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* The day I took control
of my health
* Prevent disease with
immunizations
* Nursing moms lose
weight and more
* Set sail to better health
* Health centers are on
your side
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| Mothers who nurse reap many health benefits, including an earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight and a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
After delivery, some moms become constipated or suffer from hemorrhoids.
Eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of water, and walking can help alleviate these conditions. If not, your doctor might suggest a bulk stool softener or a psyllium fiber supplement like Konsyl Original or Konsyl Easy Mix.
Learn more about easing pregnancy and postpartum issues>>
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If you take a cruise this summer, don't overdo it at the midnight buffet. Too many sweets can increase triglycerides. High levels of this fat in the blood are associated with heart problems, obesity and diabetes, says the American Heart Association. Exercise, like a 30-minute walk around the ship every day, helps. Healthy habits never need a vacation.
More tips on how to lower your cholesterol>>
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| Aug. 9 to 15 is National Health Center Week, which recognizes the importance of local, non-profit, community-owned health care providers. This week, set a good example for the children in your life.
Eat properly and exercise moderately. Good health means being at the right weight. This online Body Mass Index calculator calculates a healthy range for you, based on your height.
Learn more on how to manage your weight>>
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August Health Advisor:
Dr. Amber Golshani, ND |
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Dr. Golshani has a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. She joins us for the second time to talk about how she took control of her health.
Visit Dr. Golshani's site>> |
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| The day I took control of my health |
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Ten years ago doctors told me I might not be able to conceive a child. I was 22 years old, stood 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighed nearly 180 pounds. My periods were painful and irregular; sometimes I had only four a year.
Doctors diagnosed me with polycystic ovarian syndrome and said the "cure" was to go on birth control pills for the rest of my life.
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I was high-risk for high blood pressure and diabetes. If I wanted to get pregnant, doctors said I would probably need fertility treatments.
This was my life: I craved sweets, breads, chips and baked goods. My cholesterol and triglyceride levels were high. I was always irritable.
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With my budding interest in natural medicine, I researched my condition. I learned losing just 5% of my weight would improve my hormone levels and restore my menses. Right then I took control of my health. I told myself, "I am going to eat one salad a day, eat fewer grain products and limit sweets. I will exercise."
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Guess what? I lost 30 pounds in 14 weeks and my menses returned on a monthly basis. Today, I have a healthy 4 year old, and another child is on the way.
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There was no magic pill. It was simply diet and exercise. I tell my patients to follow the same plan. No matter how many herbs, vitamins, natural remedies (or pharmaceutical drugs for that matter) they take, they will never truly be well unless they address their weight. Any doctor will tell you that an important part of a weight-loss program is a high-fiber diet.
I made good health a top priority for my family and
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| myself. What about you? Are you ready to take control of your health? |
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| Prevent disease at all ages with immunizations |
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Part of the back-to-school routine means a trip to the doctor so the kids can be vaccinated against measles, mumps and chicken pox. Immunizations are not just for children, however. Adults also need to be protected from viruses that cause the flu, shingles and other diseases.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. That's a good thing because young adults aren't
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up to speed about the importance of vaccines. While most older Americans know that tetanus causes lockjaw, less than half of adults aged 18 to 26 do, according to a National Foundation for Infectious Diseases survey.
Immunity to viruses can fade over time, so doctors administer booster shots. As we age, we become more susceptible to serious diseases (like the flu). The Centers for Disease Control recommends several vaccines for adults age 65 and up. Speak with your doctor about which ones you need. Take control of your health.
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