Health Tips for December 6

Health Tip: Get the Most From Your Mammogram

A mammogram is an essential tool to protect women from newly diagnosed or recurring breast cancer.

Here are suggested ways to get the most accurate results from a mammogram, courtesy of breastcancer.org:

* Women with dense breasts or who are under age 50 may get better results with a digital mammogram.
* Bring your last mammogram results for the radiologist to compare.
* Have more than one radiologist read your results.
* Use other imaging methods to confirm results, such as an MRI or an ultrasound.
* If your doctor has requested your mammogram for a specific reason -- not just as a precaution because of your age -- be sure the doctor provides the radiologist with specific instructions on what to look for.
* Make sure your doctor knows your family's medical history, especially as it relates to breast cancer.

Health Tip: When Your Child Gets a Nosebleed

Nosebleeds are common in young children, and are usually not a cause for concern.

Here are suggestions on what to do if your child has a nosebleed, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:

* Keep yourself and your child calm, and mention that it's no cause to worry.
* Have your child sit in an upright position with the head tilted slightly forward. Do not let the child lean back, which could lead to swallowing some blood.
* With a clean tissue or cloth, gently pinch the nose at the bottom of the bony area.
* Continue pinching the nose for about 10 minutes. Then you may want to hold an ice pack to the nose to be sure the bleeding has stopped.
* Have your child rest once the bleeding has stopped. Don't let the child blow, pick or rub the nose.