Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Health Tips for November 13

Health Tip: Aches and Pains?

Muscle aches most often occur due to overuse or straining during activity, but they may also be triggered by certain diseases and conditions.

Here are possible at-home treatments to soothe sore muscles, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* For the first three days after a muscle injury, apply ice to the area.
* After the first three days, apply heat to the area.
* Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
* Try gently massaging and stretching the area. Also, rest the muscle as much as possible.
* Once the muscle feels like it has begun to heal, try some light exercise to get back into shape. Walking, swimming and other low-impact exercises are good choices.
* If you continue to have pain in the injured area, see your doctor.

Health Tip: Suggestions for Healthy Skin

It's never too late to begin a regimen to preserve one of your body's most important organs -- your skin.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic Health System:

* Drink plenty of water every day.
* Wash your skin daily, using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
* If you wear makeup, be sure to remove it carefully each day by thoroughly washing your face.
* Always wear sunscreen when you go outside -- even when it's cloudy and during winter months.
* If you have problems with your skin, see a dermatologist.
* Take care of special needs, such as acne, dry skin or aging skin.

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