Sunday, June 08, 2008

Health Tips for June 8

Health Tip: Taking a Mental Status Test

Mental status tests are given to determine the state of a person's mental health. The test, for example, can help gauge the mental progression of a physical illness such as Alzheimer's disease.

Here's what may comprise a mental status test, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* An examination of physical appearance, including dress and grooming.
* Orientation and awareness -- knowing one's own name, address, and phone, as well as the current date and season.
* Length of attention span, and short-term and long-term memory.
* Tests to determine abilities including problem solving and judgment.
* Ability to identify objects and recall words.

Health Tip: Giving Your Child Medicine

Giving medicine to your child can be a challenge, especially if it tastes bad or is difficult to swallow.

Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago offers these suggestions:

* If the medicine has an unpleasant taste, see if your pharmacist can add flavor to it, or advise on how you can do so.
* Only with your doctor or pharmacist's approval, crumble a pill into a powder and sprinkle it into foods such as applesauce or pudding. Some medications shouldn't be crushed in this way, so be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
* Have your child suck on an ice cube or Popsicle before and after taking the medicine.
* Keep the child from spitting out liquid by lightly squeezing the cheeks, putting the lips in a "fish kiss" position.

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