(HealthDay News) -- A jarring and forceful blow to the head can result in a brain injury called a concussion.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists the following warning signs of concussion, which should be evaluated as soon as possible by a doctor:

* Headache.
* Difficulty seeing.
* Dizziness.
* Difficulty concentrating, memory loss or confusion.
* Problems retaining balance.
* Nausea.
* Ringing in the ears.

(HealthDay News) -- Many an advertiser touts products that purport to keep your skin looking young.

But as AARP says of products that can cost more than $100 for a small tube: "Even if the ingredients aren't harmful, at often exorbitant prices they could remove more cash from your wallet than wrinkles from your skin."

AARP offers these less expensive and probably safer alternatives:

* Moisturizers can help keep the skin from drying out, and may temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

(HealthDay News) -- Routine heavy bleeding during menstrual periods shouldn't be ignored. It may be a sign of a bleeding disorder that can be treated.

The National Women's Health Information Center says the following symptoms may indicate a bleeding disorder, and should be evaluated by a doctor:

* Having very heavy periods.
* Bleeding frequently in the mouth or gums.
* Having frequent nosebleeds, or nosebleeds that continue for long periods.
* Bruising easily.
* Bleeding excessively after an injury or after surgery.

(HealthDay News) -- A herniated (sometimes called "ruptured") disk in the back or neck can cause severe pain and numbness.

Disks are the soft, rubbery pads found between the spine's vertebrae. When stressed or overused from wear-and-tear, the center of the disk can push through its outer edge, putting pressure on nearby sensitive nerves.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these common risk factors for herniated disks:

* Lifting objects the wrong way.
* Smoking.
* Being overweight, which causes stress on the spine.

(HealthDay News) -- More than half of Americans take a dietary supplement of some kind, the Cleveland Clinic says.

But all supplements aren't safe and effective. The clinic offers this primer:

* There's no better substitute for a healthy, balanced diet, which can provide most healthy people with all of the nutrients they need.
* Supplements are a good option for people who can't get enough of certain needed nutrients through diet. Pregnant women, athletes and vegetarians are prime examples.

(HealthDay News) -- Workouts for your mind are as important as they are for your body, especially as you get older.

Here are suggestions on how to keep your mind sharp, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic:

* Challenge yourself with activities. Try a crossword puzzle, take a class, or build something.
* Create to-do lists to help you remember appointments and activities.
* When learning something new, make sure you are not distracted. Give it your full attention, and use all of your senses to become familiar with it.

(HealthDay News) -- Having diabetes shouldn't cause your child to miss out on the fun of sleepovers and school field trips.

Prepare your diabetic child for time away from home with these recommendations from the American Diabetes Association:

* Pack a bag with everything your child will need, including insulin, syringes, a meter, test strips and a log book. Pack extras of everything.
* If traveling for several hours, pack several snacks, juices and glucose tablets.

(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.

(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.