PlaneTree's website

April 2016

Stress Management Lecture

On Sunday, April 24, techniques for managing stress will be presented in Mandarin by Grace Tang, M.F.T. Hosted by the PlaneTree Health Information Center and Santa Clara County Library District, the talk is sponsored by the S. Ku Foundation. It will begin at 2 p.m. in the Cupertino Community Hall.

News You Can Use

Colorectal Cancer Screening Options

Perhaps you have avoided getting a colonoscopy because of its cost, preparation, or time away from work, but you know you should be screened for colorectal cancer. Two alternatives are far cheaper and less time-consuming than colonoscopies, yet are effective. This chart from the CDC shows the current guidelines for who should be screened and compares screening methods. More information is available here.

Succinctly...

Save money when shopping for prescription glasses or hearing aids.

Taking nutritional supplements which claim to support thyroid health can be risky for a variety of reasons.

Medical advice regarding exercise during pregnancy has changed dramatically over the last 50 years.

If you or a family member is highly allergic to pet dander, you will appreciate this locator for hotels that provide "hypoallergenic" rooms.

Doing any of these exercises on a regular basis will develop your sense of balance and keep you steadier on your feet.

If you are pregnant or nursing, should you avoid highly flavored, spicy, or gassy foods?

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

A recent study compared the effectiveness of three prescription drugs for DME, a condition which often occurs in patients with diabetic retinopathy. The severity of DME, drug safety, and cost are all considerations when deciding which drug to use.

Hay Fever

Numerous pollen-prediction websites and apps are available. When counts are expected to be high, limit your misery by staying indoors and taking an antihistamine before symptoms develop. This guide may help you select which antihistamine to use. Girl sneezing in a field

Understanding how to use self-care measures, drugs, and other treatments, including during pregnancy, can help you control symptoms. You may also want to learn about the effectiveness of several complementary and alternative medicine therapies.
Parents of children who suffer from hay fever will find helpful information here.

Apple Cider Vinegar

You may have seen remarkable health claims for apple cider vinegar and wondered if there was any truth to them. One journalist was surprised to learn that, although there is little-to-no quality research supporting most claims, vinegar may have one important health benefit if used properly. (Be sure to read past the blocks of advertising.)

Lighting the Road Ahead

Here is a factor you have probably never considered when shopping for a new car: how well do the headlights enable you to see what lies ahead at night? Schematic of a car's headlights

When the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested 31 mid-sized automobiles, they found dramatic differences between different headlight configurations. Only one was rated "good" and just eleven were "acceptable." If you are in the market for a new car, you may want to avoid the poorly rated vehicles. An illuminating article precedes the ratings.

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