Friday, December 04, 2009

Health Tips for December 4

Health Tip: Managing Lupus Symptoms

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause symptoms including pain and stiffness in the joints, body aches, fever, a rash on the skin and impaired cognitive function.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers these suggestions to help control lupus symptoms:

  • See your doctor regularly.
  • Establish priorities and goals to better balance your life.
  • Minimize your exposure to sunlight and light from halogen and fluorescent bulbs.
  • Learn how to reduce and manage stress.
  • Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep and exercise when your doctor approves.
  • Create or join a network of support people.

Health Tip: Does Your Child Grind the Teeth?

Bruxism is used to describe grinding the teeth or clenching the jaws, especially while asleep or under stress.

In many cases, the teeth aren't damaged, although some kids who grind may have headaches or earaches.

The Nemours Foundation offers this list of bruxism's possible warning signs:

  • Your child makes a grinding sound while asleep.
  • Your child's jaw or face is sore in the morning.
  • Your child sucks the thumb.
  • Your child bites the fingernails.
  • Your child has signs of biting on the inside of the cheek.
  • Your child frequently chews on items such as toys or pencils.

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