C O N T E N T S
Food and Nutrition
TIPS
SelfCare
Fitness
1. If you often suffer from ear pain when flying because of changing cabin pressure,take a decongestant.
The descent can be especially painful, so take the pill at least one hour before
landing. Or use a decongestant spray (for your nose) before landing. Decongestants won’t help in
children under six, however. You can also try EarPlanes, silicone ear plugs with a filter that
gradually equalizes the effects of changing pressure. They cost about $10 in drugstores and
airport shops.
2.Avoid whispering if you are hoarse.
Whispering is usually worse for injured vocal cords
than normal speech, since in most people whispering is frictionally produced sound. It’s best,
when hoarse, to rest your voice as much as possible; otherwise speak in a soft, confidential tone.
3.For a painful arch: roll your foot over a can of frozen juice concentrate.
Both the cold
and the massage will help relieve the pain. If the can is too cold, wrap it in a washcloth. You can
also use a can of tennis balls or any other can to massage the arch, but you won’t get the icing
effect.
4.The health benefits of birth control pills far outweigh the risks for the great majority of women.
Not only do they provide safe, reliable contraception, they reduce the risk of ovarian and
endometrial cancer. The risk decreases the longer the pill is used, and this benefit lasts at least 15
years after use is discontinued. Women at high risk for ovarian cancer can help protect
themselves by taking the Pill.
5.Ice a headache.
Apply the pack where the pain is centered on your head or upper neck as
soon as possible. Reusable gel packs, kept inthe freezer, are handy, comfortable, and, according
to one study, provide at least some relief in as many as 70% of headache sufferers. Running cold
water over your head may have a similar effect.
