Winter is barely underway and already the dry heat in my house is sucking the life out of my skin.  It seems to happen every year at this time.  As the temperature drops outside and humidity levels fall inside, our skin can become dry, cracked and irritated.

As the temperature drops outside and humidity levels fall inside, our skin can become dry and irritated.

Dermatologist Rutledge Forney of Atlanta, Georgia, has some tips for winterizing your skin.

1)  Short shower.  Your skin can be stripped of moisture during long, hot baths. Limit the number of showers or baths to one a day and only use soap on body parts that make an odor.

2) Lather up. Apply a moisturizer after toweling off. Look for lotions or other products with Petrolatum, an ingredient that seals in moisture and protects the skin from the environment.

3) Replenish humidity.. Use a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep. The added moisture to the air will help relieve dry skin, chapped lips and sore throats that may be aggravated by winter heat.

4) SPF 15. Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach. Sunlight during the winter can cause skin damage if you don’t lather up. Choose a moisturizer with added SPF of at least 15.

Finally, don’t forget to protect your hands and lips during the winter months. Wear gloves while outside and coat your lips with a slick lip balm to protect them from exposure to cold weather.

Judy Fortin’s Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10am to 6pm ET weekdays.

Are you one of those people who makes a New Year’s resolution, but can’t seem to stick with it? Maybe you’re taking the wrong approach.

Clinical psychologist Mark Crawford of Atlanta, Georgia, has some tips that might keep you from falling off the wagon.

1) Be specific. State a specific goal. For example: If you want to lose weight, start with 10 pounds at a time.

2) Get real. Be sure to set a realistic goal. Very few people will be able to lose 50 pounds or more in a year.

3) Step by step. Come up with a plan for achieving your goal. For instance, if you’re going to start an exercise program, decide how many times a week you’ll work out.

4) The clock is ticking. Set a realistic time frame. It might be hard to stick with a resolution for an entire year, so why not start with two weeks and see how you’re doing?

Crawford says if you stay on track for four to six weeks you have a pretty good chance of sticking with your goal and succeeding.

Judy Fortin’s Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET weekdays.

Slipping on a pair of safety glasses may be the last thing on your mind if you’re working around the kitchen or in the yard, but the American Academy of Ophthalmology says that’s just what you should do to protect your eyes.

The group estimates that nearly half of all eye injuries occur at home and more than three-quarters of the people surveyed were not wearing protective googles. Many of the accidents happen in the kitchen while people are cooking or cleaning. A large percentage of injuries also occur while people are doing yard work and home repair projects.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

1) Chemical caution. Common household products such as dishwasher power, laundry detergent, bleach and cleaners can be caustic. Read the labels before using. Wear protective googles to guard against splashing. Wash your hands well after handling products.

2) Watch out – it’s hot. Food cooked in hot grease or oil can splatter into the eye causing serious injury. Be careful when using hot curling irons or hair straighteners around your face.

3) The great outdoors. Protect your eyes while mowing the lawn, edging or clipping hedges and bushes. Watch out when securing loads with bungee cords. Take precautions when using hand or power tools.

Finally, if an eye injury occurs seek medical help immediately. Even if an injury appears to minor, delaying medical attention could result in permanent vision loss or blindness.

Judy Fortin’s Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET weekdays.

For the past couple of months, my 11-year-old son has been begging me to buy him a gecko. After reading about the recent health warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, I’m glad I’ve resisted his pleas.

Experts from both organizations are warning parents that some exotic pets such as lizards, snakes and turtles can carry dangerous germs. Some of the pets may transmit illnesses such as salmonella and E coli. Young children under the age of 5 are especially vulnerable because their immune systems aren’t fully developed.

The CDC has some tips for protecting young kids:

1) Watch ‘em like a hawk. Always supervise young children when they’re interacting with any animal. Those under the age of 5 are especially at risk for injury.

2) No kissing allowed. Children should not be allowed to kiss animals or put their hands or other objects in their mouth after handling animals.

3) Soap up. Children should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching an animal. Parents should supervise handwashing for kids under 5.

4) Ask a doctor. Parents should check with a pediatrician or veterinarian about how to select a pet and how to avoid animal-transmitted diseases.

Finally, make sure any current family pets are healthy and appropriately vaccinated.

Judy Fortin’s Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET weekdays.

I’m sure I’m not the only parent who was frightened by last year’s massive toy recall. The warnings came just in time for the busy holiday shopping season. This year, many moms and dads have told me they are taking extra precautions. They’re doing their homework and searching for products that are safe for their children and the environment.

Pediatrician Alan Greene, author of “Raising Baby Green, The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth and Baby Care” has some tips for selecting the right toys.

1) Good old wood. Choose toys made from natural, solid wood. Look for products that are unfinished or those that have a non-toxic finish. Avoid items made of pressed wood or particle board. The glue that holds them together might be made from toxic substances. Toys stamped as FSC-certified are made from sustainable materials and are safe for children.

2) A plethora of plastic. Be wary of some toys made of plastic. Doctors are concerned about products that contain phthalates, a toxic chemical, that makes plastic soft and pliable. There’s also a lot of controversy lately surrounding bisphenol-A or BPA, a hardening agent used in some plastic products. PVC is another plastic that causes concern. Look for toys that contain recycling symbols and the numbers: 1, 2, 4, or 5. The numbers signify the chemicals are not present.

3) Soft and squishy. When selecting stuffed animals or cloth covered toys search for organic fiber fabrics such as cotton, hemp or wool. The fibers are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides which could be bad for a baby if they chew on it.

4) Will you take a $1? Be careful about buying used toys at garage sales. Older toys may contain high levels of lead paint. Some toys may have been recalled because of safety regulations. Check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission for the most recent list.  Other toys might be broken or falling apart and may pose a choking hazard to young children.

Judy Fortin’s Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10am to 6pm ET weekdays.

The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, but for the millions of Americans with eating disorders they can be especially difficult.

Well-meaning relatives may tip the balance with comments on eating habits or weight loss and weight gain.

The National Eating Disorders Association has some ideas to help people navigate the holiday season.

1) Get ready. Discuss your holiday concerns with a therapist, doctor, nutritionist or support group. They can help you prepare for possible family interactions.

2) Don’t overbook. Avoid over scheduling and over stressing yourself. Leave time for relaxation and the important things in life.

3) Three square meals. Eat regularly and in some kind of pattern. Don’t skip meals in preparation for a big party or event.

4) Reality check. Consider asking a loved one to prepare a plate of food for you at family gatherings or give you a reality check on the portion you’ve gathered for yourself.

Finally, be flexible and take a holiday from the self criticism, rigidity and perfectionism that may be a part of your life.

Judy Fortin’s Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10am to 6pm ET weekdays.

The busy holiday shopping season officially gets under way later this week. But what if your budget is tighter this year and you can’t afford to buy more than the basic necessities?

Psychiatrist Patrice Harris from Atlanta, Georgia, has some ideas for those who are used to opening up their wallets during holidays and may feel bad about scaling back.

1) Lower your expectations. It’s not necessary to have the perfect tree and decorations. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a nice holiday season.

2) Re-focus or re-frame. Take a fresh look at what the holidays mean to you and your family. Consider giving back by volunteering your time or donating used toys to a homeless shelter.

3) Scale back. Instead of giving everyone in your family or office a present, draw names or give a homemade baked good.

4) De-stress. Find ways to relax. Get enough sleep and exercise. Watch what you eat and drink.

With that kind of resolve, Harris says you’ll relieve not just emotional stress, but stress on your wallet.

Judy Fortin’s Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10am to 6pm ET weekdays.

The 32nd annual Great American Smokeout is this week.  If you’ve been putting off picking a day to quit, maybe now is your chance to really kick the habit. The American Cancer Society says there is no right way to quit. Some people go cold turkey, and others slowly wean themselves off cigarettes. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for your quit day:

1) Spread the news. Pick a date to stop smoking. Mark it on your calendar and tell your family and friends. 2) Out of sight. Get rid of all the cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and matches in your home, car and office. 3) Stock up. Buy oral substitutes ahead of time such as sugar-free gum, hard candy and carrot sticks. Decide whether you’ll use nicotine replacement therapy or other medication. 4) Support system. Enroll in a smoking cessation class or start following a self-help plan. Ask family and friends who smoke not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes where you can see them. 5) Stay active. Try exercising or doing other activities or hobbies to keep your mind off smoking. Avoid situations where the urge to smoke is strong. Finally, change your routine on the day you quit. Try a new breakfast food. Take a different route to work. Drink tea instead of coffee. It might help you resist the urge to smoke a cigarette. Judy Fortin’s Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET weekdays.

If you’re planning to have a baby, a little bit of preconception preparation is essential. Experts report that certain lifestyle changes may help improve a woman’s fertility and get her body ready long before she is prepared to get pregnant.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has some tips for women who want to have a baby:

1) Is the doctor in? Make an appointment with an OB/GYN to find out whether you need to make any changes before getting pregnant. You may be asked questions about your diet, medical history, use of birth control, medications and diseases. Be open and honest.

2) Healthy lifestyle. Now is the time to quit smoking and stop using alcohol and drugs. Even in small amounts, experts say, these substances can harm a fetus or make it harder to get pregnant.

3) Vital vitamin. All women of childbearing age should take 0.4 milligrams of folic acid every day. It can help reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus. Folic acid is also found in dark, leafy greens and vegetables; enriched breads; strawberries and oranges; and dried peas and beans.

4) Roll up your sleeve. Check to make sure your immunizations are up to date to lower the risk of infection during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends women who will be pregnant during flu season get a flu shot. The vaccine is safe for use during pregnancy and will protect the baby after it is born.

Finally, if you don’t have any medical problems, get some exercise. A 30-minute moderate workout most days can improve your chances of having a healthy and active pregnancy.

Judy Fortin’s Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET weekdays.

Long lines, canceled flights, snarled traffic….those are just a few of the things that make me angry.  Since I know I can’t control most of these situations, I usually take a deep breath and wait it out.
It turns out, that’s just what you’re supposed to do to control anger before it controls you.
The American Psychological Association offers some relaxation tips to help calm angry feelings.

1) Breathe deeply. Take several deep breaths from your diaphragm. Shallow breathing from your chest won’t be as relaxing.

2) Repeat after me. Slowly repeat a calm sounding word or phrase such as “relax” or “take it easy.” Say it over again while breathing deeply.

3) Imagine that. Picture in your mind a relaxing experience, either a fond memory or one you’ve created.

4) Hit the mat. Slow, calming exercises such as yoga or tai chi can help relax your muscles and make you feel less stressed.

Experts say if you’re full of anger too often you might consider professional counseling to learn how to bring your feelings under control.

Judy Fortin’s Health Minute segments run daily on Headline News from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET weekdays.