Saturday, March 22, 2008

Health Tips for March 22

Health Tip: Weight-Bearing Exercises Strengthen Bones

Getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet are great ways to ward off the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises are another way to help maintain bone health.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends these forms of weight-bearing exercise:

* Brisk walking, jogging or hiking.
* Strenuous yard work such as pushing a lawn mower, or active gardening.
* Sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis or racquetball.
* Climbing the stairs, step aerobics or dancing.
* Activities such as skiing, bowling, skating or karate.
* Use of free weights or weight machines.

Health Tip: Use Tampons Properly

Tampons, which help women control menstrual bleeding, must be used properly to prevent an infection called toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these guidelines for tampon safety:

* Follow directions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that tampons are used properly.
* Use the lowest possible absorbency to control your menstrual bleeding.
* Change the tampon at least every four to eight hours.
* Try to alternate use of tampons with sanitary pads.
* Call your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of TSS, which may include: sudden fever of more than 102 degrees, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, rash, sore throat or bloodshot eyes.

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