Health Tips for August 9

Health Tip: Prevent Constipation

It's not true that to be considered regular, you have to produce a bowel movement at least once daily, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.

The "normal" range varies widely -- between three times a day and three times a week, the academy says.

Here are its recommendations to help prevent constipation:

* When you need to have a bowel movement, try not to ignore it.
* Make time to have a regular bowel movement, such as after a meal.
* Get plenty of fiber in your diet, drink plenty of fluids every day, and get regular exercise.
* Avoid foods that are high in sugar and fat.
* Don't take laxatives too frequently. Overuse can actually damage your bowels and aggravate constipation.

Health Tip: Keep a Meal Schedule

Not only do many diabetics need to monitor what they eat, they need to pay attention to what time they eat it.

The American Diabetes Association says it's important to keep a regular schedule for meals. It offers the following suggestions:

* Schedule dinner get-togethers at your normal meal time.
* Choose locations and times when you won't have to wait too long to eat.
* When possible, make a reservation.
* Avoid dishes that take an unusually long time to prepare.
* If you know that your meal will be much later than usual, have your bedtime snack at your usual mealtime, then eat a later dinner. Talk to your doctor about how to adjust your insulin when you do this.