Sunday, December 09, 2007

Health Tips for December 9

Health Tip: Safety at the Salon

Salons that don't follow proper safety procedures may pass along infections to customers who get manicures or pedicures.

Before you get too comfy in a salon chair, consider these suggestions from the International Pedicure Association:

* Be sure all areas of the salon look clean.
* All technicians at the salon must be licensed, and their licenses displayed.
* Before a manicure or pedicure begins, the technician should examine your hands or feet and point out any signs of infection or other health condition.
* All tools should be disinfected after use on prior customers.
* All tools that cannot be sterilized must be disposed of.
* The salon should be properly ventilated.
* Each customer must receive a clean towel.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection, caused by either bacteria or a virus, that can be acquired on its own, or as a common complication of the flu.

A vaccine is available to combat pneumococcal pneumonia, a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria. Ask your doctor if you are at greater risk of this type of pneumonia, and if you should be vaccinated.

Here are additional ways to help protect yourself from pneumonia, courtesy of the American Lung Association:

* Get a flu vaccine every flu season.
* If you notice respiratory symptoms that last for several days, seek treatment at once.
* Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet.
* If you are taking antibiotics for any bacterial infection, be sure to finish the entire prescription.

No comments: