Health & Wellness - December 2012 Archives

It's known that exercise can reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve sleep, boost a sense of wellness and reduce the recurrence of certain types of tumors. Now, ...

MEDIA ADVISORY: Mayo Clinic Expert Available to Discuss Long-Term Health for People with MS For people with multiple sclerosis — as many as 350,000 Americans, and an estimated 200 new diagnoses every week — managing the debilitating symptoms are difficult. A range of medications can help with the fluctuating neurological symptoms like numbness, lack of balance, muscle spasticity, pain and fatigue, but people with MS should get appropriate care for other health needs as well. Kathryn Stolp, M.D., with the Mayo Clinic Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation says, “MS is not always disabling and very seldom life-ending. People with MS can live long, vibrant lives. Their other health needs, beyond MS treatment, should fit into the larger picture of their care.”  Sound bites with Dr. Stolp are in the downloads above Expert title for broadcast cg: Dr. Kathryn Stolp, Mayo Clinic PM&R To interview Dr. Stolp, contact: Bryan Anderson  507-284-5005  newsbureau@mayo.edu

Note: Updated version ROCHESTER, Minn. — For people with multiple sclerosis — as many as 350,000 Americans, and an estimated 200 new diagnoses every week — managing the debilitating symptoms can be an arduous process. A range of medications are available to help with the fluctuating neurological symptoms such as numbness, lack of balance, muscle spasticity, pain, and fatigue that get in the way of everyday life. But even while addressing the symptoms, people with MS should get appropriate care for other health needs. MULTIMEDIA ALERT: Video of Dr. Stolp is available on the Mayo Clinic News Network. "MS is not always disabling and very seldom life-ending," says Mayo Clinic's Kathryn Stolp, M.D., of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, who specializes in the care of patients with MS. "People with MS can live long, vibrant lives. Their other health needs, beyond MS treatment, should fit into the larger picture of their care." Among Dr. Stolp's key points are: One lesser known effect of some commonly prescribed antidepressants is that they can exacerbate muscle spasticity of MS and further impede walking. Even though managing MS symptoms may overshadow a person's medical concerns, regular preventive health care remains important. Women with MS should still get regular Pap smears and mammograms, and women and men should have colonoscopies. Any new aches and pains should be addressed as they would be for anyone. A physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist can help a patient address and correct musculoskeletal issues, which may alleviate pain. As flu season approaches, people with MS should check with their neurologist about receiving a flu vaccine.

Victor Montori, M.D., with the Mayo Clinic Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, knows what "just right" medicine is and he's sharing his ideas ...

O médico Richard White é um clínico geral do departamento de Medicina Interna Comunitária da Clínica Mayo de Jacksonville, Flórida. Ele é formado pela Escola ...

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have been diagnosed with clinical depression. I am taking duloxetine (Cymbalta), which helps. But I always feel more blue and have a hard time finding the energy to do my normal activities when fall and winter come. My neurologist thinks I should see a therapist, but talking about depression makes me feel worse. Is there anything else I can do?   ANSWER: Because your symptoms get worse as the seasons change, you could have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of clinical depression. If so, several treatment options are available that may help. SAD is a type of depression that affects people during the fall and winter months. The lower levels of sunlight in the winter and fall may upset your sleep patterns and lead to feelings of depression. When combined, these factors may lead to SAD. SAD is different from non-seasonal depression in several unique ways, particularly in its timing. SAD is more than just feeling blue as the days get shorter or having the doldrums during January. Instead, it involves persistent, pervasive symptoms of depression during wintertime.  

It's the medical resource behind discoveries that have affected patients around the globe, treasured by researchers and funded by the National Institutes of Health for ...

Featured Topic Though psoriasis signs and symptoms vary from person to person, psoriasis types are typically identified by their hallmark appearance. Types of psoriasis  Highlights  Holiday recipes: Celebrate with healthy, festive fare  Napping: Do's and don'ts for healthy adults  Weight training: Do's and don'ts of proper technique  Dry macular degeneration  Breast-feeding support: How a partner can help Expert Answers with Mayo Clinic Specialists  Phenylalanine in diet soda: Is it harmful?  Scalp psoriasis vs. seborrheic dermatitis: What's the difference? Chickenpox and pregnancy: What are the concerns? Cellphones and cancer: What's the risk? White patch on skin: A cause for concern? Healthy Recipes   Rolled ham and Swiss omelet Breakfast burrito Banana-oatmeal hot cakes with spiced maple syrup Strawberry banana milkshake

Melatonin Not Recommended for Children or Teens as Sleep Aid December 7, 2012 Dear Mayo Clinic: Is it okay to give my teenage daughter melatonin to help her ...

"THE HOLIDAYS CAN TRIGGER DEPRESSION"  Find out the answer on Mayo Clinic Weekend this Saturday!  It can be the most wonderful time of year but for some people ...

High Blood Sugar May Cause Noticeable Symptoms December 7, 2012 Dear Mayo Clinic: What are the most common symptoms of diabetes? Is it ...

As the federal government struggles with the nation’s fiscal crisis and looks for solutions to financial challenges in health care, Mayo Clinic is offering to share expertise ...