Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Health Tips for January 30

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. While it can be treated when caught early, it can spread and become deadly over time.

It is important to inspect your skin carefully and regularly to check for any new or changing moles or colored patches.

The Skin Cancer Foundation says you are at greater risk for melanoma if you have any of these risk factors:

* Having prolonged or frequent exposure to the sun or UV rays, especially if you don't wear sunscreen.
* Having a lot of moles.
* Having fair skin.
* Having a family history of melanoma.
* Having been previously diagnosed with melanoma.
* Having an immune system weakened by chemotherapy, a recent organ transplant, HIV/AIDS, or lymphoma.

Health Tip: Coping With a Cough

A cough can be an annoying symptom of many ills, including a cold, sinus infection, bronchitis or another respiratory condition.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help calm a cough:

* Suck on cough drops or hard candy to soothe a dry, tickling cough.
* Use a vaporizer at home to add more moisture to the air.
* Take a hot shower. The steam will help soothe your cough.
* Drink plenty of liquids. They'll help break up mucus in your throat.
* If you smoke, stop.
* Never give a young child any medication to treat a cold or cough without consulting your doctor.

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