Don't Spread Germs

Your mother's plea to cover your mouth when you cough was sound medical advice, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency suggests how to prevent the spread of germs:

• When you sneeze or cough, use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth.
• Always throw your used tissue in the trash.
• Sneeze or cough into your elbow (not your hand) if you don't have a tissue.
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use a hand sanitizer if you can't wash with soap and water.

Keep Off the Weight You've Lost

Maintaining weight loss can be more difficult than losing it in the first place.

The American Council on Exercise suggests how to help maintain weight loss:

•  Weigh yourself every week.
•  Move as much as possible, walking frequently, watching less TV and even fidgeting while you're seated.
•  Stock your kitchen with plenty of nutritious treats.
•  Place your gym bag near the door, and keep any home exercise equipment where you can frequently see it.
•  Make exercise part of your social life.
•  Measure your waist once monthly and make changes to your diet and exercise routine if your waistline starts growing.

Signs that Baby is in Pain

Babies aren't able to communicate verbally, but they can let you know when they're in pain.

The University of Michigan Health System says parents should be on the lookout for these warning signs of infant pain:

•  Facial expressions, including grimacing, furrowing the brow, squeezing eyes shut, opening the mouth or having deep lines form around the nose.
•  A high-pitched, insistent cry that lasts longer than usual, although some very sick babies may be too weak to cry at all.
•  Stiffness throughout the body, or flailing and squirming. Some very sick or premature babies may appear limp.
•  Behaving irritably and not responding to comforting or feeding.
•  Not eating or sleeping.

Health Tip: Avoiding Gluten

People with Celiac disease should avoid eating gluten, a protein found in most grains, especially wheat.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics makes these suggestions for avoiding gluten:

•  Always read food labels. Look for gluten-free foods that are fortified with Iron and Folate.
•  Opt for whole grains that are naturally gluten free, such as buckwheat, quinoa, teff, millet, corn, flax and amaranth.
•  Carefully read restaurant menus and ask questions about ingredients.

What Constitutes 'Healthy Eating'?

When you commit to healthy eating, it means more than choosing fresh veggies over French fries. It's changing the way you eat, too.

The American Diabetes Association offers these guidelines for healthy eating:

•  Choose a variety of healthy foods, including lean meats, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and non-fat dairy products.
•  Limit portion sizes.
•  Avoid eating too much of the same type of food.
•  Eat meals regularly throughout the day at evenly spaced intervals.
•  Don't skip any meal.