Saturday, January 24, 2009

Health Tips for January 24

Health Tip: Triggers for PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe anxiety condition that can follow a life-threatening or very frightening experience.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says these people are at greater risk of developing PTSD:

  • People who are victims of rape, other physical assault or terrorism.
  • People who have been in a car accident, natural disaster, flood or fire.
  • People who have participated in war or other combat.
  • People who have lost a family member or other loved one.
  • People who have been diagnosed with a fatal disease.
  • People who are rescue workers, such as firefighters or police officers.

Health Tip: Taking ADHD Medications

Medications prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may effectively manage symptoms, but they can also cause a number of side effects.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to minimize side effects caused by ADHD drugs:

  • Take only the minimal dose necessary to control your symptoms. Speak with your doctor about determining the right dose for you.
  • If you have stomach upset, take your ADHD meds with food.
  • As long as your doctor says it's OK, consider the weekend "drug-free days" when you can skip your medication.
  • If ADHD meds cause undesired weight loss, add healthy snacks to the day's menu.

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