Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Health Tips for October 17

Health Tip: Breast Self-Exams

Women should give themselves a breast exam each month, beginning at age 20. This exam should be performed at about the same time every month.

Here are suggestions on what to look for during breast self-exam, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Any changes in an existing lump or a new lump that you haven't felt before.
* Abnormal thickening of the breasts.
* Discharge from the nipples that is bloody or sticky.
* Differences in the skin on your nipples, especially dimpling or puckering of the skin.
* An increase in size of one breast.
* One breast that hangs lower than the other.

Any of these warnings signs should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Health Tip: If You Have an Eye Infection

Contact lenses may rub against the surface of the eye, leading to an irritation or an infection. Left untreated, some infections can be serious enough to cause vision loss.

It is important to seek prompt care if your contact lenses are irritating your eyes. If you have any symptoms of infection including blurred vision, pain, discharge, swelling, burning or sensitivity to light, follow these suggestions provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

* Immediately remove your contact lenses, and don't put another set in your eyes.
* Store your lenses in a case with solution to take to your eye doctor. He or she may need to examine them to diagnose the problem.
* Immediately contact your eye doctor, and don't wear your lenses again until after you've spoken with your doctor.

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