Health Tips for November 22

Health Tip: Managing Menopause

If hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause are cramping your style, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions:

* Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.
* Get plenty of regular exercise.
* Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help certain women, but it carries medical risks. Discuss HRT with your doctor.
* Foods rich in soy may help some side effects, such as hot flashes.
* Get plenty of sleep, and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
* Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Health Tip: Keep Kids on a Realistic Schedule

While after-school sports and other extracurricular activities are a great way to stay healthy, a schedule that's too packed can take its toll on your kids.

The Nemours Foundation says you should keep the following guidelines in mind when planning your child's extracurricular program:

* Set limits -- such as on the number of sports played per season, or on the number of days or evenings per week dedicated to these activities.
* Make sure your child knows how much time each activity will take. Be sure to include not just the activity itself, but any practice and time required at home.
* Create a calendar of activities, and make sure it includes ample down time -- as much as your child needs to be relaxed and happy.
* School must come first. If your child can't keep up with homework and other assignments, your child probably should cut back on extracurricular activities.