Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Health Tips for December 30

Health Tip: Stop a Sore Throat

A sore throat can be a side effect of a cold or allergy, or signal something more serious such as strep throat or tonsillitis. A lingering sore throat should be evaluated by a doctor.

Meanwhile, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions for how you can help ease sore throat pain:

  • Gargle with a warm salt water solution.
  • Suck on a throat-soothing lozenge or a hard candy.
  • Suck on a Popsicle, or similar frozen dessert.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Run a humidifier.
  • Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen.

Health Tip: Managing Joint Pain

Joint pain can keep you from exercising, feeling good and performing everyday activities.

It may be triggered by factors including illness, exercise or overuse injury.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers general guidelines for how to combat joint pain:

  • Always follow your doctor's treatment plan.
  • When possible, give your joints a rest.
  • Gentle stretching exercises also may help ease joint pain.
  • Take a warm bath, or get a massage.
  • Take an anti-inflammatory drug, but be sure to discuss it with your doctor first, especially if the person with joint pain is a child.

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