Health Talk: Exercise allergy, and more
Are you allergic to exercise?
If working out literally give you hives, you may be allergic to exercise. Here’s what you need to know.
A serious condition
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) is a serious but rare allergic reaction that can trigger a variety of symptoms, including rash, nausea and low blood pressure. The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person.
Typically, a reaction occurs when an individual’s immune system becomes overstimulated during or after physical exertion. However, EIA is not fully understood because it’s difficult to reproduce the precise conditions for it in a lab.
In some people, EIA is food dependent. This means that the reaction only occurs when the individual combines physical activity with certain foods, such as wheat, shellfish or peanuts. Fortunately, those affected this way can simply avoid eating their trigger foods to prevent a reaction.
Keep in mind, EIA is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. If you think you may have this condition, you should see your doctor right away.
The consequences of neglecting your children’s dental health
Poor oral hygiene can have serious, long-term effects on your children’s health, and young kids don’t usually have the maturity or dexterity to take care of their own teeth. Therefore, it falls on parents to help children maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Here’s what could happen if you neglect your kids’ dental health. Your children could develop:
Gum disease
Painful cavities
Sensitive teeth
Dental abscesses
Persistent bad breath
Tooth decay
Dental treatments can be expensive, time consuming and at times unpleasant. To avoid unwanted trips to the dentist, it’s important to teach your kids good habits and monitor your little ones to ensure they properly brush their teeth.
To help keep your children’s teeth healthy, make an appointment for a cleaning and checkup at a dental clinic near you.
Did you know?
Cavities in baby teeth must be treated. This is because dental decay is caused by bacteria, which can spread and damage teeth growing below the gumline.
5 great reasons to sleep in the buff
Sleeping naked has many physical and mental health benefits. Here are five good reasons to put your pajamas back in the drawer.
1. You’ll fall asleep fast. Sleeping au naturel keeps your body cool, which can help you fall asleep quickly.
2. You’ll prevent infections. Letting your genitals breathe at night can help stave off the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi that are likely to cause infections.
3. You’ll sleep deeper. If you sleep in the nude, you won’t have to worry about your pajamas riding up and causing discomfort. You can move freely and fall into a deep, uninterrupted sleep.
4. You’ll keep your skin healthy. Your skin can breathe easy when you don’t wear anything to bed. Plus, sleeping in the nude may help your body release excess oils and get rid of toxins.
5. You’ll increase your self-esteem. Sleeping naked can feel awkward at first, especially for people who have a difficult relationship with their body. However, it can help you make peace with your imperfections and teach you to love yourself for who you are.
If you give this practice a try, you may be surprised at how well you sleep.
How much sleep does your child need?
Are you wondering if your child’s getting enough sleep? If so, here’s an overview of what you should know.
0 to 12 months old
Infants who are less than four months old can sleep up to 18 hours a day. After this initial period, babies sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day. To help ensure a sound sleep, choose a firm mattress and maintain a consistent nap and bedtime schedule.
One to two years old
Most toddlers sleep between 11 and 14 hours a day. To help your little one get the rest they need, it’s best to limit late-night naps, focus on quiet time before bed and maintain a sleep routine.
Three to 10 years old
At this age, most children sleep between 10 and 13 hours a day. They may also need to take one or two naps during the day. Make sure you keep a consistent bedtime routine and avoid offering your kids caffeinated beverages before they go to sleep.
11 to 18 years old
Teenagers need eight to 10 hours of sleep a day. While it’s normal for them to want to stay up late, a pre-bedtime routine can help them get a good night’s rest. Remind your young adult that their bed is for sleeping and electronic devices don’t belong in the bedroom.
Does your child have insomnia? Do they have trouble waking up or seem to sleep too much? Are they frequently tired in the morning? If something doesn’t seem right, consult a health care professional who can get to the root of your child’s sleep problems and make recommendations tailored to their needs.
