Thursday, August 23, 2007

Health Tips for August 23

Health Tip: Before a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy -- used to detect colon cancer and other potential problems -- involves use of a long, flexible tube with a camera that takes images of the colon.

Before having a colonoscopy, you should follow certain do's and don'ts to ensure an accurate procedure. This list is provided by the U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse:

* Avoid all solid foods and any beverages with food coloring for one to three days before a colonoscopy.
* You may eat fat-free bouillon or broth soups, or gelatin.
* You may drink water, strained fruit juice, plain coffee, plain tea or diet soda (no food coloring).
* As certain medications may affect your results, tell your doctor if you are taking aspirin, arthritis medications, blood thinners, medications for diabetes, or any vitamins containing iron.

Health Tip: While Chewing Gum May Relieve Stress ...

While chewing gum may help you feel better when you're stressed, don't overdo it, advises the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

When you're stressed, you may be prone to chewing more vigorously, which can strain your jaw.

Chewing too hard can cause fatigue and soreness in the jaw. It can also trigger a condition called TMJ, affecting the temporomandibular joint. The condition can causes pain in the head and the neck, and difficulty in opening and closing the jaw.

If you have any of these symptoms, give your jaw a rest and stop chewing gum for a few days. If symptoms don't subside, see a doctor.

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