Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 20:47:11 GMT Server: Apache/1.2.4 Last-Modified: Thu, 02 Oct 1997 19:14:28 GMT ETag: "4b692-2e48-3433f294" Content-Length: 11848 Accept-Ranges: bytes Connection: close Content-Type: text/html Walgreens, The Pharmacy America Trusts-Health Tips, September

Previous Walgreens Daily Health Tips


September, 1997

9/1/1997
Do you think you need to buy all of the latest exercise gadgets to lose some weight? There's good news. New research suggests that walking on a treadmill burns more calories than any other type of indoor exercise equipment.

9/2/1997
If you're thinking about a trip to the mountains, prepare yourself for the altitude change. There are a few simple things you can do to help avoid the breathlessness, headaches, fatigue and nausea that altitude sickness can cause. Move up slowly to allow your body time to adjust, slow down if you become fatigued and avoid cigarettes and alcohol which can aggravate symptoms.

9/3/1997
About two-thirds of women face hair loss at some point in life. Many factors can contribute to this (age, hormones, medications, diet, stress, illness, childbirth and thyroid disease, to name a few). If you are concerned, see your doctor. In the meantime, minimize the use of dyes or perms, be careful how you comb your hair when it's wet and protect it from the sun as much as possible.

9/4/1997
Trembling hands aren't simply a part of the aging process. They may be a sign of something called "essential tremor" - a movement disorder that can also affect the face, head or voice. Essential tremor does not lead to other health problems and is not linked to Parkinson's disease. For some, avoiding stressful situations and stimulants are the only treatments necessary. If the tremor is severe, however, your doctor may recommend medication or surgery.

9/5/1997
Many people think that by limiting the calcium in their diet, they will be limiting the calcium build-up in their arteries. However, according to the Mayo clinic, the calcium you get through foods has no effect on the buildup of calcium in the blood vessels. The best way to prevent build-up is to exercise and eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.

9/6/1997
Because heredity plays a role in many diseases, you might consider constructing a family medical history as an aid to you and your doctor. Special attention should be paid to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, ALS, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

9/7/1997
You can cut your cholesterol intake without necessarily sacrificing your favorite recipes. Simply substitute two egg whites for each whole egg. You'll still get the benefit of essential protein without the additional cholesterol.

9/8/1997
If, despite changes in your diet and lifestyle, your doctor says your cholesterol is still too high, he or she may recommend a cholesterol-lowering drug. These drugs work by reducing the "bad" cholesterol in your blood and slowing plaque build-up in your blood vessels. Most of the possible side effects are not serious, but since this is a long-term treatment, carefully weigh the options with your doctor

9/9/1997
Substituting some soy for meat in your diet is an inexpensive way to add protein while lowering cholesterol. In fact, soy protein is the most complete protein you can find in vegetable sources - nutritionally just as good as that in animal protein. And there's a wide variety of ways to enjoy it - from soy burgers to tofu to miso soup.

9/10/1997
If something gets in your eye, do not rub it! Rubbing may cause serious damage. Instead, have someone else look at the eye under good light, gently pulling the lower lid downward while you look upward. (Reverse the procedure for the upper lid.) Try flushing the eye with an over-the-counter eyewash. If this doesn't clear the eye, or if pain and redness persist, seek emergency help.

9/11/1997
Chigger bites can cause severe itching. However, many over-the-counter medications may help relieve the itch - especially those with 1 percent hydrocortisone. Oral antihistamines may also help. Ask your doctor or Walgreens pharmacist which may be best for you.

9/12/1997
Because of its constant motion, the lower back is most vulnerable to back injury. Excess weight (especially around the middle), lack of muscle tone and poor posture can aggravate minor back pain. If you suffer from recurring lower back pain, ask your doctor about exercises to strengthen your back, and strive to maintain the weight that is appropriate for your height and bone structure.

9/13/1997
Safety caps can be annoying, but it's important to realize that they do help save lives. If you have children around, buy only medicine with safety caps. It's also important to keep all medicines in a locked cabinet, away from small children.

9/14/1997
Some household molds are more hazardous than others. Stachybotrys, for example, is a slimy black household mold that has apparently caused several infant deaths. Infants are more susceptible because the mold's toxin attacks rapidly developing cells. However, adults can suffer as well - usually with persistent headaches, nausea, fatigue, chronic colds and rashes. Fortunately, this type of mold is rare and only grows in extremely wet conditions. But as with all household fungus, watch for signs.

9/15/1997
Accidental poisoning can happen in an instant. Take the time to do a thorough safety check of your home, room by room, making sure that all hazardous cleaning products and all medications are stored in locked cabinets.

9/16/1997
Before buying plush toys for baby, check to see that small parts (such as eyes) cannot be pulled off. Also, make sure toys are not small enough for baby to try to swallow. Choose toys from recognized toy manufacturers as they may adhere to higher safety standards and quality controls.

9/17/1997
When buying baby products such as high chairs, strollers, etc., look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification seal. That means that the product has been tested by an independent testing lab and meets strict American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.

9/18/1997
A good diet is important for everyone, but especially for babies. Read labels carefully on pre-packaged baby food to avoid unnecessary preservatives or food coloring. If you choose to make your own baby food in a blender, check with your doctor for some "do's and don't's" before you start.

9/19/1997
Avoid burns. When heating a baby's bottle in the microwave, take special care to test the temperature of the contents before giving it to your baby. Remember that microwaving food makes the contents much hotter than the container.

9/20/1997
About 1 in 375 African-Americans have sickle cell disease, an inherited disorder which causes red blood cells to become curved rather than round. This can cause blockage of blood flow and tissue damage. All newborn babies should be tested for sickle cell disease with a simple blood test. If your child does have the disease, talk to your family doctor or pediatrician right away to make sure you get the best care possible.

9/21/1997
As school season begins, be sure your children have their basic series of vaccinations. Ask your doctor what additional things you might do to help keep them healthy, even in the midst of the cold and flu season.

9/22/1997
Changes in the weather can often bring sinus pain and allergies. Over-the-counter sinus and allergy medications can help relieve some of the symptoms, but be sure to use them only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your doctor.

9/23/1997
Although lead in the environment has been greatly reduced, there is still a sufficient cause for concern. When high doses of lead are ingested (from polluted water, air or soil), it can be lethal. Even constant low-level exposure can produce harmful effects. And because children may absorb more lead than adults, they may be at greater risk. To be sure of your children's safety, ask your doctor about lead screening.

9/24/1997
If you think drinking carbonated beverages will relieve nausea, think again. Carbonation tends to cause bloat in an already upset stomach. It may even cause vomiting. It's better to eat a cracker (or other dry food) and lie down for a while.

9/25/1997
If you wear contact lenses, clean the case and replace it about every six months to help prevent a corneal ulcer, a painful and possibly dangerous eye condition.

9/26/1997
Don't count on regular eye glasses to protect you from injury in high-risk sports (such as racquetball, tennis, baseball and hockey). They could break and actually increase the risk of injury. Instead, ask your eye doctor about 3mm-thick, polycarbonate prescription lenses.

9/27/1997
If you're eating more tuna to reduce the amount of animal fat in your diet, consider how that tuna is packed. Tuna packed in oil can increase the fat content three to five times, even if the oil is drained first. It's best to choose tuna packed in water and save yourself the 50% additional calories as well.

9/28/1997
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), you may want to ask your doctor about dietary changes that could help supplement medication, or even be used as an alternative. A recent study at Cornell University School of Medicine confirmed a link between diet and ADHD symptom severity.

9/29/1997
Autumn is the start of cold and flu season, but you can try to stay ahead of it. Wash your hands often, get plenty of rest, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and take a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. If you are at higher risk because of age or chronic illness, consider getting a flu shot.

9/30/1997
About 40 percent of people over 65 fall each year. Certain health conditions, such as poor vision, cardiovascular disease and leg and feet disorders, may increase the risk. Most people can reduce the risk, however, with a combination of exercise (such as walking) and balance improvement techniques (such as Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese discipline involving slow, non-strenuous movements).
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