Health Tip: Drugs That May Lead to Diarrhea

(HealthDay News) -- Certain medications are more likely than others to aggravate the digestive tract and result in loose stools, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says.
The agency says they include:

• Antibiotics, which often cause diarrhea because they kill bacteria -- even the good bacteria -- found in the intestines.
• Chemotherapy drugs, used to treat cancer.
• Immune system-suppressing drugs, such as mycophenolate.
• Some herbal teas that contain senna or other substances that are natural laxatives.
• A laxative is meant to relieve constipation. But taking too much of a laxative can lead to problem diarrhea.

Health Tip: Strive for Beautiful, Healthy Skin

(HealthDay News) -- It takes some work to keep skin clear, moisturized and looking young and healthy.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these skin care suggestions:

• Drink a lot of water every day. It will show on the outside.


• Gently but thoroughly wash your face twice each day.


• Always remove makeup before bed.


• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.


• Use a toner after you wash to get rid of any leftover dirt, makeup or oil.


• Always use a moisturizer, even if your skin is oily. You may opt for an oil-free brand.

Health Tip: Are You at Risk for Gallstones?

(HealthDay News) -- Gallstones occur when fluids in the gallbladder solidify and turn into stones that can trigger severe pain. In some cases, they can lead to surgical removal of the gallbladder.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of common risk factors for gallstones:

• Being female.
• Being of Mexican or American Indian heritage.
• Being diabetic.
• Being older than age 60.
• Being pregnant.
• Taking birth control pills.
• Being overweight.
• Eating a high-cholesterol diet.
• Having recently lost a lot of weight.
• Having a personal or family history of gallstones.

Health Tip: Why a Hysterectomy May Be Needed

(HealthDay News) -- A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to partially or completely remove a woman's uterus.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the surgery may be recommended for:

• Uterine tumors, such as those caused by uterine fibroids or endometrial cancer.
• Cervical or ovarian cancer.
• Endometriosis that is quite painful and doesn't improve with other treatments.
• Uncontrolled vaginal bleeding.
• A prolapsed uterus.
• Complications that occur during childbirth.

Health Tip: Using Orthotic Shoe Inserts

(HealthDay News) -- Orthotics are prescription inserts worn in the shoes to help correct a deformity or problem with the foot. For example, the devices can help many people with flat feet walk, run and stand with more comfort and less pain.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these suggestions for those who wear orthotics:

• Choose shoes that are supportive and wide enough to comfortably accommodate your orthotics.
• When shoe shopping, bring your orthotics along to try on with shoes, making sure they fit comfortably together.
• Wear appropriate socks when shopping for new shoes.
• Have recommended follow-ups with your podiatrist to be sure your feet and orthotics are working well together.

Health Tip: Asthmatics Don't Have to Stop Exercising

(HealthDay News) -- Exercise is good for most people, even asthmatics who have their doctor's approval.

The American Council on Exercise offers these suggestions to help reduce your risk of an asthma attack while exercising:

• Keep your inhaler or other asthma medication nearby, in case you become short of breath during exercise.
• Warm up for at least 15 minutes before exercise.
• Take plenty of time to cool down, and slowly decrease your activity.
• Drink plenty of water before exercise.
• Don't exercise outdoors when air quality is compromised by allergens or pollution.
• Don't overexert yourself.
• Breathe deeply, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
• Don't push yourself too much. Give yourself a break, especially if it feels like you're on the verge of an asthma attack.

Health Tip: Avoid Animal Bites

(HealthDay News) -- Even the most friendly of cats and dogs can inadvertently bite you or a loved one, which could lead to an infection.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help prevent animal bites:

• Small children should never be left unattended with any animal.
• If you see animals fighting, avoid trying to separate them.
• Don't approach or touch animals that appear sick, or any animals with which you're not familiar.
• Never touch or bother an animal that is eating.
• Always keep your pets on a leash when away from home.
• Choose your family pets wisely, and make sure to keep their vaccinations current.

Health Tip: Lift Weights to Boost Your Health

(HealthDay News) -- Lifting weights is a great way to build up or tone your muscles. But if you're not careful, you can cause permanent injury.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions for safe weight lifting:

• Remember to always wear sturdy shoes that provide traction when lifting weights. Also make sure that any weight machines are in good working order.
• Keep your back straight when lifting. Also remember to be careful when carrying weights around the weight room.
• Always ask someone to spot you when lifting very heavy weights.
• Always exhale while you lift the weights upward.
• Limit each set of muscles to only three workouts each week.
• If your muscles start to hurt, stop lifting.

Healthy Heart Tips for a Bad Economy

(HealthDay News) -- The economic news is enough to weaken anyone's heart, and it sometimes does with people feeling stressed, eating poorly and cutting out workouts while trying to make ends meet.

"We've seen an increase in patients complaining about heart palpitations, anxiety and stress over the past months," Karol Watson, an associate professor of cardiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, said in a news release issued by the school. "Much of heart disease can be prevented. That's why it is so important to follow a healthy lifestyle and to control your cardiovascular risk factors."

UCLA cardiologists offer these tips for adults and children in these tough economic times:

• Eat better; exercise more. Eat a healthy diet, including five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. By cooking simple fresh foods at home, rather than indulging in restaurant fare or fast foods, you can save money and your health. Maintaining a good diet and exercise program -- even if it's just 30 minutes of walking around the neighborhood -- helps you prevent obesity, which adds to the risk of heart attacks, heart failure and diabetes.
• Don't skimp on health care. Putting off doctor visits, especially when you have symptoms, hurts your health more in the long run, as does skipping medications or splitting pills to cut costs. Maintain regular checkups. Look at pharmaceutical company prescription programs if medication costs are a concern for you.
• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking is an expensive habit that greatly increases your risk of cardiovascular problems. Quitting smoking quickly reduces the risk to your heart.
• Reduce stress. Find a positive outlet -- such as exercise, meditation or the company of others -- to ease stress and improve your health.
• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Get your levels checked and talk to your physician about the best plan of action to keep your LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels low and your HDL ("good") cholesterol levels high.
• Check your blood pressure. Hypertension is called the "silent killer," because it exhibits few warning signs. Today, several effective treatments are available for high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is normal, maintain it with a healthy lifestyle.

More information
The American Heart Association has more about maintaining a heart healthy lifestyle.

Health Tip: Be Wary of Fad Diets

(HealthDay News) -- If you're looking to help kick start your weight loss program, it's important to carefully research a diet plan before you commit to one.

Look for these warning signs of an unhealthy fad diet, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• A diet that promises very fast weight loss -- anything more than a pound or two per week.
• A diet that promises weight loss without changing diet habits or engaging in an exercise program.
• A diet that is promoted by "scientific" testimonials and pictures of "before" and "after" success stories.
• A diet that involves expensive seminars, medications, or pre-made meals.
• A diet that focuses on very few acceptable foods, and doesn't focus on a healthy, balanced diet.
• A diet that points to simple explanations drawn from confusing research.

Health Tip: Dizziness During Pregnancy

(HealthDay News) -- Many women feel dizzy during pregnancy, a condition caused by hormones that help increase blood flow to the baby, but may restrict blood flow to you.
The American Pregnancy Association offers these suggestions to help relieve dizziness during pregnancy:

• Try not to stand up for long periods. When you do have to stand, move your feet frequently to help maintain your circulation.
• When you start to stand up, do so slowly.
• Keep a cool body temperature. Avoid very hot baths or showers.
• Don't go too long without eating.
• Make sure clothing is loose and not so tight that it can reduce blood circulation.
• Ask your doctor about other factors that could cause dizziness. In some women, lying on their back may impede blood flow as the weight of the fetus presses on certain blood vessels.

Health Tip: Walking for Exercise

(HealthDay News) -- Walking is a great form of daily exercise that can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions to help you establish a walking-for-exercise program:

Walk at your usual pace for about 5 minutes, then speed it up to where your heart is beating faster and you feel like you're inhaling more air. Keep up this pace for about 15 minutes. Repeat your warm-up pace for another 5 minutes.

• Always wear a sturdy pair of shoes that offer good arch and heel support.
• While you walk, remember to let your arms swing.
• Walk with your toes pointing straight ahead.
• Flatten your abdomen, straighten your back, and walk with your head up.
• Walk briskly and with long strides, but make sure your stride is comfortable.

Health Tip: Hide or Get Rid of Excess Hair

(HealthDay News) -- In women, factors such as hormonal changes, diet, illness, or use of certain medications can trigger the growth of excess or unwanted hair.

To remove or minimize its appearance, the U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions:

• Bleach the hair so that it is less visible.
• Shave, wax, pluck or chemically remove the hair.
• Use electrolysis, a procedure in which an electric current is used to prevent hair from growing. But several treatments may be required.
• Remove hair with laser treatments.
• Lose weight. This can affect hormone levels, and in turn, reduce hair growth.

Health Tip: Easing Hemorrhoid Pain

(HealthDay News) -- Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins on the anus or rectum, and may occur from straining to have a bowel movement.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these tips to help soothe hemorrhoid pain and discomfort:

• Take a warm bath.
• Use moistened toilet paper or a moist towelette to clean yourself after a bowel movement.
• Apply an ice pack.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Try a topical cream -- when recommended by your doctor. Creams that help numb the area may contain witch hazel, or those that soothe itching may contain hydrocortisone.
• Don't use a hemorrhoid medicine unless you've spoken to your doctor about it first.

Health Tip: Exercising With Back Pain

(HealthDay News) -- If you have chronic back pain, it can periodically put you out of commission and onto the couch.




Once you're feeling better, exercise can help prevent another bout with an aching back.

You should always check with your doctor before you begin any new activity. But here are some general guidelines about exercise and back pain, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:

• Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming or biking generally are safe for a sore back.
• If your muscles feel sore or tight, take a warm shower before exercising.
• Wear loose clothing, and don't wear shoes.
• Stop any exercise that causes pain
• Avoid exercises such as sit-ups, hip twists, toe touches, or any that involve backward arching.
• Avoid impact sports such as soccer, football and volleyball.
• Avoid any activity that may stress your back, such as lifting heavy weights.

Health Tip: Prevent Nail Problems

(HealthDay News) -- Like the skin, your finger and toe nails can indicate health problems, including conditions that affect the kidneys, liver and thyroid gland.

On their own, it's important to keep your nails healthy and in good condition. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions:

• Don't bite your nails, or pick or tear at them. If you have trouble stopping these behaviors, talk with your doctor.
• Clip hangails regularly.
• Cut your toenails in a straight line.
• Wear comfortable shoes that don't squeeze the toes.
• Keep fingernails short.
• Take the vitamin biotin to help strengthen brittle nails, and apply a coat of clear nail polish that contains protein.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Infertility

(HealthDay News) -- There may be nothing women can do if their infertility is associated with genetic issues or an illness.

But the American Pregnancy Association says there are general steps women can take to decrease the likelihood of an infertility issue:

• Avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
• Don't use illegal drugs.
• Avoid excessive alcohol use.
• Adopt good hygiene and general health practices.
  

Health Tip: Bonding With Your Premature Baby

(HealthDay News) -- Premature babies -- those born earlier than 37 weeks -- are at higher risk of complications and may need to spend time in the hospital's neonatal intensive care until they are healthy enough to go home.

The American Pregnancy Association offers these suggestions to help you bond with your premature newborn:

• Gently touch or stroke your baby as often as possible.
• Try talking, reading or singing to your baby, who is used to the comforting sound of your voice.
• If allowed, change your baby's diaper yourself.
• Take your baby's temperature when it's time.
• Participate in giving your baby the first bath.

Health Tip: Biking Safely

(HealthDay News) -- Proper supervision and wearing protective gear, especially a helmet, are critical to biking safely.

The Nemours Foundation offers these safety tips for children to prevent biking accidents:

• Wear fluorescent, brightly-colored or reflective clothing when biking, especially at night or in the evening. Avoid dark clothes.
• Wear lightweight clothing to keep cool.
• Wear pants with tight-fitting legs -- no flared or wide leg pants that can get caught in gears or spokes.
• If biking with a backpack, make sure the straps are tied up and out of the way.
• Wear sturdy shoes that can grip bike pedals. Never wear cleats, heeled shoes, or flip flops, and never bike barefoot.

Health Tip: Controlling Hot Flashes

(HealthDay News) -- Hot flashes are a common side effect of hormonal changes that occur during menopause.

Here are suggestions from the University of California San Francisco Medical Center on how to prepare for hot flashes, especially at bedtime:

• Keep your bedroom cool, and keep a nearby fan on while you sleep.
• Wear light, cotton pajamas.
• Put cotton or "t-shirt" sheets on the bed to help absorb sweat.
• Have an extra clean pair of pajamas and sheets near the bed, so you can quickly change them if they get too damp
• Before heading to bed, take a warm bath or shower.