Health Tips for June 16

Health Tip: Taking an Herbal Supplement

Any product labeled "herbal" doesn't automatically make it safe. So, it's important to carefully evaluate any herbal supplement.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions:

• Don't look straight to herbal remedies if you get sick. See your doctor, find out what's wrong, and get the physician's advice on treatment.
• Skip herbal remedies altogether if you are pregnant or are trying to conceive.
• Never give herbal supplements to an infant.
• Never take more of an herbal remedy than its manufacturer recommends.
• Read labels, and only use products that specifically list which herbs (and amounts) are included.
• Always tell your doctor about any herbal products that you are taking.
• If you have any plant, flower or pollen allergies, pay attention to what's in the herbal supplements you're considering.
• Understand that there are no guarantees with herbal products, and that manufacturer or seller claims may not necessarily be accurate.

Health Tip: Stay Safe at the Amusement Park

It's difficult to find a more enjoyable activity for children than a day at the amusement park.

To help keep it that way, Saferparks.org offers these safety suggestions:

• Watch as much of the ride as possible before deciding whether it's safe for your child. Don't base your decision solely on the ride's signs and height limits.
• Never let your child go on a ride if the child's age, height, weight or health problems suggest the ride isn't suitable for the child.
• Never allow children to go on a ride that frightens them.
• Make sure you use safety belts and lap bars, and make sure your child knows to stay seated at all times.
• Make sure that your child sits on the safest part of the ride (follow loading instructions) and that the child's hands, feet and head stay inside the seat or car.
• Tell your child what to do in case he or she is lost or separated from you. On arrival at the park, point out uniformed park employees and tell the children to seek them out for help.
• Follow your instinct about what's safe for your child.