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NASAL IRRIGATION BETTER THAN STEAM As the weather starts to cool o, congestion and sinus pressure can become a problem. More than 29 million American adults face sinusitis. Two common treatments are steam inhalation or nasal irrigation (rinsing the sinuses with a saline solution using a Neti pot). Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that nasal irrigation relieved congestion, throat pain and headaches. Steam inhalation only helped headache relief. Before using nasal irrigation, thoroughly read the instructions and only use ltered, boiled or distilled water to prevent infection. healthbeat Keeping You Up to Date on the Latest Health News EARLY BEDTIMES, LOWER RISK FOR OBESITY For parents concerned about childhood obesity in their preschooler, the solution may be found away from the dinner table or snack drawer. The Journal of Pediatrics found that preschoolers who went to bed by 8 p.m. were half as likely to develop obesity as those who went to sleep after 9 p.m. This was true even after accounting for other factors (including birth weight, socioeconomic status, ethnicity and mother's weight). Scientists are still studying the link between sleep and childhood obesity, including how a child's quality and duration of sleep aects obesity risk. However, an earlier bedtime is an adjustment that may improve children's health throughout their lives. MOM'S FLU SHOT PROTECTS BABY Although 90 percent of women don't get a u vaccine while pregnant, the benets for baby are undeniable. Research published in the journal Pediatrics found that infants of women who had been vaccinated during pregnancy had one-third the risk of u-like illness during their rst six months of life. The research examined more than 245,000 women who delivered babies over nine u seasons. Especially if you are pregnant, get a u shot early in the season. The sooner you get vaccinated, the longer your body has to respond and make you (and your baby) immune to the virus. MERCY MEDICAL CENTERCENTERVILLE /// www.mercycenterville.org 2