3 mins read

How to Prevent Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins. According to the Mayo Clinic, in addition to the bulge, symptoms may include pain, night cramps, itchiness and feelings of heaviness. Varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body, but usually develop in the legs. They are fairly common and according to the John Hopkins Bayview Vein Center, occur more often in women than in men. Although certain risk factors such as family history are not controllable, there are steps to take to help prevent varicose veins.

5 mins read

Helping Kids Understand the Dangers of Smoking

Every day, 3,600 kids between the ages of 12 and 17 start smoking, according to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A fact sheet on youth and tobacco use states that 20 percent of high school students in the United States were current smokers in 2007. Ninety percent of adults who smoke are likely to have started smoking as kids, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). These numbers are startling and continue to be a cause for concern. The fact is, kids continue to start smoking despite the fact that there is so much information and statistical data available that ought to deter them. It is the responsibility of parents, caregivers, teachers and mentors to help kids understand the dangers of smoking. This article offers tips and step-by-step instructions to help you in the process.

3 mins read

How to Raise Healthy Kids

The key to raising healthy kids is teaching them how to make healthy decisions. To do this, you must be informed about health issues that affect your child and be willing to take an active role as a parent. Childhood obesity is the biggest health threat facing kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16.3 percent of youth in the United States are obese. This causes alarm among health professionals concerned about correlations between obesity and increased risk of other diseases and conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, liver/gallbladder disease, sleep apnea/respiratory problems, osteoarthritis and reproductive problems. By following these steps, you can take action to stimulate healthy decision-making and prevent obesity.

3 mins read

About Breastfeeding

No matter if it is straight from the breast or fed to the baby through a bottle, breast milk has been found to be the best way to nourish a baby in most cases. Breastfeeding provides the perfect nutrition as the baby grows because the mother’s milk changes as time goes by, matching the needs of the infant, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Not only is it the best form of nutrition, it also provides protection, bonding and it is economical.