Health Tip: While Chewing Gum May Relieve Stress

While chewing gum may help you feel better when you're stressed, don't overdo it, advises the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

When you're stressed, you may be prone to chewing more vigorously, which can strain your jaw.

Chewing too hard can cause fatigue and soreness in the jaw. It can also trigger a condition called TMJ, affecting the temporomandibular joint. The condition can causes pain in the head and the neck, and difficulty in opening and closing the jaw.

If you have any of these symptoms, give your jaw a rest and stop chewing gum for a few days. If symptoms don't subside, see a doctor.

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Health Tip: Before a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy -- used to detect colon cancer and other potential problems -- involves use of a long, flexible tube with a camera that takes images of the colon. Before having a colonoscopy, you should follow certain do's and don'ts to ensure an accurate procedure. This list is provided by the U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse:

• Avoid all solid foods and any beverages with food coloring for one to three days before a colonoscopy.
• You may eat fat-free bouillon or broth soups, or gelatin.
• You may drink water, strained fruit juice, plain coffee, plain tea or diet soda (no food coloring).
• As certain medications may affect your results, tell your doctor if you are taking aspirin, arthritis medications, blood thinners, medications for diabetes, or any vitamins containing iron.

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Health Tip: Keep Bugs at Bay

Insect bites can itch, cause pain, and be quite uncomfortable. While they can't always be prevented, there are ways to reduce your chances of being bitten. Here are suggestions to help prevent insect bites, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Don't poke, pick up or otherwise provoke insects.
• Be cautious around nests and hives, and avoid sudden or rapid movement.
• Avoid heavy perfumes, and clothing that has a floral pattern.
• Wear protective clothing that covers the skin, and apply insect repellent when you're outside.
• Pay attention when eating outside, especially when drinking sugary beverages or sitting near garbage cans.
• People with known allergies to bites or stings should carry an emergency epinephrine kit.

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Health Tip: Treating Acne Scars

While there is no perfect treatment to eliminate all acne scars, there are remedies that can significantly reduce their appearance. The Nemours Foundations offers this list of potential options :

• Laser resurfacing, which removes the top layer of damaged skin.
• Dermabrasion, which wears down the skin, fostering a new, smoother layer of skin as it heals.
• Fractional laser therapy, which affects deeper layers of skin without damaging the top layer.
• A chemical peel.
• Injections or surgery.

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Health Tip: Why Are My Eyes Red?

Eye redness occurs when blood vessels on the surface of the eye become dilated. Here are some common causes of red eyes, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Straining the eyes.
• Persistent or severe coughing.
• An eye infection.
• A cold or allergy.
• Damage to the eye.
• Acute glaucoma.
• Scratches on the cornea, commonly caused by wearing contact lenses too long, or sand or dust in the eyes.
• Bleeding problems, often caused by taking blood-thinning drugs.

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