Saturday, April 18, 2009

Health Tips for April 18

Health Tip: Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Adults

Celiac disease makes your body intolerant to a protein called gluten, which is found in foods including wheat, rye and barley products. It can also be found in some vitamins, lip balms and medications.

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, these symptoms may be warning signs of celiac disease in adults:
  • Digestive problems including chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating and pain. Digestive symptoms, however, are less likely to affect adults than children.
  • Feeling tired, anxious or depressed.
  • Arthritis or osteoporosis.
  • Unexplained anemia.
  • Feelings of numbness or tingling in the feet or hands.
  • Seizures.
  • Irregular menstrual periods, multiple miscarriages or infertility.
  • Canker sores.
  • An itchy skin rash.
Health Tip: Eating Out With Food Allergies

If you are allergic to one or more foods, dining out does include possible risks. But food allergies don't mean you have to stay home to stay safe.

The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions to help reduce the risk of an allergic reaction while eating out:
  • Review the ingredient list of menu items where you are eating. Try to obtain the menu ahead of time.
  • Tell your server about your food allergy, and ask for information on how particular dishes are prepared. If your server isn't sure, speak to the manager or the chef.
  • Don't eat from buffets or order family-style dishes, as these foods may be contaminated by other foods or utensils.
  • Stay away from fried foods. The same oil may be used to fry several different dishes.

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