- Blood Test Might Predict Who Will Develop Alzheimer's http://nbcnews.to/N172Sm
- Parents on Smartphones Ignore Their Kids, Study Finds http://abcn.ws/1geuJlL
- Two addition human H5N1 avian influenza cases reported, awaiting WHO confirmation http://bit.ly/1fQiVYe
- Hearing Loss Tied to Depression in Study http://bit.ly/1eawhZM
- For Older Drivers, Study Finds, 1 Drink May Be 1 Too Many http://bit.ly/P9wwyZ
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Cartoon Takes Aim at Rise in Melanoma Among Young People
Posted on March 11th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
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Many teenagers and sometimes their parents think melanoma won't happen to people under 20, so skin cancer cases in children aren't detected as early as physicians would like.
To get the message out to kids of all ages about the importance of skin cancer prevention, Mayo Clinic created a cartoon-style public service announcement, "Have Fun in the Sun, But Be Sun Smart." In the PSA, two animal moles enjoy a sunny day at the beach. One is protected from the sun. The other isn't, gets a sunburn that ruins his day and develops a skin mole that sends him to the doctor, who explains the danger of skin cancer and the importance of sun smarts: using sunscreen, skipping tanning beds, seeking shade and getting spots checked.
Journalists: The PSA is available for broadcast in the downloads.
The song "Sunburn Goofin" All Day is used with permission of Meeko/Big Electric Music.
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Spring Break Brings Reminders of Skin Care Concerns
Posted on March 10th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Spring break is just around the corner for many students, and as they prepare for the sandy beaches of popular vacation destinations, some are making trips to the tanning salon first ... but at what cost?
“Tanning beds emit UVA rays which damage the cells in the skin that can lead to skin cancer.” says Mary Duh (Dew) from dermatology at Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare. “Unfortunately, the increased use in tanning beds does create a high risk factor for melanoma.” Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives your skin color). “When exposed to UVA rays, DNA damage occurs and the skin darkens in order to prevent more damage. As this process keeps occurring there is a higher risk of melanoma due to the DNA damage.”
Ways to help prevent melanoma include:
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Monday’s Housecall
Posted on March 10th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Recipe makeovers: 5 ways to create healthy recipes
Use these handy techniques to reduce the fat, calories and salt in your favorite recipes.
Sleep tips: 7 steps to better sleep
Better sleep can be yours! Consider these sleep tips, such as making a sleep schedule and getting some exercise every day, if you're weary.
EXPERT ANSWERS
Cigar smoking: Safer than cigarette smoking?
Like cigarettes, cigars contain nicotine, tobacco and cancer-causing chemicals.
Zumba: What are the benefits?
Zumba, a dance-based workout, can add variety to your exercise routine.
HEALTHY RECIPES
Barbecue chicken pizza
Fresh fruit kebabs with lemon lime dip
Soft tacos with southwestern vegetables
Wacky chocolate cake
HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Snoring solution: Sleep on your side
Sleep on your side to help prevent snoring. Lying on your back allows your tongue to fall backward into your throat, which narrows your airway and partially obstructs airflow. To stay off your back, try sleeping in a tight-fitting T-shirt with a tennis ball sewn or attached to the back. This uncomfortable trick will remind you to roll over. Or raise up the head of your bed by about four inches.
Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.
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Headed for the OR? Five Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before the Operation
Posted on March 10th, 2014 by Sharon Theimer
The answers may make a difference in your outcome
ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mar. 10, 2014 — The news that you will need surgery can prompt many questions and a lot of anxiety. Beyond details about your medical condition and treatment options, what should you ask your surgeon before the operation? Whatever you need to ask to be comfortable with the decisions you make about your care, says Robert Cima, M.D., a colon and rectal surgeon and chair of Mayo’s surgical quality subcommittee.
“You are the one who has to know if it fits in with your life and your family’s life to do which type of procedure when. So it’s important for you to feel comfortable asking your surgeon if this is the best option, are there other options, is this the best place for me to do this?” Dr. Cima says. “It’s your body, it’s your disease; you should feel comfortable asking those questions before you enter into something as major as surgery.”
Dr. Cima suggests inviting family members or friends who will help you recover to accompany you and to ask any questions they have. He also proposes adding these five questions to your list: Read the rest of this entry »
Live Long, Beat Strong to Find a Cure (pkg)
Posted on March 7th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
At age 14, life's all about school, sports and hanging out with friends. But for the teen you're about to meet, it's also about enduring open heart surgery. Jack Long faced a major operation, but instead of fearing what might happen, he focused on helping other people. [TRT 3:06]
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 more about Mayo Clinic's sesquicentennial, please click here.
MAYO CLINIC RADIO
Posted on March 7th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
Do you know the incidence of osteoporosis fractures is greater than the annual incidence of heart disease and stroke combined? Also, that there are approximately 2 million fragility fractures per year and that number is expected to double by 2014?
Join us Saturday, March 8, at 9 a.m. CT, when we talk with Ann Kearns, M.D., Ph.D., and Sanjeev Kakar, M.D., about osteoporosis. We'll discuss what it is, the symptoms and the risk factors. We'll also talk about how it's diagnosed and what can be done to prevent it.
Myth or Matter of Fact: Osteoporosis is only a problem for older Caucasian women.
The links below will take you to videos offering background information on osteoporosis.
Dr. Kearns Explains Osteoporosis
Dr. Kakar Talks About Osteoporosis
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 March 8, 2014 (right click MP3) 
Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic. The show is taped for rebroadcast by some affiliates.
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Fertility Preservation: Your Options Before Cancer Treatment
Posted on March 7th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
Fertility preservation: Understand your options before cancer treatment
Cancer treatment can have a major impact on fertility. Get the facts about fertility preservation options for men and women.
Cancer caregivers and quality of life — new study opportunity
Mayo Clinic has a new study open to cancer caregivers that is researching interventions to improve quality of life and prevent burnout.
Managing chemotherapy side effects
Chemotherapy treatment carries with it a host of potential side effects — fatigue, hair loss and more. Learn about managing chemotherapy side effects. Read the rest of this entry »
Mayo Clinic Expands Its Reach in 2013
Posted on March 7th, 2014 by Susana Shephard
A Milestone for the Future of Health Care in Arizona
The Far East met the Southwest as Mayo Clinic in Arizona employees, benefactors, community leaders, and Hitachi leadership joined together in a traditional Japanese ceremony to welcome the arrival of the first wave of proton beam equipment.
Mayo Clinic Expands Its Reach in 2013
John Noseworthy, M.D., CEO and president at Mayo Clinic, reports that Mayo Clinic reached a record 63 million people in 2013.
Integrated Care: Improving Patient Outcomes and Lowering Costs
Robert Nesse, M.D., vice-president at Mayo Clinic, explains how Mayo Clinic is a leader in the effort to change the health care system and improve the value of the care we deliver to patients.
THURSDAY CONSUMER HEALTH TIPS
Posted on March 6th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory
Degenerative changes in the spine: Is this arthritis?
Yampa Valley Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Announce Collaboration
Posted on March 5th, 2014 by Jim McVeigh
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — Mayo Clinic and Yampa Valley Medical Center officials announced today that the Steamboat Springs hospital is the newest member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The network connects Mayo Clinic and health care providers who are interested in working together to enhance the delivery of locally provided high quality health care. Yampa Valley Medical Center is the second hospital in Colorado to be invited to join the network.
"We are pleased to announce this collaboration with Mayo Clinic,” said Frank May, CEO, Yampa Valley Medical Center. “We share a common philosophy and commitment to improve the delivery of health care and now our relationship through the Mayo Clinic Care Network will allow our physicians and providers to have access to Mayo’s knowledge and expertise to best address the needs of our patients in northwest Colorado.” Read the rest of this entry »
TUESDAY Q & A: Timing of surgery to repair cleft lip can’t be determined until baby is born
Posted on March 4th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am 30 weeks pregnant with our first baby. After an ultrasound last week, our doctor informed us our baby will likely have a cleft lip. How soon after he is born do you recommend surgery? Will I still be able to breastfeed him?
ANSWER: Learning that your baby may have a cleft lip or a cleft palate can be upsetting. But fortunately, in most cases these conditions can be successfully repaired with surgery. The specific timing of surgery depends on how extensive the cleft is, and that cannot be definitely determined until your baby is born.
A cleft lip is an opening, or split, in a newborn’s upper lip, and a cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. Cleft lip and cleft palate may occur separately, or they can happen together. These birth conditions result when the developing facial structures in a growing baby don’t close completely during the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Mayo Clinic hosts concussion film premiere by Oscar-nominated director
Posted on March 4th, 2014 by Jim McVeigh
MEDIA ADVISORY
PHOENIX – Mayo Clinic will host a special sneak preview of the highly anticipated documentary, Head Games: The Global Concussion Crisis.
WHEN - Saturday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE - the Phoenix campus of Mayo Clinic, 5777 East Mayo Boulevard.
BACKGROUND – From the acclaimed director Steve James (Academy Award-nominated Hoop Dreams, Emmy Award-winning The Interrupters), Head Games: The Global Concussion Crisis is a revealing documentary featuring never-before-seen neurological findings related to rugby and soccer players that will serve as a wake-up call for people who think that the devastating chronic effects of repetitive head trauma are only an American football and boxing injury. Read the rest of this entry »
Monday’s Housecall
Posted on March 3rd, 2014 by Dana Sparks
THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Hearing aids: How to choose the right one
Many types of hearing aids exist. So which is best for you?
Colon cancer screening: At what age can you stop?
Colon cancer screening may have an upper age limit of effectiveness. What is it?
Heart healthy for life: Avoiding heart disease
Preventing heart disease begins with small steps. Find out more about maintaining a healthy heart.
HEALTHY RECIPES
Italian flags (tomato and mozzarella salad)
Barley and roasted tomato risotto
Tossed greens with pasta, fruit and balsamic vinaigrette
Berries marinated in balsamic vinegar
HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Do you need sunscreen in the winter?
You bet! It's as easy to get sunburned in winter as in summer. Snow reflects the sun's rays, so sunburn is possible even if you're cold. When you're outdoors in the winter, wear sunscreen on any exposed areas. Use lip balm that contains sunscreen, too.
Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.
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New Approach to Breast Reconstruction Surgery Reduces Opioid Painkiller Use, Hospital Stays
Posted on March 3rd, 2014 by Sharon Theimer
New York — March 3, 2014 — A new approach to breast reconstruction surgery aimed at helping patients’ bodies get back to normal more quickly cut their postoperative opioid painkiller use in half and meant a day less in the hospital on average, a Mayo Clinic study found. The method includes new pain control techniques, preventive anti-nausea treatment and getting women eating and walking soon after free flap breast reconstruction surgery. It has proved so effective, it is now being used across plastic surgery at Mayo Clinic. The findings were being presented at the Plastic Surgery Research Council annual meeting March 7-9 in New York.
Breast reconstruction surgery is common after breast tissue is removed to prevent or treat breast cancer; in free flap breast reconstruction, the plastic surgeon transfers a section of tissue from one part of the body to the chest. Using traditional care, the hospital stay averaged roughly four and a half days after that procedure. Using a new approach known as an “enhanced recovery pathway,” patients spent an average of three days in the hospital, the researchers found.
Opioid painkiller use by patients in the hospital after surgery also declined with the new method, and those patients reported less pain at 24 hours after surgery than those who received the traditional approach. Calculated in oral morphine equivalents, opioid use averaged 142.3 milligrams over the first three days in the hospital, compared with an average of 321.3 milligrams over the same period with traditional care.
Patients are giving the changes positive reviews, says senior author Michel Saint-Cyr, M.D., a plastic surgeon in the Breast Diagnostic Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Planning Ahead With an Advance Directive
Posted on February 28th, 2014 by Dana Sparks
Planning ahead with an advance directive is crucial
Dealing with a life-changing diagnosis such as cancer makes having an advance directive to outline treatment even more important.
Monoclonal antibody drugs for cancer: How they work
Get the facts on how monoclonal antibodies are being used in cancer treatment.
Managing chemotherapy side effects
Chemotherapy treatment carries with it a host of potential side effects — fatigue, hair loss and more. Learn about managing chemotherapy side effects.