Health & Wellness - January 2013 Archives

Bathing a tiny newborn can be an exciting and yet intimidating experience. Newborns are small and slippery when wet, and the products marketed for their delicate skin can ...

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Every time I go to my doctor I am asked if I have an advance directive. What exactly is it, and at what age should I start thinking about this?   ANSWER: An advance directive is part of the advance care planning process. In this process, you look at your goals and values, and express your preferences for certain types of medical care based on these goals and values. It’s a process you should work through with the people you trust: your family, friends and medical provider. When you are ready to put your thoughts and preferences on paper, the actual form you fill out is an advance directive. It is a legal document that goes into effect only if you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself. At some point, nearly three-quarters of all people will be in a medical situation where they cannot communicate their wishes to their health care providers. This can happen to young people, as well as those who are older. Accidents, devastating events and unforeseen medical situations affect people of all ages. Having an advance directive makes clear to your health care team what you do and do not want in those situations.  

If you experience flu-like symptoms, you may wonder whether to seek medical care. According to Mayo Clinic, you should:  Seek medical care if you have ...

In this Medical Edge Radio episode, Mayo Clinic Dr. Diana Orbelo explains spasmodic dysphonia, a condition that can make it tough to communicate. To listen, click ...

Featured Topic  Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza - Get answers to your flu shot questions.   Highlights  Hand washing: Do's and don'ts Psychotherapy Palliative care: Symptom relief during illness Keratosis pilaris  Expert Answers with Mayo Clinic Specialists   Sulfa allergy: Which medications should I avoid? Will an air purifier eliminate cigarette smoke? Dental floss vs. water pick: Which is better? Down syndrome blood test: How does it work? Vitamin D toxicity: What if you get too much? 

  "PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE PREVIOUS ABDOMINAL SURGERIES CAN'T HAVE A LAPAROSCOPIC PROCEDURE" Our guest will be Dr. Michael Kendrick to discuss all sorts of stomach issues. What can go wrong ...

A new Mayo Clinic Proceedings study shows people most often visit health care providers because of skin issues, joint disorders and back pain.    Jennifer St. Sauver, Ph.D., says, "Much ...

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am newly pregnant and not looking forward to the terrible morning sickness I experienced with my first two pregnancies. There were weeks when it felt like I could not keep any food down. What causes morning sickness? Is there any way to prevent it? At what point should I be seen by a physician?   ANSWER: It is not clear what causes morning sickness — the nausea and vomiting many women have during pregnancy. There are home remedies you can try that may help. If you start to lose weight, if you can’t keep liquids down or if vomiting becomes severe, see your doctor right away.   Although it is called morning sickness, that term is not accurate, as the symptoms can happen any time and, in some women, may last all day. Morning sickness is most common during the first trimester. But when it starts and how long it lasts can vary quite a bit. In a small number of cases, morning sickness can be an issue throughout pregnancy.  

   Making a difference in the lives of patients Optum and Mayo Clinic are announcing the launch of Optum Labs, an open, collaborative research and ...

Featured Topic Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Highlights  Hand Washing: Do's and don'ts  Sick baby? When to seek medical attention  Bad breath  Managing fibromyalgia symptoms  Slide show: Guide to portion control for weight loss Expert Answers with Mayo Clinic Specialists  Flu germs: How long can they live outside the body?  LABAs for asthma — Should I stop taking them? Can you use honey for allergies? What is reflexology? Does prickly pear cactus have health benefits? Healthy Recipes   Beef stroganoff Beet walnut salad Linguine with mushrooms Cranberry spritzer

"HAVING 'ORGAN DONOR' ON YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE OR CARRYING A DONOR CARD IS ALL YOU NEED TO DO TO BE A DONOR" Join us on the next ...

FLU UPDATE: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says influenza has spread to 47 states. However, according to the CDC "most (91 percent) of the influenza viruses that ...