Thursday, July 05, 2007

Health Tips for July 5

Health Tip: Preventing Swimmer's Ear

Otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear, is an infection that is common in people who spend a lot of time in the water. Bacteria and fungi can grow inside the ear when moisture is present, such as after swimming.

Here are suggestions to prevent swimmer's ear, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:

* Wear earplugs when swimming.
* After swimming, gently dry out the ears with a soft towel, and turn the head side to side to help water run out of the ears.
* Apply drops to the ears (diluted acetic acid) after getting out of the pool.
* Never let children clean their ears themselves, and never use a Q-tip.

Health Tip: Endometriosis and Pregnancy

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium that lines the uterus attaches itself to organs outside the uterus. These implants continue to grow, causing abdominal pain and discomfort.

Other symptoms may include: painful menstruation or sexual intercourse, infertility, painful bowel movements, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, painful urination or lower back pain.

Although endometriosis can cause scar tissue that can make it difficult for some women to conceive, others have full-term, healthy pregnancies, the American Pregnancy Association says.

Proactive treatments have been successful in helping some women with endometriosis to become pregnant.

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