If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, it's important to understand the reasons for your insomnia.
Here's a list of possible reasons for your sleepless nights, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
- Discomfort or illness.
- Depression.
- Stress or anxiety.
- Drinking caffeine or alcohol, smoking, or taking certain medications or illicit drugs.
- An inappropriate sleep environment, including one that's too bright or too noisy.
- Related activities that affect your sleep, such as taking naps or going to bed too early.
— Diana Kohnle |
Watching what you eat and drink while you're pregnant is important for the health of you and your baby.
Caffeine is a stimulant. When you consume it, it is delivered across the placenta to your baby, whose metabolism can't process the stimulant like an adult's metabolism.
The American Pregnancy Association says the best thing you can do is to consume as little caffeine as possible. It offers this additional information:
- Caffeine stimulates your heart rate and raises your blood pressure. Both of these things aren't recommended during pregnancy.
- Caffeine increases urine output, which could lead to dehydration.
- Caffeine received by your baby can cause changes in the baby's sleep and movement patterns.
- Don't forget that caffeine isn't just in coffee or sodas, it can be found in many foods. Check labels to look for caffeine content.
-- Diana Kohnle |
Menstrual bleeding typically occurs about every 28 days, and lasts for about four days at a time.
Vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of the menstrual cycle has many potential causes, and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Here are possible reasons for vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
- Cancer of the cervix, uterus or, rarely, fallopian tubes.
- A side effect of certain procedures, including cervical or endometrial biopsy.
- Stress or changing hormone levels.
- Uterine fibroids or polyps, or vaginal dryness.
- Pregnancy complications, including ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
- Disease or injury to the vaginal opening.
- Using an IUD, or stopping or starting the birth control pill.
- An underactive thyroid.
- Taking a blood thinner.
-- Diana Kohnle |
High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease -- so to help your heart, you should get your blood pressure under control.
While medications can help, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these additional suggestions to help lower your blood pressure:
- Stop using any tobacco products.
- Boost your diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Reduce your consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
- Stick to a low-fat, low-sodium diet.
- Get plenty of regular exercise.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Try relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
-- Diana Kohnle |
A bunion is a painful enlargement at the joint of the big toe, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
The skin over the joint becomes swollen and can be very tender. Bunions can be inherited as a family trait, can develop on their own, or can be caused by poorly fitting shoes.
A key part of treatment is wearing shoes that conform to the shape of the foot and don't cause pressure points.
In severe cases, bunions can be disabling. Several types of surgery are available that can relieve the pain and improve the foot's appearance.
—Anne Thompson |
Bad breath can be caused by something potent you had for lunch, but it can also signal an underlying health problem.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these possible causes of bad breath that may need to be checked by your doctor:
- An abscessed tooth or cavity, or wearing dentures.
- Alcoholism or smoking.
- Taking certain medications.
- Having a foreign object lodged in the nostril (most common in children).
- An impacted tooth, gum disease or bad dental hygiene.
- Taking significant amounts of vitamins.
- A throat or lung infection, or sinusitis.
-- Diana Kohnle |
In a child, back pain is different from back pain in adults. Particularly in children under age 4, it indicates a serious underlying problem, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says.
You should see your doctor if your child has back pain, the academy says, especially if accompanied by any of these other symptoms:
- Fever.
- Weight loss.
- Feelings of weakness or numbness.
- Difficulty walking.
- Pain that extends through one or both legs, or if it prevents your child from sleeping.
- Issues with the bowels or bladder.
— Diana Kohnle
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Baby's Transition From Liquid Diet |
Most babies typically stick to a diet of formula or breast milk up until about 4-to-6 months of age. When she's ready to start to add solid foods to her diet, she'll give you some signs to let you know.
Here are some signs your baby may be ready for solid food, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
- She is now double her birth weight.
- She can support her own head and neck well.
- With some help, she is beginning to sit up.
- Expressing that she is full by closing her mouth or turning her head away from the food.
- Expressing an interest in solid foods that other people are eating.
— Diana Kohnle |
Cellulite is fat that collects just under the surface of the skin, and causes a dimply appearance. It appears most often on the hips, thighs and buttocks.
Here are suggestions to help prevent cellulite, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
- Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber in your diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body well-hydrated.
- Maintain good muscle tone and strong bones with regular exercise.
- Try to stay at a healthy body weight, and avoid frequently gaining and losing weight.
- Don't smoke.
—Diana Kohnle
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Vaginal yeast infections are common in women, and are caused by a fungus that is naturally found in and on the body.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions that may help you avoid yeast infections:
- Don't wear clothing that is too tight, and avoid clothes made of synthetic materials.
- Wear cotton underwear as often as you can.
- Avoid wearing pantyhose or a leotard every day.
- After getting out of the shower, dry your genital area with a hair dryer on a low, cool setting.
- After using the bathroom, always wipe from front to back.
- Don't stay in a wet swimsuit or damp clothing for longer than is necessary.
- Avoid using douches, feminine hygiene sprays, or anything deodorized — including pads or tampons.
- Avoid colored or perfumed toilet paper.
— Diana Kohnle
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Even the most friendly of cats and dogs can inadvertently bite you or a loved one, which could lead to an infection.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help prevent animal bites:
- Small children should never be left unattended with any animal.
- If you see animals fighting, avoid trying to separate them.
- Don't approach or touch animals that appear sick, or any animals with which you're not familiar.
- Never touch or bother an animal that is eating.
- Always keep your pets on a leash when away from home.
- Choose your family pets wisely, and make sure to keep their vaccinations current.
-- Diana Kohnle |
Gingivitis is a disease of the mouth that can damage the gums, ligaments and sockets that surround the teeth.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, people with these risk factors should be extra careful about preventing gingivitis:
- People with poor dental health or dental hygiene practices.
- Pregnant women, as certain hormonal changes can increase gum sensitivity.
- Diabetics who can't manage or control their disease.
- People with teeth that are poorly aligned, or with braces or fillings with rough edges.
- People taking certain medications, including birth control pills and phenytoin.
-- Diana Kohnle |
Anemia occurs either when the blood is deficient in red blood cells, or it lacks enough of a protein called hemoglobin.
Some forms of anemia can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says.
Here's the agency's list of warning signs that you may be anemic:
- Feeling tired and weak.
- Experiencing paleness, dizziness, headache or shortness of breath.
- Having a lower than normal body temperature.
- Having cold or numb hands and feet.
- Having pains in your chest, or a very fast or abnormal heartbeat.
- Feeling irritable.
- Doing poorly at work or school.
-- Diana Kohnle |
If you've decided to try acupuncture to help treat pain or another health condition, the first step is to find a qualified, licensed acupuncturist.
Once you've accomplished that, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine offers this explanation of what to expect during your treatment.
- At your initial visit, the acupuncturist should ask you about your health history, medications you are taking, and your lifestyle.
- The metal needles used are extremely thin -- approximately the thickness of a human hair.
- Most people feel very little or no pain as the needles are inserted into the skin.
- The way you feel after the experience may vary. Some people have more energy, while others feel more relaxed.
- Treatments may last several weeks or longer.
- Diana Kohnle |
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