Thursday, January 31, 2008

Health Tips for January 31

Health Tip: Understanding an Aneurysm

An aneurysm occurs when a weakened portion of a blood vessel balloons or widens abnormally. There may be a throbbing or swelling sensation at the site, or no obvious symptoms.

The expanded portion of the vessel could be at risk of bursting, making immediate evaluation and treatment essential.

Here is additional information about aneurysms, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Aneurysms most frequently occur in or near the heart, brain, legs and intestines.
* It's unclear exactly what causes most aneurysms, but cholesterol buildup in the arteries is thought to play a role.
* High blood pressure also may contribute to aneurysms.
* If the blood vessel ruptures, low blood pressure, high heart rate and lightheadedness may result. The likelihood of death after a rupture is high.

Health Tip: Teens, Talk With Your Parents

It may be difficult for teens to talk with their parents, but communicating openly and honestly is vital to a teen's physical and emotional health.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions to help teens and parents communicate:

* Schedule time every day to talk as a family. Share stories about your day, and talk about anything that's on your mind or bothering you.
* If you want your parents to know something, you need to tell them. They can't read your mind.
* If you're asking for something, be clear in stating what you want and why you're asking for it.
* Be patient. Try to stay calm and get along. Both parents and teens should learn to compromise.
* Make a list of things that you need to discuss, or changes that you would like to make.

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