Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Health Tips for August 19

Health Tip: Check Baby's Toys for Safety

When choosing toys for your baby or toddler, make sure you inspect them carefully for things that could cause injury.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these guidelines when choosing safe toys:

* Make sure each toy is sturdy, well-made, and appropriate for your child's age.
* Don't let your baby play with toys that have sharp edges or points, or small parts.
* Make sure parts fit securely and are not loose.
* Read labels to check for safety information. Look for toys that are non-toxic, washable and hygienic.
* Don't let your baby play with any toys that are smaller than 1 3/4 inches in diameter or 2 inches long, as these may pose a choking hazard.

Health Tip: Keep Cholesterol Under Control

Too much dietary cholesterol can lead to high cholesterol levels in the blood, which can be a risk factor for heart disease.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions to help lower your cholesterol:

* Avoid high-fat or fried foods.
* When you do eat foods with fat, look for foods with unsaturated, not saturated, fat.
* Reduce the amount of red meat that you eat, and eat more fish and poultry.
* Get enough soluble fiber by eating plenty of fruits, beans, peas and oats.
* Don't eat more than three egg yolks per week.
* Get plenty of exercise, maintain a healthy body weight, and stop smoking.

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