Choking can be prevented in children. First, though, it is important to understand how the act happens in the first place. There are three routes through which foreign objects can enter a child’s body: Inhaled. Through the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (main airways to the lungs). Ingested. Through the esophagus (food tube) and stomach. Inserted. Through the nose or ear. The most serious situation occurs when a child inhales a foreign object. The object can…

What Are Growing Pains? The term "growing pains" refers to a benign pattern of pain in the limbs, which usually occurs in children ages 3 to 12, and is the most common type of limb pain in children. Between 10 percent and 35 percent of children will have these pains at least once, and the pains can occur in both boys and girls. What Are the Symptoms of Growing Pains? Growing pains occur mostly in the legs (shins, calves, behind the knees or thighs), and affect both sides of the body. The…

As your child transitions into the toddler years, he or she is learning to eat more solid foods. Good nutrition gives your child what he or she needs for growth and health, and energy for playing, moving and learning. Here are a few helpful suggestions for feeding your toddler. A Toddler’s Diet The toddler years are full of exploring and discovery. The best thing you can do is offer your toddler a variety of foods with different tastes, textures and colors. How Much Should My Toddler Be…

Nutrition during preschool years is important for kids' growth and learning, and to provide energy for high activity levels. Here are some suggestions for proper nutrition during these years. What Should My Preschooler Be Eating? Your preschooler is now able to feed him or herself and is able to try a wide variety of foods. Always offer different choices for your child to eat. Make food appealing and fun for your child, and make sure your child is trying each of the food groups,…

Teens and younger school-aged children, like adults, should visit their doctor once a year for a full history and physical exam. If a chronic medical condition exists or if signs or symptoms of an illness or disease are present, more frequent office visits may be necessary. What Doctors Check During a Teen Healthcare Visit? During your healthcare visit, your doctor may perform any of the following: Measure your height, weight and blood pressure. Order tests (such as a check for anemia)…

The skin of teens requires special care and a gentle touch. The following guidelines can help you achieve the best possible results for your skin: Take care when choosing cosmetics. Cosmetics such as foundation, blush and moisturizers should be oil-free. Choose products that do not promote the formation of blemishes or cause blocked pores. Don’t pick your face. If you pick, squeeze or pinch blemishes, you risk developing acne scars. Don’t rub or touch blemishes. Be gentle with cleaning.…

Adolescence is the period of developmental transition between childhood and adulthood. It involves changes in personality, as well as in physical, intellectual and social development. During this time of change, teens are faced with many issues and decisions. Teenagers need to be confident in their abilities and willing to stand up to others as part of the maturing process. Self-Esteem and Your Teen Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. The development of a positive self-image and a…

The Law You cannot give alcohol to your children's friends under 21 years of age under any circumstances, even in your own home and with their parents' permission. You cannot knowingly allow a person less than 21 years of age to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages. If You Break the Law You can face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Others can sue you if you give alcohol to anyone under 21 years of…

Heart attacks are often thought of as a sudden, pressure-like chest pain that takes a person by complete surprise. But heart attacks can have early warning signs, and often result from heart disease that builds up over time. A key to preventing a heart attack is knowing the risk factors that can lead to heart disease and knowing the early warning signs. What Causes Heart Attacks? The two main causes of heart attacks are: Coronary artery blockage Coronary artery disease What Happens…

Non-modifiable risk factors are risk factors that cannot be changed, while modifiable risk factors can be modified, controlled or treated. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing cardiovascular disease. If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol, it is even more important to decrease your other risk factors. Non-modifiable risk factors Increasing age Male gender Menopause Family history Race Cardiovascular disease…

The keys to managing heart failure are to take your medications, make diet changes, exercise regularly and be active and monitor your health for new or worsening heart failure signs or symptoms. Also make sure to schedule appointments often with your health professional. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how often to visit. When Should I Call My Doctor or Nurse? Certain symptoms require an immediate doctor’s appointment. And, if your symptoms are discovered early, your doctor or nurse may…

Exercise is an essential part of any healthy lifestyle. The following benefits can help lower the risk of developing heart disease: weight loss lower blood pressure lower cholesterol management of blood sugar stronger heart Exercise can also improve your condition if you already suffer from heart disease. Exercise Safety Before beginning an exercise program, it is necessary to talk with your physician about any limitations that you may have regarding exercise. Discuss goals, any…

What is your pulse? Your pulse is your heart rate, or the number of times your heart beats in one minute. Pulse rates vary from person to person. Your pulse is lower when you are at rest and increases when you exercise (because more oxygen-rich blood is needed by the body when you exercise). Knowing how to take your pulse can help you evaluate your exercise program. How to take your pulse Place the tips of your index, second and third fingers on the palm side of your other wrist, below…

The Importance of Training Either due to natural talent or tenacity of spirit, many endurance athletes make tremendous gains in athletic capabilities without the benefit of a comprehensive training program. However, a training program geared to suit your needs can show you how to develop that natural talent to have you performing at an optimal level. Where to Begin Before you begin or change your current program, discuss any limitations you may have with your doctor. Limitations, such as…

As people age, changes take place in the nervous and muscular systems that make the body less able to activate the muscles. Studies show that this process can be slowed considerably through activity and exercise. Bone Density and Muscle Strength A relationship has been established between bone density and inactivity. Increased stress on bones stimulates bone growth, while lack of stress decreases bone growth. Weight-bearing activities (activities that make the muscles work against gravity,…

Sometimes, the hardest part of exercising is simply finding the motivation to do so. We set up mental barriers to give us excuses to not exercise. Overcoming these obstacles can be tricky, but they only serve to prevent you from becoming a better and healthier individual. How Can You Overcome Your Barriers? The answer to this is to find something that motivates you. Make exercise personal. Use a chronic health condition, family history or positive outcome (like keeping medication costs down)…

Exercise is an important part of improving and maintaining normal, comfortable back function. It is important to exercise regularly so that you can maintain your fitness level. What are the Different Types of Exercise? Exercise can be divided into three basic groups: Strengthening— using repeated muscle contractions until the muscle becomes tired Stretching or flexibility— slow, sustained lengthening of the muscle Aerobic— steady exercise using large muscle…

What is an Exercise Stress Test? An exercise stress test involves exercising on a treadmill or stationary bicycle while you are closely monitored. Exercise stress tests are used to: Determine how well your heart and body tolerate activity Evaluate the function of your cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) Help determine the presence and severity of heart disease Evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan The results of your exercise stress test will help…

When appropriately applied, stress management training can reduce the degree and intensity of your current stress reactions and help you develop skills for preventing additional, harmful stress reactions. Concepts of stress management training Stress reactions take five general forms: Subjective experience of distress, as in feeling tense, anxious, worried, harassed Physical symptoms in response to stress, such as raised blood pressure, tension headaches, upset stomach Responding to…

Coping With Life's Big Changes Coping usually involves adjusting to or tolerating negative events or realities while attempting to maintain your positive self-image and emotional equilibrium. Coping occurs in the context of life changes that are perceived to be stressful. Psychological stress is usually associated with negative life changes, such as losing a job or loved one. However, because all changes require some sort of adaptation, even positive changes, such as getting married or having…