Health Tips for December 21

Health Tip: What's Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition -- caused by overuse -- and characterized by often severe pain in the heel.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers additional information about the condition, including its risk factors:

* Women and people who are overweight are more likely than others to develop plantar fasciitis.
* Frequent running or walking for exercise may increase your risk of developing the condition.
* People with flat feet or very high arches are at greater risk.
* Standing or walking on hard surfaces for long periods also may increase your risk.
* The injury usually doesn't hurt during exercise, but pain begins to develop afterward.
* Pain may be most severe when waking up in the morning, or after rest.
* Plantar fasciitis requires treatment to prevent it from becoming chronic.

Health Tip: Tracking Ovulation

Women who are trying to get pregnant need to understand their menstrual cycles, especially when they are ovulating.

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg that occurs once during each menstrual cycle, in which the egg is ready to be fertilized.

Here is information to help you understand your monthly ovulation cycle, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association:

* A menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of one menstrual period to the first day of the next menstrual period.
* A menstrual cycle typically lasts between 28-32 days, but it can be shorter or longer.
* Determine the date of ovulation by calculating the middle of your menstrual cycle -- ovulation typically occurs between day 11 and day 21 of a cycle.
* Ovulation can also be calculated by counting 12 to 16 days before the first day of your next period.