Health Tips for December 5

Health Tip: Why Do I Bruise Easily?

Bruises occur when small blood vessels break and bleed beneath the skin.

If you bruise easily, here are possible reasons why, courtesy of the University of Cincinnati's Net Wellness program:

* If you take blood-thinning medications, such as heparin or warfarin; over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen; or certain herbal supplements.
* If you drink too much alcohol.
* If you have a vitamin C deficiency.
* If you have certain conditions of the liver or kidneys.
* If you have certain bleeding disorders, including hemophilia or von Willebrand's disease.
* Normal aging.

Health Tip: Accounting for Weight Gain

It's no secret that the more fat and calories you consume, the more weight you're likely to gain.

But sometimes the triggers for weight gain are less obvious. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these examples:

* Alcohol consumption.
* Lack of exercise.
* Slowing metabolism, which often happens with age.
* Foods high in carbohydrates.
* Physical conditions, such as Cushing syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome.
* Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, antidepressants and tranquilizers.
* Emotional issues such as stress, anxiety, depression or grief.
* Quitting smoking.