Past Tips of the Day

Asthma Inhaler
If you use an asthma inhaler, keep a record of how many times you use it. Inhalers may continue to function after all the medicine is gone and deliver only propellant, which could exacerbate an asthma attack.
Health After 50, January 1998

Aspirin & Heartburn
If you get heartburn after taking regular aspirin, use a buffered, enteric-coated, or time-released preparation.
Health After 50, January 1998

Reducing Stroke Risk
Each year, one in 2,500 Americans suffers from a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain (a brain hemorrhage). The likelihood of rupture can be reduced by controlling blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication when necessary
Health After 50, September 1997

Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Seven to 15 percent of older people suffer from B-12 deficiency, which can lead to irreversible memory loss and other neurological problems if it persists long enough without treatment. Have your B-12 levels checked, and take a supplement if needed.
Nutrition Action Health Letter, May 1997

Antioxidants & Vegetables
Kale is the vegetable with the most antioxidant activity, followed by beets, red peppers, broccoli, spinach, potato, sweet potato, and corn.
Nutrition Action Health Letter, May 1997

Antioxidants & Fruits
Blueberries and strawberries are fruits with the most antioxidant activity, followed by plums, oranges, red grapes, kiwi, pink grapefruit, white grapefruit, white grapes, apples, tomatoes, bananas, pears, and melons.
Nutrition Action Health Letter, May 1997

Vitamin Deficiencies and Seniors
Seniors have a higher prevalence of vitamin and mineral deficiencies than young or middle-aged adults. However, simple multivitamins and minerals are usually sufficient to correct any deficiencies.
Nutrition Action Health Letter, September 1997

Exercise and Sleep
Studies show that moderate-intense activities twice a week help improve sleep. (However, check with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise program.)
Journal of the American Medical Association, 277:32 1997

Washing Fruits and Vegetables
Do not use soap or detergents to wash fruits and vegetables. Cold water (and perhaps a brush) will remove nearly all dirt as well as some bacteria and pesticide residues.
Berkeley Wellness Letter, July 1997

Flu Shot
Get a flu vaccine every year and a pneumonia vaccine if you are over age 65.
Health After 50, September 1997

Colds and Antibiotics
Don't ask your doctor for antibiotics if you have a cold. When antibiotics are prescribed, take the entire prescription, even if you feel better within the first day or two.
Health After 50, September 1997

Dry Skin
Soaking in soapy solutions can strip the skin of its natural oils. To minimize moisture loss, dermatologists often advise substituting showers for baths and using superfatted soaps like Dove or Basis or glycerine bars like Neutrogena rather than highly alkaline soaps.
Harvard Women's Health Watch, June 1995

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