Saturday, October 11, 2008

Health Tips for October 11

Health Tip: Coping With Epilepsy

People with epilepsy are prone to injury in the event of a sudden seizure.

The University of California San Francisco Medical Center offers these suggestions to help reduce your risk of injury:

* Always wear or carry something that identifies you as having epilepsy --a bracelet, necklace or ID card.
* Make sure that your friends, family and co-workers know what to do.
* If you've been having seizures, avoid situations that could be dangerous, such as working in high places or swimming by yourself.
* Understand and follow state rules and laws about driving with epilepsy.
* Never stop taking your epilepsy medication or change your dose without talking to your doctor.
* In addition to your seizure medicine, never take any other medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Health Tip: Know the Signs of Concussion

A jarring and forceful blow to the head can result in a brain injury called a concussion.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists the following warning signs of concussion, which should be evaluated as soon as possible by a doctor:

* Headache.
* Difficulty seeing.
* Dizziness.
* Difficulty concentrating, memory loss or confusion.
* Problems retaining balance.
* Nausea.
* Ringing in the ears.

No comments: