Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Health Tips for March 4

Health Tip: Safe Snow Shoveling

Along with winter weather comes the possibility of shoveling heavy snow.

Here are some snow shoveling suggestions, courtesy of the National Safety Council:

* People who have had a heart attack, or who have been diagnosed with heart problems, shouldn't shovel snow without a doctor's permission.
* People who rarely get physical activity should be especially careful.
* Snow shoveling is exercise -- warm up, stretch out, cool down and don't strain yourself too much. Stop immediately if you feel pain in your chest, or you're getting out of breath.
* Avoid eating a big meal or smoking right before shoveling.
* Be extra careful with wet snow that has been on the ground for a while. Try to shovel when it has just fallen and is likely to be more light and powdery.
* Push the snow instead of lifting and carrying it. When you do have to lift the shovel, lift with your legs instead of your back.

Health Tip: Dental Care for Your Youngster

Dental care for your child should begin even before the first tooth emerges, the Nemours Foundation says.

Use a damp washcloth and run it over the child's gums to ward off harmful germs.

Once the teeth start coming in, use a child's toothbrush, but without toothpaste. At about age 2 or 3, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is OK, as long as you're there to supervise. Make sure the child spits the toothpaste out and doesn't swallow it.

Toddlers should see a dentist by their first birthday, experts recommend.

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