Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Health Tips for June 23

Health Tip: Why is the Room Spinning?

Dizziness typically isn't a serious problem. Most of the time, dizziness resolves itself or the underlying cause can be treated fairly easily.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these common reasons for dizziness:

  • Standing up too quickly.
  • The flu.
  • The common cold.
  • Allergies.
  • Low blood sugar.
  • Vertigo.
  • Problems with the inner ear, such as Meniere's disease or labyrinthitis.
  • Irregular heart rhythm, stroke, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, or significant drop in blood pressure. These less common but more serious causes require evaluation and treatment.

Health Tip: Dizziness During Pregnancy

Many women feel dizzy during pregnancy, a condition caused by hormones that help increase blood flow to the baby, but may restrict blood flow to you.

The American Pregnancy Association offers these suggestions to help relieve dizziness during pregnancy:

  • Try not to stand up for long periods. When you do have to stand, move your feet frequently to help maintain your circulation.
  • When you start to stand up, do so slowly.
  • Keep a cool body temperature. Avoid very hot baths or showers.
  • Don't go too long without eating.
  • Make sure clothing is loose and not so tight that it can reduce blood circulation.
  • Ask your doctor about other factors that could cause dizziness. In some women, lying on their back may impede blood flow as the weight of the fetus presses on certain blood vessels.

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