Unsightly & unhealthy

Not only is nail biting an unsightly habit, it has health consequences, as well.

According to the Nemours Foundation, chewing nails down to the cuticle can cause bleeding, which exposes the skin to germs and increases the risk of infection. When your child puts germ-laden fingernails in her mouth, this also increases her risk of illness.

You should encourage your child to stop biting her nails.

What to apply, what not to

People with sensitive skin need to be careful when choosing products applied to the skin. Here are some guidelines on what to buy, courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology:

• Check the preservatives listed in the ingredients list.
• The least irritating preservatives for people with sensitive skin are ones that contain parabens.
• Stay away from products that include antibacterial or botanical ingredients.
• Don't choose products that contain solvents that are easily absorbed by the skin, including propylene glycol and ethanol.
• Look for products that contain ingredients like polyethylene glycol that aren't as easily absorbed.
  

When going veg...

A vegetarian diet may reduce your risks of diabetes and heart disease, the American Heart Association (AHA) says. But vegetarians also have to eat foods with a healthy balance of nutrients.

The AHA offers these guidelines:

• Eat enough protein. You can try adding soy to your diet, which is protein rich.
• Eat plenty of nuts, whole grains, vegetables, and legumes.
• Get plenty of iron by eating lots of spinach, beans, dried fruits, and iron-fortified foods.
• Try eating foods fortified with vitamin B-12, or consider taking a B-12 supplement.
• Avoid foods high in sugar or fat.