Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 20:46:41 GMT Server: Apache/1.2.4 Last-Modified: Sat, 06 Dec 1997 20:45:58 GMT ETag: "4b741-2b8a-3489b986" Content-Length: 11146 Accept-Ranges: bytes Connection: close Content-Type: text/html
11/1/1997 It's not too late to try to protect yourself from the flu bug. An annual flu shot may lessen the severity of the virus or prevent you from getting it altogether. Flu shots are especially important for seniors and all those who suffer from chronic illness. Walgreens is offering flu shots in participating stores through Nov. 7 for only $10. Call 1-800-FLU-9950 for times and locations. 11/2/1997 Many people assume that if they had a flu shot last year, they're good for life-or at least for a few years. Unfortunately, new strains of the flu virus appear each year. So a specific vaccination needs to be prepared and adjusted accordingly. It's best to arm yourself against the flu each year. 11/3/1997 Occasionally, someone may have a reaction to a flu vaccination. Reactions range from slight soreness in the arm to mild flu-like symptoms (such as achiness). These reactions, however, are rare. Most people experience no adverse reaction unless they are allergic to eggs. If you are allergic to eggs, don't get a flu shot. 11/4/1997 During the heating season, remember that air that is too dry can cause nosebleeds. Use a humidifier to help avoid the problem. 11/5/1997 Worried about staying well? Vitamin supplements can help, especially if you're pregnant, under stress or simply not eating well. Before taking any supplements, ask your doctor to determine the type and dose that is right for you. 11/6/1997 During the cold and flu season, it's especially important to get enough sleep. Poor sleeping habits can tax your immune system leaving you vulnerable to seasonal viruses, even if you eat well and take vitamins. Develop good sleeping habits by going to bed at the same time every night and trying to maintain at least 6 hours of undisturbed sleep. 11/7/1997 The Alzheimer's Association has developed a checklist of symptoms of this serious disease. Among these symptoms are: memory loss, problems with familiar tasks, problems with language, poor judgment, time and place disorientation, changes in mood or personality, misplacing things or loss of initiative. If you suspect a loved one of having Alzheimer's Disease, see a physician for a proper diagnosis. 11/8/1997 Epilepsy can be caused by many factors including brain infection, brain tumor, severe head injury, exposure to toxic fumes, brain damage at birth, and even drug and alcohol abuse. The good news is, with proper medication and exercise, you can have a fairly normal life. Anticonvulsant drugs prescribed by your doctor will help you to engage in most physical activities. 11/9/1997 Living with epilepsy (as with any chronic disease) means taking better care of yourself. In addition to watching diet and exercise, those with epilepsy would be wise to avoid drinking alcohol since it may interfere with prescription medication. Check with your doctor. 11/10/1997 If you're on a maintenance drug, the dosage schedule can get confusing and hard to remember. Using a divided pill box can help. There's even a pill box with a timer that will ring when it's time to take your medication. See your Walgreens pharmacist for more details. 11/11/1997 Diabetes affects more than 16 million Americans, yet more than half may not know they have the disease. If you experience unusual thirst, frequent urination, abnormal hunger or fatigue, blurry vision, frequent infections or tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, you may be experiencing some of the warning signs. See your doctor for a thorough check-up. 11/12/1997 Type II diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, can often be controlled with proper diet, reduced sugar intake and exercise. (More severe cases may require insulin.) If your doctor gives you an exercise and food plan, follow it closely. 11/13/1997 If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it's important to have a dilated eye exam at least once a year. Diabetic eye disease, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataract and glaucoma, can be treated before vision loss occurs. And since often there are no symptoms in the early stages, examination by a qualified professional is your best chance to protect your vision. 11/14/1997 The incidence of stroke is two to six times higher in people with diabetes. As a diabetic, the most important thing you can do to lessen the odds is to keep the disease under control by monitoring your blood sugar, watching your diet, getting enough exercise and seeing your doctor regularly. 11/15/1997 Mitral valve prolapse is a common heart condition affecting an estimated 10-20% of the population, and more women than men. While it is not life-threatening, it can be unnerving since it causes a fluttering sensation in the chest. However, surgery is rarely needed. With proper education, lifestyle modification and treatment, symptoms can be reduced or even eliminated. 11/16/1997 While the cause of mitral valve prolapse, a common heart condition, is hereditary, factors such as stress and anxiety can bring on symptoms. That's where lifestyle change becomes important. Learning how to avoid stressful situations, or knowing what to do when they cannot be avoided, can help reduce symptoms. Ask your doctor about ways to live with less stress. 11/17/1997 Holiday eating is not far away. Holiday exercise might be a good thing to counteract it. Finding time for an aerobic activity for at least 25-30 minutes 3-4 times a week may help reduce the effects of holiday feasting. Exercise such as brisk walking, swimming or jogging could even reduce your appetite and discourage overindulging. 11/18/1997 Don't take leftover antibiotics for a cold or flu. Most antibiotics work only against bacterial infections, not viral infections such as colds and flu. Take antibiotics only when your doctor prescribes them and be sure to follow the directions carefully, taking all of the prescribed medication. 11/19/1997 Keeping your skin healthy in winter requires extra effort. Indoor heating and lower humidity dries out even young skin quickly. Remember to use moisturizer immediately after bathing for the best moisture replenishment. Drinking plenty of water is also important to keep your body hydrated even in winter weather. 11/20/1997 An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear and is often caused by bacteria. It usually occurs with or just after a cold and is generally accompanied by fluid build-up within the middle ear. Antibiotics help. If your child has had a cold and complains of ear pain, see your doctor for a diagnosis. As with any infection, the sooner antibiotic treatment begins, the better. 11/21/1997 If your child is on antibiotic medication for an ear or other type of infection, make sure to complete the full amount prescribed. Even though your child may feel better after a day or two, it is important to finish the entire course of therapy. 11/22/1997 One important way to help prevent ear infections, is to reduce the possibility of bacteria collecting inside the ear. The simplest way to do this is to use an over-the-counter solution to dry the ears after swimming or showering. Remember to check with your doctor first. 11/23/1997 Accurate, easy-to-use home health diagnostic kits are available for a variety of disorders and conditions. Ask your Walgreens pharmacist about kidney disorder tests, ovulation kits, pregnancy tests, blood glucose monitors, blood pressure kits and more. 11/24/1997 If you have a cold accompanied by fever and muscle aches, take ibuprofen (as long as you have your doctor's o.k.). Aspirin and acetaminophen may increase nasal congestion. 11/25/1997 If you're cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, remember to cook it thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer and cook to 170 degrees to 175 degrees in the thickest part of the breast, or 180 degrees to 185 degrees in the thickest part of the thigh. 11/26/1997 Store Thanksgiving leftovers immediately, making sure they are well-wrapped. To store leftover turkey, remove the meat from the bone before refrigerating or freezing. Use the refrigerated meat within three days and the frozen meat within two months. 11/27/1997 Try to keep your daily sodium intake to less than 2400 mg., especially if you're a woman over 50. Elevated levels can increase the rate at which calcium leaches out of the bone. Since calcium is the main component of bone, this loss may contribute to an increased risk of osteoporosis. 11/28/1997 When low indoor humidity dries the eyes, try over-the-counter, non-preservative artificial tears to replenish moisture. Using a humidifier at home can also help to keep humidity at a more comfortable level. 11/29/1997 If the chill of winter starts to aggravate an arthritic condition, try over-the-counter creams designed specifically for arthritis. Creams and rubs may provide hours of relief directly to the source of the pain. And you don't have to worry about adding another medication to your bloodstream. 11/30/1997 For indigestion (caused by holiday celebrations), many new antacids are now available over-the-counter. Ask your doctor which would be best for you. |