bring some relief within 24 hours, call a dermatologist. The most important thing you can do in the meantime is to leave the affected area alone! Scratching will only make the condition worse.

7/18/1997
Heat exhaustion can occur in hot, humid weather when you don't drink enough water to sufficiently cool the body. Symptoms may include weakness, headache or dizziness, along with excessive thirst. When you experience these symptoms, allow your body to cool down by getting out of the sun, moving into a cool environment and drinking plenty of water.

7/19/1997
If heat exhaustion occurs and is allowed to continue without treatment, it could lead to heat stroke, a serious condition where the body temperature rises dangerously high (over 105°F). Symptoms may include confusion, delirium, seizures and loss of consciousness. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention, or damage to the brain and other organs may occur. Cool the body rapidly with ice packs and get help immediately!

7/20/1997
While vitamin supplements can be beneficial, some vitamins, taken in high doses, can be toxic. Vitamins A and D fall into this category. Be sure to stay within the FDA's recommended daily allowance guidelines for these vitamins to be safe.

7/21/1997
If you suffer from hypertension and are considering weight lifting to get in better shape, be careful. Lifting heavy weights may cause blood pressure to rise to a dangerous level. It is safer to consider circuit training, a routine of lighter, quicker weight lifting combined with mild aerobic activity.

7/22/1997
A growing number of adult Americans are lactose intolerant-that is, they lack the ability to digest milk products. Symptoms may include gas, stomach cramps and diarrhea. The good news is, many products are now available which can eliminate these symptoms and help you to digest lactose properly. Some of these include lactase tablets or liquid and commercially available lactose-reduced milk.

7/23/1997
Some researchers estimate that certain foods may play a role in as many as 10 to 40 percent of headaches, especially migraines. If you suffer from frequent headaches, ask your doctor about the possibility of food allergies or sensitivities which may be adding to (or even causing) the problem.

7/24/1997
One common cause of recurring headaches is high blood pressure. If you suddenly find yourself getting more headaches and taking more pain reliever, have your blood pressure checked. If it is high (with the top number exceeding 140 and the bottom number exceeding 90), ask your doctor or registered Walgreens pharmacist about the best way to reduce it.

7/25/1997
Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous condition that affects more than 50,000 Americans. It causes the sufferer to stop breathing briefly during sleep, and is usually accompanied by loud snoring as he or she tries to "catch up" breathing. Those with sleep apnea sleep poorly and are tired all the time. If you suspect that you or a loved one has this condition, see a doctor for tests.

7/26/1997
For some, summer travel can mean enduring the discomfort of motion sickness. By acting in advance, you may be able to prevent it. Avoid eating heavy meals or drinking alcohol before the trip. During the trip, try to focus on the horizon or some other fixed point in the distance. If necessary, use an over-the-counter medication designed to prevent motion sickness. But beware...some may cause drowsiness.

7/27/1997
Don't take antacids that contain aluminum if you are taking a prescription drug. It may cause a drug interaction. First, check with your doctor or health care provider.

7/28/1997
Choose your next pair of sunglasses carefully. Labeling for UV light protection is voluntary, therefore, you could be taking unnecessary risks. If your sport or occupation keeps you in bright environments (where sunlight is reflected off of water or snow), see your eye doctor to find the right sunglasses for you.

7/29/1997
When traveling abroad, don't count on embassies of foreign countries to give you the most up-to-date information about which immunization shots you may need to enter the countries. The best source for that information is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA.

7/30/1997
For active sports that may cause you to roll your ankle (such as basketball), wear snugly laced, high top gym shoes for extra protection. They stabilize the ankle and protect against inversion injuries. When choosing which shoes to buy, look for ones that are high enough to support your ankles well.

7/31/1997
Summertime is insect time! While most insect repellents are safe to use (following label directions), some people may develop allergic reactions to insect repellents-especially those containing deet. Symptoms may include breathing difficulty or even seizures, and infants and children are at higher risk than adults. If you're using insect repellent on children, use those with a lower concentration of deet, and don't apply excessive amounts.

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