Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 20:48:57 GMT Server: Apache/1.2.4 Last-Modified: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 16:44:45 GMT ETag: "4b6f0-2bd0-342008fd" Content-Length: 11216 Accept-Ranges: bytes Connection: close Content-Type: text/html Walgreens, The Pharmacy America Trusts-Health Tips, April

Previous Walgreens Daily Health Tips


April, 1997

4/1/1997
You don't have to be in the hot summer sun to benefit from over-the-counter sunscreens. Studies have shown that sun blocking skin creams can be very beneficial in reducing the risk of skin cancer and reducing the effects of aging even on cloudy, cool days.

4/2/1997
Stress may lead to a variety of illnesses and chronic conditions including high blood pressure, headaches and heart disease. Lifestyle changes, such as regular aerobic exercise, can significantly reduce stress and improve the cardiovascular system over time. See your doctor for more information.

4/3/1997
Reading labels on packaged foods can be a good habit to get into. Check the contents not only for calories, but also for fats and sodium. When checking on fats, check the amounts of saturated fat in each serving. A healthy diet is one that restricts saturated fat to only 7% of total calories per day.

4/4/1997
Most cuts are minor and quickly treated by cleansing and applying a bandage. However, it is a good idea to watch for signs of infection for 24 hours. (These might include oozing, fever or extensive redness or swelling.) If these signs do appear, see your doctor immediately.

4/5/1997
When joint pain occurs during exercise, stop. Continuing the workout could cause more damage. If the pain persists after a few days of rest, see your doctor.

4/6/1997
If you suffer from occasional hemorrhoidal pain and swelling, try zinc oxide powder or cream. It soothes the irritated area while the body heals the inflamed vein. It also helps toughen the skin so it's less easily irritated.

4/7/1997
Hives, an allergic reaction to anything from certain foods to animal dander, can be uncomfortable and annoying. And the only way to determine the cause is by allergy testing. However, the itching may be temporarily relieved by applying cold compresses, taking acetaminophen or using antihistamines.

4/8/1997
April marks the beginning of "tick season." And while most tick bites are benign, the possibility of getting Lyme disease still exists. It's a good idea to be cautious when walking in the woods or grassy areas. Wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck pants into socks. For any exposed skin, use an insect repellent. Check your body for ticks after being in wooded areas.

4/9/1997
There are a few simple ways to prevent food poisoning. Refrigerate food immediately after serving (if it's left out for more than an hour, throw it away). Cook eggs and meat thoroughly and steam shellfish for at least 15 minutes. Wash any utensils that have come in contact with raw eggs or meat thoroughly in hot, soapy water before the next use.

4/10/1997
Medications should not be exposed to excessive heat and humidity. Therefore, the bathroom cabinet may not be the best place to keep them. To retain maximum potency, keep medications in a cool dry place. And if you have children, make sure that place is securely locked.

4/11/1997
Nosebleeds can occur anytime and usually aren't serious. To stop a minor nosebleed, sit down with head forward and mouth open (do not tilt the head back). Pinch the nose below the bone for approximately 15 minutes, then release slowly. You can also place a cold cloth against the nose to constrict the blood vessels. If bleeding persists, or if nosebleeds become constant, see a doctor.

4/12/1997
Breast cancer can be effectively treated if detected early. It's important for women to perform monthly breast self-examinations. Ask your doctor to show you the proper technique. If you're a woman over 40, it's also important to have annual mammograms. (If you may be at high risk for breast cancer, ask your doctor when to begin mammograms.)

4/13/1997
If you take vitamins, but still find yourself getting sick more often than others, check your sleep habits. Most Americans need more sleep than they think. The normal required amount is 8 hours. Sound, uninterrupted sleep helps to build a sound immune system as well.

4/14/1997
Sleep is more important than most people think. It allows the body time to repair cells and restore energy. If you're having trouble sleeping, avoid caffeine, try to establish a regular bedtime and use positive imagery and relaxation techniques to avoid stressful thoughts. If these techniques are not enough to produce a good night's sleep, check with your doctor.

4/15/1997
Baby's skin is delicate and occasional diaper rash is almost inevitable. To help prevent it, change baby's diapers often. If you use cloth diapers, wash them in a mild soap, rinse thoroughly and use a protective ointment such as zinc oxide or petroleum jelly. If diaper rash does occur, keep baby's skin as dry as possible, exposing it to air as often as possible. If the rash doesn't improve in 72 hours, see your doctor.

4/16/1997
When you open over-the-counter medication, discard the cotton packing in the bottle. Even though its original purpose is to keep medication dry and prevent breakage during shipping, putting it back in the bottle can introduce moisture and contaminants. It's better to leave it out.

4/17/1997
Minor burns (burns that exhibit redness, swelling, pain and possibly blisters) should be treated immediately using the following procedure. 1) Put the burned area under cold, running water or apply a cold compress. 2) Apply a sterile bandage to prevent infection. 3) Elevate burned arms or legs. Do not use butter, grease or other ointments without consulting a doctor.

4/18/1997
Drinking plenty of water is important for everyone, but especially if you have asthma or allergies. It keeps the body hydrated and combats the dryness that may occur with some medications.

4/19/1997
Ear infections are common in children and frequently require a visit to the doctor. Symptoms may include, fever, ear pain, fussiness, irritability or pulling at the ears. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and/or nose drops, but you can also help by using a vaporizer to keep humidity levels up.

4/20/1997
Proper warm-up before exercise will dramatically decrease your chance of injury. Try to spend five to ten minutes gently stretching the muscles. Avoid forcing the body beyond the normal rotation limits, and do not use excessive pressure. The key is gentle stretching, using your muscles' strength to perform the movement. Do not stretch to the point of pain.

4/21/1997
As more workers find themselves sitting at computers all day, ankle swelling becomes a common complaint. You can combat this with a few simple measures. Increase exercise and reduce salt in your diet. When you rest, lie down with your legs elevated above your heart. And if you must spend the day sitting, move your legs around as much as possible.

4/22/1997
Low back pain can occur at anytime to anyone, but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk. Keep your weight down. Do exercises which strengthen the abdomen and back. When you must lift a heavy object, bend your knees, keeping your back straight. Exercise regularly.

4/23/1997
If you have allergies, it's especially important to change your furnace filter once a month. Consider an annual professional cleaning of your air ducts, as well. These two simple practices can do a lot to reduce the amount of dust and dirt in the air.

4/24/1997
Generic medications can save you from 15-50%. Ask your pharmacist if a generic equivalent is available for your prescription medication.

4/25/1997
Following a doctor's orders completely can mean the difference between successful or unsuccessful treatment. For example, if your doctor prescribes medication and advises you to take all of it, do so. Take the medication at the prescribed times and under the recommended conditions (with food or on an empty stomach). Though these points may seem minor, they are important to your treatment.

4/26/1997
Always advise your doctor that you smoke before he or she prescribes any medication, since the combination of tobacco and certain medications present serious health risks. Better yet, ask your doctor about ways to quit smoking.

4/27/1997
Frequent headaches can be a sign of a more serious condition. See you doctor right away if your headaches involve: nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or if they occur only on one side of your head.

4/28/1997
Sprained or strained ankles can be as painful as broken ankles. You can begin to treat a sprain immediately with RIP (Rest, Ice, Protection). Rest the ankle and keep it elevated. Apply ice in a towel for 30 minutes on and 15 minutes off for the next few hours. (After 24 hours, apply warm wet compresses.) Then wrap it in an elastic bandage, securely, but not too tightly. If pain prevents you from walking for more than 48 hours, or if swelling is severe, see your doctor.

4/29/1997
With spring starting and outdoor activities beginning, it's a good time to think about whether your children have had their basic series of vaccinations. Keep a record and keep it current.

4/30/1997
Ingrown nails can be treated at home. Cut the nail straight across so that its corner can grow outside the skin. Let the nail grow free by pushing the skin back from the corner with a Q-Tip twice a day. Be sure to keep the area clean.

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