Natural sleep aids in pregnancy

uesday morning on WMBI a caller asked if there was something safe that her daughter could take in her 7th month of pregnancy to help her sleep. In the midst of a busy morning of calls, I gave her a kneejerk response by recommending the antihistamine diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl. This approach is safe, as diphenhydramine is a pregnancy category B medication (meaning that studies in humans have proven it to be generally safe for the unborn child). However, I did not take the opportunity to discuss other natural remedies, as well as behavioral strategies for sleep in the later stages of pregnancy.

One Good Decision can Lead to Another

There are many foods that are healthier than cereal bars (like fresh fruits and vegetables), and I am not endorsing Nutri-Grain products, but I am a big fan of their new ad campaign. Watch their commercial here and be inspired to make a small change today.

Lessons from a Broken Alternator

About 2 weeks ago, the “Check Engine” light began to appear each time I started my car. When this happens, my emotions go through several stages. First, denial. “There’s probably nothing wrong, the light is just malfunctioning.” Next, anger. “I don’t have time to take my car in! Doesn’t it know this is a crazy week for me?!” Then I move into bargaining. “OK, car, if you can hang on for one more week, I’ll make sure to never again go over 3000 miles before changing your oil.” And finally… well, back to denial. “Hey, the light went off- I knew nothing was wrong.”

Fight Empty Stairwells!

A few months ago, I decided to start taking the stairs at the hospital instead of the elevator. I make rounds on the 4th floor of Advocate South Suburban Hospital at the inpatient unit for Advocate Hospice.

Knee pain? Strengthen your Quadriceps

On yesterday’s radio program, a woman called me to ask about the arthritis pain she was experiencing in her knees. She is not alone. Osteoarthritis of the knees is one of the most common joint disorders. It occurs when the cartilage padding between the bones wears down over time. Additional pressure on the knees, whether [...]