- Cancer Vaccine Proves Effective in H.I.V. Patients http://nyti.ms/1f0bpuE
- Experimental Cancer Drug Boosts Immune System to Fight Melanoma http://bit.ly/1mAaUtn
- False-Positive Mammograms Have Limited Effect on Anxiety http://reut.rs/1rkrXgK
- Promising New Muscular Dystrophy Drug Back On Track toward Approval http://wapo.st/1h6Rbhd
- Ebola Outbreak Death Toll in West Africa Over 140 http://abcn.ws/1jvKmmE
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Violinist Still Making Music After DBS Surgery (pkg)
Posted on April 22nd, 2014 by Dana Sparks
You may remember the story, a few years ago, about the professional musician who played the violin during his brain surgery? That journey began at Mayo Clinic when a surgical team implanted electrodes in his brain to stop a tremor that could have ended his career. Today, more than five years after his deep brain stimulation surgery, Roger Frisch continues to be one of the world's foremost violinists. [TRT 4:07]
Journalists: The full package and additional b-roll are available in the downloads. To access the script, click here.
This is a special report produced for the Mayo Clinic 150th Anniversary Collection of Stories. To view other stories and learn about Mayo Clinic's sesquicentennial, please click here.
Read the rest of this entry »
Mayo Clinic Child and Family Advocacy Center Will Hold an Open House April 22
Posted on April 22nd, 2014 by Kelley Luckstein
In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month and to celebrate the recent accreditation by the National Children’s Alliance, the new Mayo Clinic Child and Family Advocacy Center will hold an open house April 22. The center serves as a resource for area community groups to respond to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective, efficient and put the needs of the child victim first. The center provides a child-friendly, safe haven for the abused victim and the family to receive medical attention and participate in the investigation in a single location rather than sharing the story multiple times to different people and at different locations.
The incidence of child abuse in our community is alarming. In 2012, Olmsted County received 1,632 reports regarding child safety or well-being. Of these, 612 reports were screened for concerns of abuse and neglect and 488 assessments or investigations were completed.
WHO: The Mayo Clinic Child and Family Advocacy Program, working together with child advocacy organizations in the surrounding communities, formed the new Mayo Clinic Child and Family Advocacy Center. A multidisciplinary team of medical and mental health providers, law enforcement, victims’ advocates, attorneys, public health and child protection officials from the surrounding communities will now be able to provide services in one location to victims of child abuse.
The center will serve the surrounding regions as well as Mayo Clinic Health System sites needing these services.
WHEN: Tues., April 22, 3-5 p.m., a brief program will begin at 3 p.m. and feature community leaders involved in the center:
- Daniel Broughton, M.D., pediatric consultant, founder of the Child and Family Advocacy Center
- Mark Ostrem, Olmsted County attorney
- Arne Graff, M.D., Medical Director, Child and Family Advocacy Center
WHERE: The event will be held at the Mayo Clinic Child Advocacy Center: 2720 N. Broadway, Rochester, Minn., 55906
NOTE: Members of the media should RSVP to Kelley Luckstein at 507-284-5005.
Tuesday Q & A: Mildly low level of testosterone typically doesn’t require treatment
Posted on April 22nd, 2014 by lizatorborg
DEAR MAYO CLINIC:
I am a 52-year-old man. I recently had blood work done that showed my testosterone levels are slightly low, falling just below the “normal” range. Should I talk to my doctor about getting treatment even if I don’t have any symptoms? What are the side effects of prescription testosterone?
ANSWER:
A mildly low level of testosterone alone, without any signs or symptoms, typically does not require treatment. But it would be a good idea for you to talk with your doctor in more detail about this test result. In some cases, low testosterone may be a sign of an underlying medical concern, or it could be a side effect from medication.
Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles. Testosterone helps maintain men’s bone density, fat distribution, muscle strength and mass, red blood cell production, sex drive and sperm production. The normal range for testosterone is wide, and men’s testosterone levels usually change throughout their lives. Read the rest of this entry »
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Study IDs Surgical Patients at Risk of Dangerous Lung Disorder
Posted on April 22nd, 2014 by Sharon Theimer
ROCHESTER, Minn. — Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a leading cause of respiratory failure after surgery. Patients who develop the lung disorder postoperatively are at higher risk of dying in the hospital, and those who survive the syndrome may still bear its physical effects years later. A Mayo Clinic-led study is helping physicians better identify patients most at risk, the first step toward preventing this dangerous and costly surgical complication. They found nine independent risk factors, including sepsis, high-risk aortic vascular surgery, high-risk cardiac surgery, emergency surgery, cirrhosis of the liver, and admission to the hospital from a location other than home, such as a nursing home.
The findings are published in the journal Anesthesiology.
“This is a very common reason for needing an extended course of breathing support after surgery, and approximately 20 to 25 percent of patients who develop the syndrome will die from it,” says first author Daryl Kor, M.D., a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist. “It’s well-documented that those who develop this syndrome stay in intensive care longer and in the hospital longer, and the impact of the syndrome can persist for many years.” Read the rest of this entry »
Heroin Use and Fatalities Rising May Be Due to Cost, Other Opioid Use
Posted on April 21st, 2014 by Dana Sparks
Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Hall-Flavin are available in the downloads.
Heroin is cheap, easily obtainable and on the rise as a killer across the nation. Because it is so cheap, heroin abuse is being seen in younger people and more people in the middle class. Experts say oxycontin use can easily lead to heroin addiction as it costs costs a fourth as much. Parents, friends and colleagues should be aware of the symptoms of heroin use, especially if they suspect or know that a person has used illegal drugs or prescription painkillers before:
- The person shows a reduced sense of pain.
- They appear to be sedated.
- They are frequently depressed or seem confused.
- If they are constipated.
- If their breathing appears slow.
MEDIA CONTACT:Bob Nellis, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu
“Heroin is prevalent, it’s out there and it is deadly,” says Dr. Daniel Hall-Flavin, M.D., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic psychiatrist and addiction expert. “But it doesn’t have to be. There is hope out there for people if they can get treatment.” 
A heroin overdose most often occurs when the heart stops or from lack of breathing, says Dr. Hall-Flavin. That’s because opiates suppress the brain stem, the part of the brain that regulates breathing and your heartbeat.
Destination Medical Center (DMC) Selects Subconsultant Team
Posted on April 21st, 2014 by Karl W Oestreich
This artist rendition of Main Street is from the Rochester Downtown Master Plan.
ROCHESTER, Minn. — The Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency (EDA) has selected the subconsultant team which will assist with the planning of the DMC Development Plan. The team includes:
- Master Planner – EE&K, a Perkins Eastman Company
- Infrastructure Planner – Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.
- Transportation Planner – Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates
- Market Analysis and Economic-Fiscal Consultant – AECOM
“This world-class team of planners brings a broad base of experience with projects globally, nationally and throughout the state of Minnesota,” says Lisa Clarke, interim executive director, Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency.
The subconsultants were evaluated based on the selection process approved by the Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC). Selections were made based on the experience of the firm, capabilities of the team proposed, knowledge of the market, and strength of their response to the request for proposal among other factors.
Read the rest of this entry »
Monday’s Housecall
Posted on April 21st, 2014 by Dana Sparks
THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Eating and exercise: 5 tips to maximize your workouts
Eating and exercise go hand in hand. When and what you eat can be important to how you feel when you work out. Consider these tips.
How do rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis differ?
Learn about the differences between the two most common types of arthritis.
EXPERT ANSWERS
Wisdom teeth removal: When is it necessary?
Many dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal to improve oral health.
Psoriasis diet: Can changing your diet treat psoriasis?
There is no special psoriasis diet, but eating healthy foods is still beneficial.
HEALTHY RECIPES
Cinnamon rolls
Rolled ham and Swiss omelet
Nutty berry granola
Fruit smoothies
HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Can't sleep? Try daytime exercise
Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful. However, for some people, exercising right before bed may make getting to sleep more difficult. If that's you, don't exercise within three hours of bedtime.
Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.
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MAYO CLINIC RADIO
Posted on April 18th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
April is Donate Life Month, which focuses attention on the importance of registering as organ, eye and tissue donors. Tune in Saturday, April 19, at 9 a.m. CT as we discuss organ donation with Good Samaritan kidney donor Philip Fischer, M.D., and director of the Mayo Clinic kidney transplant program Mikel Prieto, M.D. There is so much to learn about donating the gift of life! Join us!
Myth or Matter of Fact: I'm not in the best of health, so I probably can't be a donor.
To hear the program LIVE on Saturday, click here.
Follow #MayoClinicRadio and tweet your questions.
Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeart Radio.
Listen to this week’s Medical News Headlines: News Segment April 19, 2014 (right click MP3)
National DNA Day is April 25; Experts Available for Comment
Posted on April 17th, 2014 by Sam Smith
ROCHESTER, Minn. — Friday, April 25, is National DNA Day, the date which commemorates completion of the Human Genome Project, the national effort to identify and decode all 6 billion letters in human DNA. Since that time, medical researchers and practitioners have found new ways to apply genomics for everyone who needs healing, and thanks to staggering technological advancements and next-generation sequencing, the cost to sequence a patient’s genome has decreased from $3 billion for the first human genome in 2003 to approximately $1,500.
MEDIA: Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine, is available for interviews and background about the future of genomic medicine, as well as information about the latest practices and transformative clinical trials. To interview Dr. Farrugia contact Sam Smith, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu
Watch video on genome sequencing:
THURSDAY CONSUMER HEALTH TIPS
Posted on April 17th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
Pomegranate juice: Can it lower cholesterol?
WW II Skier Battles Heart Disease (pkg)
Posted on April 16th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
He's a veteran of the WW II 10th Mountain Division and survived intense fighting during his tour of duty in that war. But decades later George Nelson faced another battle. This time a serious heart problem took him to Mayo Clinic for a highly specialized operation. [TRT 3:25]
Journalists: The full package and additional b-roll are available in the downloads. To access the script, click here.
This is a special report produced for the Mayo Clinic 150th Anniversary Collection of Stories. To view other stories and learn about Mayo Clinic's sesquicentennial, please click here.
Mayo Clinic and Better Team-up to Make Healthcare Experience Simpler
Posted on April 16th, 2014 by Ginger Plumbo
PALO ALTO, Calif. and ROCHESTER, Minn. — April 16, 2014 — Better, a consumer health start-up, and Mayo Clinic have launched a new way for people to navigate the complexity of the healthcare system simply and quickly. Through a mobile device, Better provides tailored Mayo Clinic health information, 24/7 access to the clinic's experienced and highly-skilled nurses, and a Better Personal Health Assistant who helps simplify and manage people's care so they can use their time to focus on being well.
"Our culture of learning, innovation, and the desire to find answers has allowed Mayo to remain at the forefront of health and wellness, and we want to extend this expertise to people anywhere," explained Paul Limburg, M.D., medical director of Mayo Clinic Global Business Solutions. "People consistently tell us they want more convenient access to Mayo Clinic knowledge. We collaborated with and invested in Better to create a powerful way for people to connect with Mayo Clinic in their homes and communities, wherever they are."
Read the rest of this entry »
Mayo Clinic Neurologists Lead International Study to Test Best Approach to Stroke Prevention
Posted on April 16th, 2014 by Kevin Punsky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbNqjSGG0uI
The $39.5-million grant to fund stroke study is one of largest ever awarded to investigators at Mayo Clinic in Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Is medicine as safe and effective as surgery or stenting in preventing a stroke caused by the buildup of plaque in the carotid artery? Thomas G. Brott, M.D., a neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida, aims to find out.
“It’s a critical question. The quality medicines we have today may mean that it is not necessary to perform invasive procedures on patients who do not have warning signs of stroke,” Dr. Brott says. “More than 100,000 carotid surgeries and carotid artery stentings are performed each year in the United States on such patients at risk — and that may not be necessary.”
To find the answer, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has awarded Dr. Brott and his colleague, James Meschia, M.D., $39.5 million — one of the largest grants ever awarded to Mayo Clinic in Florida investigators. The grant funds a seven-year clinical trial that will enroll 2,480 patients in 120 centers in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. The study, known as CREST-2, is expected to begin enrolling patients this summer. Management of the patient data and the statistical analysis will be carried out at the University of Alabama at Birmingham under the direction of George Howard, Dr.PH.
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Mayo Clinic Launches National Mobile Exhibit Tour to Honor 150 Years, Look to the Future
Posted on April 15th, 2014 by Rebecca Eisenman
ROCHESTER, Minn. — To honor 150 years of serving humanity, Mayo Clinic is taking its story to the public in a free exhibit destined for stops in more than 40 communities throughout the U.S. and Canada from April through October 2014. This high-impact, 1,000-square-foot exhibition on wheels will bring to life Mayo Clinic’s values and our vision for the future of health care.
“Throughout our history, people have turned to Mayo Clinic for hope and healing. By experiencing this exhibit you will share the enduring values and exciting vision of Mayo Clinic in service to humanity,” says Kerry Olsen, M.D., Chair, Mayo Clinic Sesquicentennial Committee.
What’s inside?
A visit to the exhibit will allow visitors to see the human body as never seen before and discover how we use innovation, research and technology to meet the unique needs of individual patients. Read the rest of this entry »
TUESDAY Q &A : Children diagnosed with ADHD may continue to have symptoms into adulthood
Posted on April 15th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
DEAR MAYO CLINIC:
Our son was diagnosed at the age of 9 with ADHD. He is now 13 and doing well but is still on medication. Will he need to continue taking the medication until adulthood, or do children usually outgrow the condition as they mature?
ANSWER:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a chronic, lifelong condition. Throughout their teen years, children with ADHD need to continue taking medication to effectively control the disorder. As adults, about 50 to 60 percent of people diagnosed with ADHD as children continue to have symptoms and may benefit from treatment.
Children with ADHD usually have a combination of problems, such as hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, disorganization and difficulty maintaining attention. Hyperactivity tends to decrease in the teen years and often goes away in adulthood. However, for most people, difficulty with attention and organization persist as they get older. With that in mind, physicians usually recommended that children stay on ADHD medication throughout their teen years.
Read the rest of this entry »