Health Tip: Pregnancy Affects the Skin

(HealthDay News) -- Pregnancy affects much of your body, even your skin.

Here's a list of changes to the skin that can occur while you're pregnant, provided by the American Pregnancy Association:

• Stretch marks -- pink or reddish streaks that can occur on your abdomen or breasts.


• Melasma -- dark spots that can appear on the face, especially the cheeks and forehead.


• They are caused by a change in hormones, which affect the skin's pigmentation.


• Oily skin on the face, or acne.


• Varicose and spider veins, both caused by increased blood circulation.


• Dry, itchy skin on the belly.


• Darkening of the linea nigra -- a dark line that runs from the belly button to the pubic bone.


• Moles and freckles that turn darker.


• Excess skin that forms beneath the breasts or arms.

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes

(HealthDay News) -- Gestational diabetes starts in women during pregnancy, then often disappears after the baby is born.

Women who develop the condition should be carefully monitored throughout pregnancy, and should carefully manage their diet.

Here are common risk factors for gestational diabetes, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Being of African or Hispanic descent.
  
• Becoming pregnant when older than 25.
  
• Having had a child with a birth defect.
  
• Having had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
  
• Being obese.
  
• Having frequent infections.
  
• Having an unexplained miscarriage, or having a newborn who died.

Health Tip: Early-Stage Alzheimer's

(HealthDay News) -- People with early-stage Alzheimer's disease may fear losing their independence and being reliant on someone else.

Here are suggestions on how to maintain independence longer, courtesy of the Alzheimer's Association:

Hire a service or ask a friend to help with activities, such as paying bills, cooking meals, cleaning the house or going to the grocery.

Write instructions on how to work appliances, place labels on items you frequently forget, and compose notes to help you remember to perform certain tasks.

Help keep your home safe by reducing the risk of slips and falls. For example, install grab bars in the bathroom. Also, make sure appliances have automatic shutoffs.

Enroll in a safety alert program, so you can immediately get help if you need it.
If you can't drive, get a bus schedule, have a cab company's phone number handy, or ask friends and family to drive you.

Try to stay as physically and socially active as you can, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Health Tip: Canker Sores

(HealthDay News) - Canker sores are painful ulcers inside the mouth that most often occur on the base of the gums, inside the cheeks or lips, on the soft palate, or on the tongue. They typically do not require treatment and go away on their own.

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing canker sores. Here's a list, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Family history of canker sores.
• Weakened immune system.
• Dental work.
• Biting the inside of the cheek or the tongue.
• Stress, anxiety or changes in hormone levels.
• Malnutrition, particularly deficiencies in iron, folic acid or vitamin B-12.
• Allergic reaction to food.
• Viral infection.

Health Tip: Experience Grief as a Healthy Emotion

(HealthDay News) - Grief is a normal, healthy emotion experienced when a person has a significant loss, such as the death of someone close, or even the end of a relationship.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these common symptoms of grief:

• Numbness, shock and denial are common initially.
• Feelings of abandonment may occur once reality has set in.
• Anger -- directed at the person who is gone, yourself, others and even religion -- is common.
• Temporary depression and guilt may set in once the grieving person realizes what the loss means.
• Thinking frequently about the person and reliving memories are normal reactions, as well.
• Little by little, you should begin to feel better. Eventually, you should begin to focus on resuming relationships and activities. It's not uncommon to initially feel "disloyal" to someone as you start to move on.

Health Tip: Eating During Pregnancy

(HealthDay News) - Many women know that they shouldn't drink any alcohol during pregnancy.

But the American Pregnancy Association warns that there are other foods and drinks that should be avoided, too, including:

• Raw foods including uncooked meats, fish, shellfish and eggs.
• Deli meats and smoked seafood, which may harbor bacteria that are particularly dangerous for pregnant women and the unborn.
• Soft or unpasteurized cheeses, pate and unpasteurized milk.
• Caffeine and alcohol.
• Fish that may contain mercury. These may include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Speak with your doctor about what types and amounts of fish are safe.

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Health Tip: Extreme Shyness

(HealthDay News) - Many people are shy, but extreme shyness or fear in social situations may signal a condition called social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder can be controlled with therapy, medication or a combination of both.

Here are some characteristics that help to identify the disorder, courtesy of the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health:

• Feeling excessively self-conscious while around others.
• An intense, debilitating fear of being embarrassed, watched or judged by others.
• Physical symptoms of extreme anxiety, including sweating, nausea, shaking and sweating.
• Significant difficulty speaking around others, or forgetting what to say.

Health Tip: Postpartum Depression

(HealthDay News) - Depression that follows the birth of a baby is common, as new moms are overwhelmed by the changes in their bodies and routines.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers this list of reasons for why postpartum depression affects some new mothers:

• New moms can suffer from lack of sleep after the baby's birth, which can lead to fatigue, stress and depression.
• New moms can feel overwhelmed by all of the new things to do, and by other changes in their lives. They may even feel unsure of their parenting skills.
• New moms may set unrealistic expectations for themselves.
• New moms have less time for themselves, with their partners, and less time to do what they want.

Resolve to Get Enough Zzzzs This Year

(HealthDay News) -- Making and keeping a New Year's resolution to sleep better could help you achieve other health goals, experts at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine say.

"There is growing medical literature showing that many of us in today's 24/7 society are not getting the basic sleep we need every day," Dr. Ron Kramer, a physician at the Colorado Neurology Institute's Sleep Disorders Center in Englewood, Colo., said in a prepared statement.

"At the same time, there is increasing evidence from human sleep researchers that chronic lack of even a few hours of sleep a night can result in significant health consequences," he said.

"These consequences include an increased risk of accidents; fatigue that makes you prone to depressive symptoms or not enough energy to exercise; and even chemical changes that stimulate your brain to eat more and to eat more salty and sugary food."

"Resolve to sleep well this year, and you may find that the energy to exercise and the self-control for healthy eating may then more easily follow," said Kramer.

Adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night, while teens should sleep about nine hours per night. School-aged children require between 10 to 11 hours a night, and children in preschool need between 11 and 13 hours a night, according to the AASM.

Wondering if you're getting the shuteye you need? The society offers seven key signs that you need more sleep:

• Depending on an alarm clock -- and repeatedly smacking the snooze button -- to wake up in the morning.
• Driving drowsy or falling asleep at the wheel.
• Drinking more than one cup of coffee a day to stay alert.
• Making mistakes that could be avoided with better concentration.
• Forgetting things more easily.
• Feeling blue, anxious or frustrated.
• Becoming sick more frequently. Sleep is necessary for a strong immune system.

These problems can be resolved with more and better sleep, according to the AASM, which offers these tips on getting a good night's sleep:

• Follow a consistent bedtime routine.
• Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.
• Get a full night's sleep every night.
• Do not go to bed hungry, but don't eat a big meal before bedtime either.
• Avoid alcohol, foods or drinks that contain caffeine, and any medicine that has a stimulant, prior to bedtime.
• Avoid any rigorous exercise within six hours of your bedtime.
• Make your bedroom quiet, dark and a little bit cool.
• Get up at the same time every morning.

More information
To learn more about how to improve your sleep habits, visit the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Health Tip: Protect Injury With Elastic Bandage

(HealthDay News) - An elastic bandage applied to an injured joint can help control pain and swelling, and provide support while the injury heals.

The University of Michigan Health System describes how to properly apply an elastic bandage:

• Start wrapping the bandage lower than the area that is injured.
• Continue to wrap upward around the injury.
• Fully wrap the entire area that is injured, wrapping securely. But do not wrap so tightly that the bandage causes the area to swell.
• If the area or surrounding area begins to swell, turn cold, blue or numb, loosen the bandage.
• Continue to use the bandage until the injury has healed.

Health Tip: Dealing With Anxiety

(HealthDay News) - For some people, anxiety can be so severe that it is difficult to function.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions for dealing with anxiety:

• It's OK to worry about some things -- but try not to let anxiety consume your day.
• Set aside a certain amount of time each day to consider all of the things that are concerning you, and come up with ways to deal with them. Once your time is up, try to move on.
• Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing and stretching.
• Get regular exercise and plenty of sleep.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Take care of issues that caused you to worry in the past.
• Talk to your doctor about your anxiety and concerns.

Health Tip: Get Exercise at Work

(HealthDay News) - It's tough to make extra time in a busy schedule to work out.
So here are suggested ways to get in extra exercise during your work day, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

• Walk or bike to work, instead of driving or taking public transportation.
• Drive or take the bus or train to an earlier stop, then walk the rest of the way.
• Use your lunch hour or another break to take a brisk walk.
• Join your employer's fitness center or a nearby gym. Take classes or join programs that meet regularly.
• Participate in any office sport clubs or leagues, such as softball or bowling

Health Tip: Bringing Baby Home

(HealthDay News) - Bringing your newborn home from the hospital is a joyous event, but it can also be frightening for first-time parents.

Here are suggestions to help make the transition from hospital to home easier, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:

• Dress your baby in clothing that's comfortable, appropriate for the weather, and easy to put on.
• Use your child's infant car seat for the ride home, and make sure it's properly installed.
  It's OK to feel a range of emotions, from happy to scared to overwhelmed. Don't be shy about asking family and friends to help.
• Take time to introduce the baby to his or her new family, including siblings, friends, relatives and pets.
• Don't be afraid to call your doctor if you are concerned or have questions.

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Health Tip: Exercise Helps Your Heart

(HealthDay News) -- The American Heart Association says there are a few simple things you can do to keep active and promote a healthier heart:
Do housework yourself, instead of hiring someone to do it.
Work in the garden or mow the grass. Using a riding mower doesn't count.
Go for a short walk before breakfast, after dinner or both. Start with a 10-minute walk and work up to 30 minutes.
Walk or bike to the corner store.
When watching television, pedal a stationary bicycle.
Park on the outskirts of a shopping mall and walk to the stores.

Health Tip: Living With MS

(HealthDay News) - Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing nerve damage that tends to worsen over time.

There is no cure for MS. But here's information about treatment options that may help alleviate symptoms, provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Drugs to help control the immune system, including interferons (Avonex, Betaseron or Rebif), monoclonal antibodies (Tysabri), and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone).
• Steroids to minimize damage caused when the immune system attacks the nervous system.
• Medications to decrease the incidence of muscle spasms.
• Antidepressants.
• Physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.
• A regular exercise program, especially when begun just after diagnosis.

Health Tip: If You Have an Eye Infection

(HealthDay News) - Contact lenses may rub against the surface of the eye, leading to an irritation or an infection. Left untreated, some infections can be serious enough to cause vision loss.

It is important to seek prompt care if your contact lenses are irritating your eyes. If you have any symptoms of infection including blurred vision, pain, discharge, swelling, burning or sensitivity to light, follow these suggestions provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
Immediately remove your contact lenses, and don't put another set in your eyes.

Store your lenses in a case with solution to take to your eye doctor. He or she may need to examine them to diagnose the problem.

Immediately contact your eye doctor, and don't wear your lenses again until after you've spoken with your doctor.

Health Tip: Symptoms of Depression in Alzheimer's Patients

(HealthDay News) - People with Alzheimer's disease sometimes suffer from depression, often when they begin to understand their loss of memory.

The symptoms of depression may make it even more difficult for Alzheimer's patients to function.

The American Academy of Physicians lists these common warning signs:

• No desire to participate in any activities, or even to move around.


• Talking about feeling worthless or very sad.


• Not eating, and significant weight loss.


• Excessive sleeping, or not sleeping at all.


• Crying or being very emotional.


• Getting very angry or agitated.

Health Tip: Pacifier Safety

(HealthDay News) -- A pacifier can help keep your baby calm and happy between feedings. While pacifiers are generally safe, it's important to follow a few rules to prevent accidents.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:

• Never try to produce a homemade pacifier -- only use commercially approved, one-piece pacifiers.
• Use a clip designed to attach the pacifier to your baby's clothing, but never attach it with a string or any device that could strangle her.
• Only give your baby a pacifier with a hollow center. Avoid liquid-filled pacifiers, which could harbor germs.
• Never dip the pacifier in any liquid or sweet, as this can promote tooth decay.
• Wash the pacifier after each use, or if it has been dropped on the floor.
• If a pacifier has been damaged or broken, throw it away immediately.

Health Tip: Building Your Child's Self-Esteem

(HealthDay News) -- Proper self-esteem can help your children make healthier decisions and avoid negative pressures. Children with good self-esteem also have an easier time dealing with problems and conflicts, the Nemours Foundation says.

Here are the foundation's suggestions for building self-esteem in your child:

• Praise your child for the effort she's made, rather than the outcome.
• Redirect your child's irrational perceptions of herself.
• Be very affectionate with your child -- give her lots of spontaneous hugs and encouraging notes.
• Be truthful in your feedback, but try to highlight the positive.
• Encourage her to participate in activities that encourage cooperation, rather than competition.

Health Tip: Don't Miss Breakfast

(HealthDay News) -- If you're in the habit of skipping breakfast, studies show you should rethink your morning routine.

Eating breakfast has health benefits and can help manage your weight, according to Rutland Regional Medical Center in Vermont.

Here's what the research indicates:

• Breakfast is linked to a lower body mass, compared to people who skip the meal.
• Breakfast is shown to reduce a person's risk of obesity and insulin resistance.
• Breakfast is one of the few proven strategies to maintaining long-term weight loss.
• Breakfast is shown to improve grades and behavior among school children.

more information: Obesity