Health and Fitness News

Stories about exercise, diet and health care for New Jersey living

• Control blood pressure to lower illness risks
THE IMPORTANCE of identifying and treating hypertension in elders has been recognized for a number of decades. Yet many individuals still view high blood pressure as simply a part of growing older and are too casual about trying to lower it.

• Prematurity should not delay vaccinations
My daughter, who just turned 2 months old, was born premature at 27 weeks. She was discharged from the newborn intensive care unit yesterday and we went to the pediatrician today for a check-up. We were surprised when the doctor wanted to give her the 2-month-old shots, because in the nursery, they said she should wait until she was older. They said the shots should be delayed until she caught up from her prematurity. They also had talked about her possibly staying in the hospital an extra day for shots in case she had a reaction, which was confusing. Given how long she stayed in the nursery, we didn't want to take a chance of something happening, so we didn't get the shots. What do you suggest?

• Turn down the volume to protect hearing
Every day, I take the train to New York. During most trips, there are at least one or two people listening to music with headphones. Oftentimes, the music is so loud that even I can hear it. Aren't these people doing damage to their ears?

• Assessment may bring better quality of life
WE ALL experience changes in our body associated with the aging process, and many of us contend with a number of chronic diseases as we grow older. Because we cannot cure most of our medical conditions, we come to appreciate the importance of maximizing our functional ability. To do this, a comprehensive medical assessment usually is required.

• Exercise triggers histamine jump, causing rash
Is it possible to be allergic to running? Every time I go for a run, I get flushed, break out in a rash and start to itch. Everything gets better about 20 minutes after I stop. What can be causing this problem? I would like to continue running.

• 'Outie' belly button generally corrects itself
My 5-year-old daughter is starting kindergarten and has an umbilical hernia. We wanted to have it fixed before school started and have an appointment with the surgeon next week. When we went to the pediatrician, she said the opening was a little less than the size of dime, even though it looks larger. The doctor said it would likely close within a year and that my daughter would then no longer have an outie. Do you think we should wait?

• Test your knowledge of blood-related issues
TIME FOR another quiz -- answers are true or false.

• Day care can be positive experience for child
My daughter just turned 2 and I have decided to put her into day care. We have tried three nannies, but it hasn't worked out. My job has a day care center, which is very convenient. I have visited and met the staff, and everyone is nice. There is a parents group that is very involved. I am still a little nervous about the whole thing. Are there any things I should be worried about or need to expect?

• Exercise and medications can help knee pain
I am 62 years old and have been having pain in my knees. Two months ago, I had a steroid injection. My doctor tells me I have arthritis and recommends knee replacement surgery. Can you tell me all the nonsurgical treatments for arthritis of the knee?

• Aging and illness take a toll on stamina
MANY OF US are aware that, as we age, we don't have the stamina we once had.