Snippets

While allergies and asthma usually are chronic, symptoms can flare from exposure to certain triggers. The American Lung Association says these factors trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in many people:

• Anything with powerful fumes, such as hair spray, paint or perfume.
• Cold air.
• Smoke from cigarettes, pipes, cigars or fireplaces.
• Pollen, mould or dust mites.
• Animal dander.
• Air pollution.
• Respiratory tract infections or reactions, stemming from sources such as the common cold or flu.

How to use a thermometer correctly

If you’re taking your temperature, you should take steps to ensure that you’re getting an accurate reading.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these guidelines:

• If using a thermometer by mouth, put it directly under the tongue and keep your mouth closed, holding the thermometer in place with your lips. Keep it in about three minutes if it’s a glass thermometer, or until a digital thermometer beeps.
• If measuring temperature underneath the arm, place the thermometer under the armpit, and hold your arm against your body for five minutes. This is not the best method for a glass thermometer.
• If measuring a baby’s temperature by rectum, place the baby on the stomach, and insert the thermometer with a small amount of petroleum jelly. Keep the child still, and remove the thermometer after about 3 minutes (or until it beeps).
• Don’t take your temperature within an hour of taking a bath or shower, or exercising strenuously.
• If you’ve just had something to eat or drink, wait at least 20 minutes before taking your temperature.

When is a head injury serious?

Any head injury should be taken seriously, but certain warning signs indicate that the injury needs immediate medical attention.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says a doctor’s evaluation is required if you notice the following:

• Any symptom that begins to worsen, including sleepiness, nausea or a headache.
• Nausea that doesn’t subside.
• Behavioural changes, such as acting confused or irritable.
• Enlarged eye pupils, or pupils that are a different size in each eye.
• Difficulty talking or walking.
• Any bloody or unusual discharge from the nose or ears.
• Seizures or vomiting.
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or arms.

Treating bunion pain

If you’ve got a painful, swollen bump at the base of your big toe known as a bunion, you probably want to know what can be done for relief.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these possible options:

• Apply a non-medicated bunion pad.
• Wear comfortable shoes with plenty of room in the toes, and a low heel.
• Apply an ice pack over the bunion when it becomes swollen, red or painful.
• Tape up the foot to help keep the toe in position.
• Take an anti-inflammatory medication to ease swelling and pain. Ask your podiatrist if you’re a candidate for a cortisone injection.
• Use orthotic shoe inserts to help keep the feet in better alignment.

Signs that a baby is hungry

Some new parents have a tough time figuring out when their crying baby is truly hungry.
The Nemours Foundation says these are signs that a baby wants to eat:

• Turning the head from side to side.
• Opening the mouth and sticking out the tongue.
• Putting hands, fingers or a fist in or near the mouth.
• Puckering the lips.
• Turning to the mother’s breast.
• Moving the mouth in the direction of something that’s touching the cheek (the “rooting” reflex).

(HealthDay News)