Thursday, December 13, 2007

Health Tips for December 13

Health Tip: Spare the Needless Calories

Proteins are an important part of a healthy diet, and can help fill you up without consuming excess calories.

Here are some suggestions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on how choose and prepare meats:

* Buy meats labeled "extra lean."
* Buy skinless chicken, or pull the skin off before you cook it.
* Choose low-fat lunch meats for sandwiches.
* Trim off fat from any meat before you cook it.
* Bake, broil or grill meats instead of frying them.
* Don't add breading or any other fattening seasonings.

Health Tip: When Your Child Has a Fever

When your child has a fever, it means her body is fighting an infection. Nonetheless, there are things you can do to help her feel better.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Never give your child aspirin. In rare cases, it can trigger a life-threatening illness. Instead, give her acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce fever.
* Make sure she drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and cool.
* Let your child rest and stay quiet while she is not feeling well.
* Keep the room temperature at between 70 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Dress her in comfortable, lightweight, loose-fitting cotton pajamas.
* Cover your child with a blanket when she is cold, but remove it when she warms up.

No comments: