Health Tips for January 8

Health Tip: Stay Safe on the Stairs

It's relatively easy for seniors to slip on stairs and hurt themselves, so it's important to take precautions to prevent falls.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Install light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs, or add motion-sensitive lights to the area.
* Make sure the entire stairway is well lit, and keep a flashlight in a drawer nearby.
* Put up a handrail on each side of the stairs.
* Keep stairs free of clutter and objects.
* For wood stairs, add a non-slip surface. For carpeted stairs, avoid dark or very thick carpeting that may be difficult to see.
* Keep boards or carpeting on stairs in good shape and tightly secured.

Health Tip: Help Ease Growing Pains

Growing pains are common pains that occur in children between the ages of 3 and 5, and 8 and 12. They occur most often in the legs, and may be most frequent after strenuous play or exercise.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help ease growing pains in children:

* Try an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Don't ever give children aspirin.
* Gently stretch aching leg muscles.
* Place a heating pad over the sore legs.
* Massage the child's legs where they hurt.