Medical Health Encyclopedia

Healthy living

Avoid alcohol consumption when pregnant. Health damage to the unborn child can be significant. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most common known cause of mental retardation.

Parental responsibilities include:

• Educate your children by example and by telling them about the dangerous effects of alcohol.
• Establish a trusting communication with your children so that sensitive issues can be discussed.
• Don't allow your children to be guided completely by their peers. Your children need your firm and loving guidance as their parent much more than they need you as a friend.

For help, call your local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). (See alcoholism - support group ).

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DRUG USE AND ABUSE

Everybody reacts differently to medications. Always tell your doctor about the drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and vitamins. Drug interactions can have serious health consequences. Elderly people should be particularly careful about drug interactions with multiple medications, and should closely monitor this situation if it applies. Carry a list of your current medications, especially when going to different doctors for the treatment of different problems.

Avoid drinking alcohol while on medications -- this combination can be very dangerous, particularly with tranquilizers or painkillers.

Mothers-to-be should avoid taking any unprescribed drug during pregnancy -- especially during the first trimester, when the fetus is very sensitive to drugs in the mother's body. If you have been taking any drugs just before becoming pregnant, inform your doctor.

Always take medication as prescribed. Taking any drug in a manner other than as intended or in quantities other than directed is considered drug abuse. Abuse and addiction are not just associated with illegal "street" drugs. Legal drugs such as laxatives, painkillers, nasal sprays, diet pills, and cough medicines can also be misused, resulting in serious health problems.