Health Briefs

Beyond the Baby Blues
Becoming a new mother is an adjustment for all women, and up to 85 percent of new moms experience the "baby blues," a prolonged period of depression after the birth of their babies, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

However, about 10 percent of women experience a more intense and persistent disorder called postpartum depression (PPD).



Possibly triggered by hormonal shifts and exacerbated by the stress of caring for an infant, PPD can manifest itself in the following symptoms:

• sad or hopeless feelings
• crying for no reason
• having thoughts of hurting one's self or the baby
• having thoughts of not wanting the baby
• withdrawal or isolation
• feeling overwhelmed, anxious or irritable
• not eating or overeating
• poor self-care or lack of motivation

According to the ACOG, PPD can be successfully treated with medications such as antidepressants, counseling or a combination of the two.

Seniors and Depression

Because of its prevalence in seniors, many people mistakenly believe that experiencing depression is a natural part of aging. The link is due instead to the fact that the elderly are more likely to experience loss, pain and social isolation, all of which can lead to feelings of depression.

This treatable medical problem can be caused by chemical imbalances in the body, alcohol or substance abuse, loss of a spouse or loved one, chronic pain or medication interactions. Talk with your physician if you feel depressed. To find out more about the symptoms of depression, go to BaylorHealth.com and search for "depression."

Do diabetes and dieting mix?

According to the American Diabetes Association, type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by keeping weight in control and by increasing physical activity. However, are popular fad diets that restrict carbohydrates, such as Atkins and South Beach, healthy for people with diabetes? The answer is yes and no.

Because people with diabetes cannot properly metabolize sugars, controlling the amount of carbohydrates you consume can help lower blood sugar levels. However, it's important to eliminate the right carbohydrates-not those found in whole-grain foods and fresh produce.

A better goal is to work with a dietitian or certified diabetes educator to develop a healthy eating plan you can stick to for the long term.