Health Tip: Prevent Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus that thrives when a woman's body changes because of a period, pregnancy or medication she may be taking.

Here are suggestions to prevent these infections, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Avoid underwear and pants that are made of synthetic fibers. Stick to all-cotton underwear.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Avoid wearing pantyhose daily.
• Remove wet swimsuits, clothing, or underwear immediately.
• Avoid artificially fragranced or colored products such as sprays, tampons, pads, douches, or bubble baths, as they can affect the area's acid balance, which can promote symptoms of a yeast infection.