Health Tip: Taming Irritable Bowel
Irritable bowel syndrome affects the way that the intestines move food through the body. Symptoms can be triggered by stress, anxiety, and sometimes certain foods.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help keep IBS symptoms under control:
* Eat a variety of healthy foods, and stay away from foods that are high in fat.
* Drink lots of water.
* Eat several small meals throughout the day, rather than just a few larger ones.
* Find ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
* Don't use laxatives, as you can become dependent on them, and they can weaken your intestines.
Health Tip: The Itch of Chickenpox
Chickenpox is caused by a virus that most often affects children.
Symptoms, including the tell-tale itchy rash, usually go away without treatment. But there are steps you can take to help alleviate the discomfort.
The University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions:
* Never give children aspirin to treat chickenpox symptoms, as it can trigger a very dangerous condition called Reye syndrome. Acetaminophen can be taken for pain.
* Take a lukewarm bath every few hours, or apply a cool compress to the skin. Try adding oatmeal to the bath to soothe irritated skin.
* After bathing, don't rub the skin with a towel, just pat it dry.
* Apply calamine lotion to the lesions, but avoid applying the lotion on the face.
* For painful mouth blisters, eat soft, mild and bland foods, and beverages.
* Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter itch- and pain-relieving creams.
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