News Moms Need

The U.S. government has launched 18 new applications for mobile phones. Several of them can help you and your family stay healthy. 

One app reports on product recalls. Another is a body-mass index (BMI) calculator for monitoring weight. One takes you straight to MedlinePlus, the federal health Web site that’s loaded with lots of useful info. And an ultraviolet (UV) index helps you check the air quality in you area.

So take a look and start downloading!

I’ve tried echinacea for colds. My husband’s taken gingko to help him remember where he put his keys. I have a friend who took black cohosh for hot flashes.

Guess what? Research has found that these remedies probably don’t work. 

Last week the Associated Press reported on the federal government’s program to study alternative medicine. Ten years ago, the government launched an effort to test herbal and other alternative remedies.

So far, the results have been disappointing. Scientists have found that most of the remedies probably don’t work.

But some can help. Ginger seems to reduce nausea when cancer patients are getting chemotherapy. Acupuncture may relieve some types of knee and back pain. Yoga, massage and meditation may reduce anxiety.

To learn more, visit the Web site of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. These remedies can be costly, so I think twice about trying them. And some of them can be harmful.

If you’re pregnant, don’t use any herbal or alternative remedy without first talking to your health care provider. Some can be dangerous for you and your baby. For more info, read the March of Dimes article.

Your thoughts?