6 Health Shortcuts You Should Never Take

  • 0 replies
  • 553 views
*

OMG

  • *****
  • Administrator
  • 139996
    • View Profile
    • Mikey Gatal Worldwide
6 Health Shortcuts You Should Never Take
« on: February 27, 2009, 11:09:19 AM »
Saving time can actually harm your health.

by Dara Chadwick

1 You buy contact lenses online
One in three people who get their contacts on the Internet don't get eye exams on a regular basis, according to a recent study from Brooklyn College. "As a result, your prescription may be out-of-date, which can lead to eyestrain and chronic headaches," says Thomas Steinemann, M.D., an associate professor of ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University. Even if you haven't noticed a change in your vision, a yearly checkup is still crucial. "The eye naturally changes shape over time, affecting the fit of the lens," he says. "A tootight pair may irritate or scratch the cornea, leaving you vulnerable to a potentially harmful infection."

2 You pop sleeping pills to help you doze off
For most women, taking an over-the-counter or prescription medicine occasionally is fine. "But you can become dependent on them and require larger doses to help you get to sleep," says Norm Tomaka, a pharmacist in Melbourne, Florida. Sleeping pills work by promoting drowsiness in the brain. Over time, your body relies on that chemical interference, making it harder to fall asleep when you stop taking the sleep aids. Instead of reaching for a pill, try exercising in the morning and switching off the tele vision and computer at least an hour before going to bed to bring sleep on naturally.

3 You sometimes "borrow" your friend's antibiotics
Your throat is killing you and you're sure it's strep again, but you have a big meeting today and can't possibly swing a visit to your doctor's office. So when a coworker graciously offers you a few of her antibiotics, you gratefully accept. (After all, you probably got your illness from her!) Scenario sound familiar? Nearly one in three Americans admits to frequently sharing an Rx with someone else, with antibiotics as one of the most commonly loaned drugs, finds a new study in the American Journal of Public Health

 Experts agree that using a prescription that's not yours is never a good idea. "Antibiotics aren't one-size-fits-all—the right one depends on the kind of infection you have. And your infection may be viral, not bacterial, which renders antibiotics useless," says Tomaka. "They'll only kill off the good bacteria needed to keep your gut healthy." Plus, any time you use someone else's medication you run the risk that it may interact negatively with other drugs or vitamins you're taking.

The fact that anyone even has leftover antibiotics is another health mistake. "When you have an infection, you need an entire course to kill off all the bacteria," says Tomaka. One or two pills may wipe out enough to clear up your symptoms, but any survivors will multiply and possibly lead to a worse infection.

4 You regularly use the pharmacy drive-through
Every year, pharmacists make a whopping 52 million medication-dispensing mistakes, such as giving out the wrong drugs or doses. When researchers at Ohio State University recently surveyed more than 400 pharmacists, they named drive-through windows as one of the top causes.

 "Most drugstores staff only one pharmacist," says Tomaka. "Having to deal with patients in cars is one more task to pay attention to, which means more opportunity for slipups." If a carful of rowdy kids or a rainstorm prevents you from making it inside the store, Tomaka suggests that you double-check the medication to make sure your prescription is correct before driving away from the window (this is something you should be doing no matter where you pick up your Rx). "Examine the name of your doctor and the drug," he says, "as well as the dosage and usage directions."

5 You never floss because you rinse with mouthwash
"Mouthwash can reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth," agrees Sally Cram, M.D., a periodontist in Washington, D.C. "But only floss can remove the decay-causing plaque and food lodged between your gums and teeth." Floss once daily, no matter how tired you are. The ideal oral hygiene routine: "Brush, floss, then rinse with mouthwash," she says.

6 You consider your gynecologist your primary physician
If you're rarely sick, it may seem efficient to have your ob-gyn check your cholesterol and blood pressure levels during your annual exam. But doing so can leave you vulnerable. "A primary care physician has a better grasp on your overall health and can spot issues, like hypothyroidism and depression, that your gynecologist isn't necessarily looking for," says Ted Epperly, M.D., president-elect of the American Academy of Family Physicians, which recommends a physical once every three years. But if you move or change health insurance providers, make an appointment with a new doctor even if you aren't due for a checkup. Building a relationship early means you’ll have someone to turn to if you do become sick.