Friday, May 09, 2008

Health Tips for May 9

Health Tip: Treating an Ulcer

Ulcers are sores that occur in the lining of the digestive tract. They can be triggered by factors such as bacteria, medication or excess production of stomach acid.

If you have an ulcer, here are things you should discuss with your doctor to promote healing, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Medications can help ulcers heal. Antibiotics are prescribed to thwart bacteria, and other medications may be taken to help reduce stomach acid.
* Avoid smoking.
* Don't take anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
* Avoid caffeine and alcohol in your diet. If you do have some, try to make sure it's after you've eaten a meal or snack.
* Don't eat foods that seem to aggravate your ulcer. Examples may include chocolate, coffee, certain herbs and spices, and some spicy foods.
* Eat several small meals throughout the day, rather than one big meal.

Health Tip: Discussing Death With Children

Death may be difficult to comprehend at any age, but it can be particularly confusing and scary to young children.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions when talking to children about death:

* Keep your explanation honest, simple, and on a level that's appropriate for the child's age.
* Understand that death can cause fears and confusion in many children.
* Talk about it as openly as possible when they ask questions or if a situation occurs that requires you to discuss it.
* Talk about your feelings -- fear, sadness, anger and anything else you feel. Show your child that the emotions they have are normal.
* Help children understand that they had nothing to do with the death. The person did not die because of something the children did, and they could not have prevented it from happening.

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