(HealthDay News) -- Before scheduling or showing up for a mammogram, you should be fully prepared to get the best results.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers these guidelines for what to do before a mammogram:

* When scheduling the appointment, plan to go about one week after your period. Your breasts will be less sore at this time.
* If you have breast implants, make sure you tell the facility about them when you schedule your appointment.

My favorite and most important person, My Mother, had breast cancer two years ago. She had a masectomy removing her left breast, which she also happens to be left handed.

My Mother is the kind of gal with an "S" on her chest for Superwoman, never complains and would never let you know that she can't do something. This past weekend, she came for a visit and I really noticed a drastic change in her. In every culture it is called 'PAIN'.

The last couple nights, I have had the worst and I mean worst leg spasms or "charlie horses" that woke me out of a dead sleep.

A few things have changed in the last week in my life, including becoming more active on my legs. I figured that since I have become more active, maybe I was burning more calories or 'something' that caused me to have these horrible late night pains.

So I did some soul searching on the Internet and wanted to share some fabulous information that I found about how to combat that night time terror.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/night-l...

(HealthDay News) -- Gas can cause abdominal discomfort, belching, flatulence, and other symptoms.

Here's a list of gas-causing foods and activities, courtesy of the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse:

* Eating too many carbohydrate-rich foods, high in starches, sugar and fiber. These include beans, dairy products, soft drinks and fruit drinks.
* Drinking very quickly.
* Activities that cause your stomach to fill with air, including chewing gum, smoking, and wearing dentures that are too loose.

(HealthDay News) -- People who are emotionally healthy handle stress well, have a positive self-image, and are able to sustain healthy relationships.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help you stay emotionally healthy:

* Establish what you are feeling, and what's causing those feelings.
* Be open with yourself and others about your emotions, instead of keeping the sources of stress and anxiety to yourself.

(HealthDay News) -- Rashes can occur for various reasons, including medical conditions and reactions to products, foods or medications.

Here are suggestions on how to care for your skin during a rash, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Don't scrub your skin.
* Try not to use soap, but a mild cleanser instead.
* Wash skin with warm -- not hot -- water, and gently pat it dry.
* Don't cover the rash with cosmetic lotions or ointments.
* If you've recently tried any new cosmetics or lotions, stop using them.

(HealthDay News) -- Ears are very sensitive to loud noises, and too much noise or prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage your hearing.

Before you crank up the mp3 player, read these suggestions to prevent hearing loss, provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Wear protective ear coverings when working in a noisy area, such as around traffic or loud machinery.
* Wear earplugs when you know you'll be around loud noise for prolonged periods, especially when operating noisy tools and equipment.
* Use rubber mats under noisy electronics and appliances.

(HealthDay News)- Loaded backpacks can strain young backs and shoulders, causing pain and injury.

Prevent backpack injuries by lightening the load. Check your child's backpack each day, and remove any items that aren't needed. Also, make sure the child uses both straps, to distribute the load evenly.

Here are warning signs that your child's backpack may be too heavy, courtesy of the U.S. National Safety Council:

* A difference in posture when wearing the backpack.
* Significant difficulty in putting the backpack on or taking it off.

(HealthDay News) -- A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is an important part of staying healthy and feeling well.

Here is a list of important vitamins and minerals to include in your diet, and how to get them, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Calcium, which is found in yogurt, cheese, milk and other dairy products; sardines, salmon and perch; soybeans and white beans; spinach and oatmeal.
* Potassium, which is found in sweet potatoes, seafood, fruits including bananas, peaches and honeydew; beans and dairy products.

I thought this was interesting..

Government law in Japan requires some companies to actually measure men and women's waist, and if they fall above the pre-determined unhealthy measurement, they are given dieting guidance to lose weight!

So, what is the government limits for waist measurements?
- 33.5 inches for men
- 35.4 inches for women