Friday, December 26, 2008

Health Tips for December 26

Health Tip: Considering an Advanced Care Directive?

Whether you have a chronic illness or are simply concerned about your health deteriorating at some point, you may be considering an advanced care directive.

This legal document explains how you want your health care to be managed if you are unable to make or express decisions for yourself.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these benefits of having an advanced care directive:

  • It should help you and family members worry less about how your medical care will be handled.
  • If you should become mentally or physically incapacitated, it can help you avoid treatments and procedures that you don't want.
  • If can help reduce the overall cost of your health care.
  • It can address potential legal concerns regarding your medical care.

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that resembles uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Symptoms may include pain, infertility and very heavy periods.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers this list of common risk factors for endometriosis:

  • Starting your period at a young age.
  • Having very heavy periods.
  • Having periods that last more than seven days.
  • Having a short monthly menstrual cycle of 27 days or fewer.
  • Having a close relative who has the condition.

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