Health Tips for March 21

Health Tip: Taking Cough Medicine?

An over-the-counter cough medicine may offer some relief for a simple cough or cold, but cough medicine probably won't alleviate symptoms of more serious conditions.

Here are warning signs that your cough requires a call to your doctor, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* A "productive cough," characterized by coughing up phlegm or mucus.
* A wheezing sound when you cough or breathe.
* A persistent cough caused by smoking, chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
* A cough that has lasted for longer than a week.
* A cough accompanied by a fever, rash, or persistent headache.

Health Tip: The ABCs of School Bus Safety

It's important to teach your child basic safety rules to be followed when boarding or exiting a school bus.

Here are suggestions, courtesy of the U.S. National Safety Council:

* Always wait on a sidewalk until the bus comes to a complete stop and the doors open. Never wait on a street, road, or alley.
* Make sure that the driver can always see you. Never walk behind the bus.
* If crossing in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet in front of it, until you can turn around and easily see the driver.
* Pay careful attention to traffic, traffic signals and signs from the driver on when it is safe to cross the street.
* Use the bus handrail to climb up or down the steps.