Monday, April 28, 2008

Health Tips for April 28

Health Tip: Getting Up After a Fall

If you fall, you can injure yourself even more just by trying to get back on your feet.

Here are suggestions on how seniors can pull themselves back up safely after a fall, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Take a few deep breaths and don't panic. If you feel like you are hurt, call for help if there's someone close by. In any case, don't try to get up until you feel better.
* If you feel like you are not hurt, try rolling onto your side, turning your head in the direction you are rolling.
* Crawl over to a chair, couch or other sturdy piece of furniture, and slowly pull yourself up.
* Put your hands down flat on the furniture. Bend your stronger knee and keep the other knee on the floor, and slowly stand up.
* Slowly twist yourself around and sit down on the chair or couch. Call a family member or emergency services if you need help.

Health Tip: Ear Infection May Not Need Antibiotic

If your child has an ear infection, it's important to take the child to a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. The pediatrician will determine if the infection is bacterial or viral.

Here are suggestions on how to treat your child's ear infection, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* If the infection is bacterial, your doctor probably will prescribe an antibiotic.
* If the infection is viral, an antibiotic won't treat it, so prescribing one may be counterproductive.
* You can give your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Don't give your child aspirin, unless the doctor says so.
* Apply a warm heating pad to the ear to relieve pain.
* The doctor may prescribe ear drops.

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