A hard pill to swallow? Here are some tips

Many people struggle with gagging when they try to take medicine. Here are tips from pharmacists on getting pills down easier:

Practice with candy. Work on swallowing different sizes of candy, beginning with something as small as sprinkles and gradually moving to bigger types shaped like your pills.

Take a sip of water first. Then take a few additional gulps to swallow.

Place pills in the center of your tongue. If you gag easily, try putting the pill on the tip of your tongue. If a pill is oval, make sure to point it length-wise toward your throat so you don't swallow it sideways.

Tilt your head forward. That should help move a pill to the back of your throat.

Try a straw. The suction created by a straw may help push a pill down.

Drink a soda. While cool water is generally best, some people do better taking pills with a carbonated beverage.

Relax. Take a deep breath just before taking a pill. Picture yourself swallowing it with no problem.

Don't just crush or chew. Some pills are timed-release; getting a full dose at once might be harmful. Ask your doctor.

DAILY PRESS (NEWPORT NEWS, VA.)

Do pain-free texting All that texting is causing neck, shoulder, hand and arm pain, according to Dr. Mark Sobor of SOMA Pain Management Center in Glenview, Ill. Here are his tips to avoid pain:

Prepare for texting. As with a physical workout, warm up and stretch your muscles.

Take frequent breaks.

Stretch your forearm muscles. Extend your arm, palm facing up, and use the other hand to pull your palm toward the floor. Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat two or three times.

Use both thumbs to text. And keep messages short.