tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79376632061769337842009-12-16T09:51:31.656-08:00RKLnoreply@blogger.comBlogger337125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-82998476382400399802009-12-16T09:51:00.000-08:002009-12-16T09:51:31.664-08:00

Diabetic nephropathy is damage to the kidneys caused by complications of diabetes. In cases of diabetic neuropathy, the kidneys don't function properly, and may even stop working completely, the American Academy of Family Physicians warns. The academy offers this list of possible warning signs: Having swollen ankles and feet. Feeling weak. Having loss of appetite. Having nausea or stomach upset

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-62221483740402663072009-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:002009-12-15T13:34:29.806-08:00

It's up to parents to protect their children from burn injuries. The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital offers these suggestions: Make sure your child isn't too close when you are preparing hot foods or brewing hot liquids. Avoid using a tablecloth, as a toddler could pull it and be burned by falling hot objects. Don't heat infant formula in the microwave, as it may heat unevenly and burn baby.

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-37938399478723402112009-12-04T17:50:00.000-08:002009-12-04T17:50:53.199-08:00

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterium that is found in as many as 30 percent of pregnant women, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says. GBS is not sexually transmitted, and although it has a similar name, it is not the bacterium that causes strep throat. Most babies exposed to the germ don't get sick, but a few develop serious complications. That's why many women are

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-56980957554624387052009-12-03T10:21:00.001-08:002009-12-03T10:21:45.861-08:00

Bruxism is used to describe grinding the teeth or clenching the jaws, especially while asleep or under stress. In many cases, the teeth aren't damaged, although some kids who grind may have headaches or earaches. The Nemours Foundation offers this list of bruxism's possible warning signs: Your child makes a grinding sound while asleep. Your child's jaw or face is sore in the morning. Your child

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-26523939745414291142009-12-01T16:21:00.000-08:002009-12-01T16:21:36.347-08:00

Your home may be full of dangerous chemicals, in the form of cleaning supplies, medications and even the paint on your walls. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions to help prevent poisonings at home: Keep your child away from areas with peeling paint or chewable items covered with lead-based paint. Make sure chemicals, cleaning products and medications are

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-19901296606056422692009-11-30T10:56:00.000-08:002009-11-30T10:56:12.011-08:00

If you've been diagnosed with cancer, it's a difficult task to inform friends and family. The American Cancer Society suggests how to approach the subject: Compose a list of people you want to tell yourself, and other people you want them to notify for you. Also, jot down thoughts about how you'd like to begin, and what you want to share. Explain your type of cancer, and share as much about your

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-27661765874929527952009-11-23T09:50:00.000-08:002009-11-23T09:50:55.993-08:00

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, resulting in high blood sugar levels that can pose dangers for mom and baby. The National Diabetes Clearinghouse offers suggestions about possible treatments for gestational diabetes: Get regular exercise, such as swimming or walking. Keep desserts and sweets to a minimum. Control portion sizes, focusing on three small meals and several snacks. Limit

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-26666048991637861452009-11-17T09:00:00.000-08:002009-11-17T09:00:07.067-08:00

When babies are teething, they're generally miserable from the pain, swelling and tenderness in their gums. Here are suggestions from the Nemours Foundation to help comfort little ones who are teething: Use a warm, wet cloth to wipe down baby's face and remove any drool. This may help prevent a rash. Offer baby something soothing, such as a teething ring or a wet washcloth that's been chilled in

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-6135705312027333372009-11-12T14:55:00.000-08:002009-11-12T14:55:15.428-08:00

A food allergy -- commonly to edibles such as shellfish, nuts, wheat, eggs or milk -- often has telltale warning signs. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology offers this list of possibilities: Skin that itches, turns red or develops a rash. Watering, tearing eyesthat may also itch. Itching or congestion of the nose. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping or vomiting. Swelling.

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-31675123940620702782009-11-12T09:49:00.000-08:002009-11-12T09:49:23.932-08:00

The American Diabetes Association says anyone who is diabetic can benefit from blood glucose checks, especially if the person: Takes insulin or medication to manage diabetes. Is pregnant. Has difficulty keeping blood glucose stable and under control. Has dangerously low blood glucose, or develops ketones from high levels of blood glucose. Develops low blood glucose without the typical warning

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-17060475454427024822009-11-10T13:56:00.000-08:002009-11-10T13:56:49.574-08:00

Kids often get stressed, even without the pressures of adult life. Just as in adults, stress needs to be addressed in children. The Nemours Foundation lists these possible sources of childhood stress: Being involved in too many activities in and out of school. Having insufficient play time. Having parents who frequently fight and don't get along. Having an ill relative. Seeing frightening images

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-8692820155000619612009-11-09T08:19:00.000-08:002009-11-09T08:19:52.801-08:00

Your child's pediatrician may need a medical history when your child is sick or injured. To avoid having to remember everything in an emergency, it's best to start logging the child's history now. The Nemours Foundation says the history should contain: Any allergies your child has to foods, medications, insect bites or substances. All medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) that

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-17175006172932403612009-11-06T16:06:00.000-08:002009-11-06T16:08:15.084-08:00

The recession has made it more difficult than ever before for many Americans to afford prescription medications, but several options are available, according to an expert from Butler University in Indianapolis. First, talk to your pharmacist, advised Carriann Richey, director of outreach and assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Butler's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Pharmacists

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-75354605067812727182009-11-06T08:08:00.000-08:002009-11-06T08:08:01.250-08:00

A number of adverse effects can result if you don't take a medication as directed. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of possibilities: Side effects, such as dizziness or nausea. An interaction with another drug. An interaction with a food or beverage. An allergic reaction. A sensitivity that results from use of the drug, such as sensitivity to the sun.

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-38494824164212336132009-11-02T10:25:00.000-08:002009-11-02T10:25:19.252-08:00

Pica often affects children with developmental disorders, pregnant women and sometimes people with epilepsy. It's characterized by a craving to eat non-food substances, such as paint, plaster, chalk, cornstarch, dirt or cigarettes. The Nemours Foundation mentions these possible triggers for pica: Being deficient in vitamins and minerals, such as iron or zinc. Dieting too strictly. Being

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-76454973060114779062009-10-22T14:27:00.001-07:002009-10-22T14:29:02.262-07:00

There may be warning signs before your child has a full-blown asthma attack.The American Lung Association says parents should be on the lookout for these potential red flags that an asthma attack may be imminent:A frightened facial expression and posture that indicates the child can't relax.Restless sleep.Coughing, particularly at night.Sweating, pale skin, rapid breathing and flaring of the

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-54390399395368734072009-10-15T07:38:00.000-07:002009-10-15T07:39:48.437-07:00

New parents frequently have concerns about an infant's behavior, crying and fussiness. But how is a new parent to know what's normal and when to call the doctor?The Nemours Foundation offers these signs that it is time to call a pediatrician:When your infant aged 2 months or younger has a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.When your infant shows signs of dehydration, which may appear as

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-60675757622628530292009-10-14T09:16:00.000-07:002009-10-14T09:17:39.684-07:00

Pain-relieving medications offer relief for many people with sudden or chronic pain. But these drugs have their own risks and potential side effects.The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of pain-relieving alternatives to medication:Applying heat.Applying ice or a cold compress.Massaging the area.Getting sufficient rest.Using relaxation techniques.Using biofeedback, which teaches

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-498241622971608392009-10-12T14:25:00.000-07:002009-10-12T14:27:51.455-07:00

People always have excuses for why they don't exercise. But the American Diabetes Association says for every typical excuse not to get active, there's a solution:Think you don't have time? Start out exercising about 10 minutes per day. Before you know it, you'll want to increase the time spent working out.If you're too tired after a long work day, exercise in the morning before work, or during

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-10610885921642629832009-10-12T05:48:00.000-07:002009-10-12T05:49:57.948-07:00

If you're allergic to one or more things, your doctor may recommend allergy testing to find out what's behind your symptoms.The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this look at different types of allergy diagnostics:Skin tests, which involve placing potential allergens under the skin to look for any reaction. Skin tests can gauge pollen, food, mold and other potential allergens.An

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-62338750326628482912009-10-12T05:46:00.000-07:002009-10-12T05:48:16.156-07:00

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection that's contracted from contaminated food or drink. The infection can cause serious effects for a pregnant woman and her growing fetus, including miscarriage or early delivery.The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers this advice about how pregnant women can reduce their risk of contracting listeriosis:Avoid eating processed meats such as hot dogs and deli or

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-87554222257563394752009-10-08T08:46:00.001-07:002009-10-08T08:46:41.459-07:00

Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy, and affects about 4 percent of pregnant women, says the American Diabetes Association.Though scientists aren't certain of its exact cause, it's thought that hormones from the placenta make it difficult for the mother's body to process insulin.Left untreated, the baby can get too much blood sugar from the mother, possibly leading to a high birth

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-47072194279067900902009-10-07T07:36:00.000-07:002009-10-07T07:38:17.648-07:00

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly called NSAIDs, are medications that are often recommended for pain and inflammation. NSAIDs can be obtained by prescription or purchased over-the-counter. Examples include aspirin and ibuprofen.Some people who take NSAIDs have side effects such as nausea, bleeding, ulcers or impaired kidney function, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-69459628765892951192009-10-06T07:37:00.000-07:002009-10-06T07:38:49.958-07:00

The sun's rays may boost your mood, but they also contain harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer.The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help reduce your risk:Stay out of the sun, particularly when it's strongest, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Wear sunscreen.Cover your skin with long shirts and pants, and wear wide hats.At least once a

RKLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937663206176933784.post-9994694432035498782009-10-06T07:35:00.000-07:002009-10-06T07:37:21.862-07:00

Colic is a broad term for conditions that result in excessive crying among young babies. It's perfectly normal, and usually goes away on its own.The Nemours Foundation offers these recommendations to help soothe a colicky baby:Hold baby in a rocking chair and gently rock, or walk the infant around in your arms. Since no one option works for all babies, try a number of solutions until you find one

RKLnoreply@blogger.com