Health News Briefs

Lather Up: Hand Washing — First Line Of Defense
Your mother was right. Washing your hands is always a great idea. Before and after handling food, after playing with pets, before eating and whenever you're sick or around people who are, washing your hands is the first line of defense against infectious disease. Now with concerns about anthrax doctors advise washing your hands after handling mail. And remember one important thing about anthrax: It is not spread from person to person.


Docs Need Herbal Use Data Before Surgery
Patients should be forthcoming before surgery and tell their surgeon and anesthesiologist about all medications and herbal supplements they are taking. An anesthesiologists administers a number of pharmaceutical agents before, during and after a surgical procedure. It is essential that possible interactions with medications and herbal supplements in the patient's system can be monitored.


Step-By-Step: Embrace Healthy Habits To Keep Stress At Bay
Stress seems to continually surround us, whether it comes from simply driving in traffic, to feelings of anxiety from life-threatening events. If you have some personality traits that could lead to stress, you may be interested in some stress busters: Choose to be happy. Don't live in the past. Make a list.the door. Develop hobbies. Treat yourself to a massage. Stretch out. Read. Try self talk. Get rid of "stuff." Talk to a friend. Do relaxation breathing. •