Preparing Your Child For Therapy
If your child needs to visit a therapist to work on emotional or behavioral issues, the youngster may be a bit nervous about going. Here are suggestions for how to prepare your child for that visit, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation: Be clear, honest and open about why your child needs to go. For young children, make sure they understand that this is a person that you talk with, not a doctor who... Read more
Your Diet After Cancer Treatment
Once you’ve completed treatment for cancer, it’s not the time to stop planning healthy meals. The American Cancer Society offers these suggestions for maintaining a healthy diet after cancer treatment: Ask you doctor if there are any foods that you should avoid. Work with a dietitian to develop a healthy and nutritious meal plan. Continue to eat at least five to seven servings of fruits... Read more
When a Loved One Has Cancer
If you have a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be puzzled about how you can help. The American Cancer Society offers these suggestions: Prepare meals to keep on hand, or deliver meals each day at certain times, so the person doesn’t have to worry about what to eat. Help out with the kids by driving them to and from school, practices and other activities. Drive... Read more
Sciatica Pain During Pregnancy
As the developing baby inside you grows, it can begin to press on a sciatic nerve. This can cause pain that can extend from your lower back to your foot. Here are suggestions to help reduce sciatica pain during pregnancy, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association: Whenever you can, lie down on the side that is pain-free. Try not to stand for too long at a time. If you must stand, stand on one... Read more
Easing Fear in Children
When children experience fear or anxiety, it’s important to teach them how to deal with these emotions so they can better handle them later in life. The Nemours Foundation suggests how to deal with your child’s fear or anxiety: Understand that your child’s fear is a real and valid emotion, and that it’s healthy — and helpful — to talk about it. Don’t act as... Read more
If You Were Diabetic While Pregnant
Many women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy will go on to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. If you’ve had gestational diabetes, certain lifestyle changes may help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association offers these suggestions: Maintain a healthy body weight. Being more than 20 percent over your ideal body weight can increase your... Read more
Medications and Pregnancy
You may take certain over-the-counter supplements and medications without thinking twice. But when you’re pregnant, even drugs that you can buy without a prescription can affect the developing fetus. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these safety guidelines about medications and pregnancy: Don’t take any medicine or herbal supplement without checking with your doctor. Try... Read more
Hide or Get Rid of Excess Hair
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... Read more
Keep Bathroom Chemicals Locked Up
The bathroom may be full of potential dangers and temptations for young children. Here are suggestions to prevent little hands from getting into bathroom chemicals or medications, courtesy of the National Safety Council: Always keep drugs stored in a medicine cabinet that is secured with a lock or child-proof latch. All medications should have a child-proof cap, and make sure it is secure and... Read more
What to Eat During Morning Sickness
When you’re pregnant and battling morning sickness, the last thing you may feel like doing is swallowing food. But it’s important that you and your baby continue eating. The American Pregnancy Association says these foods may help tame morning sickness: Foods that can be eaten cold, including cold sandwiches, raw vegetables and fruits such as lemon or ginger, or cold salad. Don’t... Read more