Health & Wellness - January 2013 Archives

Home Remedies May Help Prevent Morning Sickness January 11, 2013 Dear Mayo Clinic: I am newly pregnant and not looking forward to the ...

It's being described as a "big step forward" for Parkinson's disease research. Mayo Clinic neurologist, Charles Adler, M.D., Ph.D., says, “There is currently no diagnostic test ...

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is set to release its latest flu count on Friday and the numbers are expected to jump, with influenza now reported in 41 states.  Mayo Clinic continues to evaluate this season’s flu outbreak and has existing policies for patients, visitors and staff. At this time, Mayo Clinic in Rochester is not implementing additional visitor restrictions. However, we have implemented additional visitor restrictions at a number of our Mayo Clinic Health System locations. We will expand those restrictions to other Mayo Clinic locations if necessary. We encourage people to get vaccinated and for those who are sick, stay home to avoid exposing others. Frequently Asked Questions: What is the flu? Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Influenza symptoms can range from mild to severe, and, at times, influenza can lead to death. The most common symptoms are sudden onset of fever, headache, dry cough, runny nose and muscle aches.   How is the virus spread? The most common way influenza virus is spread is from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it, such as a doorknob, elevator button or grocery cart, and then touching his or her mouth or nose. To help prevent the spread of the virus, wash your hands frequently.   Does hand washing really help? Yes. Hand washing is the single most important method of preventing the spread of infection. You can clean your hands using an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.   How long is a person with the flu contagious? A person with influenza can infect others one day before symptoms begin to appear. Healthy adults are typically contagious for five to seven days. Children and persons with weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer periods. Some persons can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. These persons still can spread the virus to others.  Is it too late to get the flu vaccine? No. We strongly encourage people to contact their health care provider and get vaccinated.  

Influenza is spreading across the United States, and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) most of the country is now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness. ...

Children are bound to come down with the occasional sniffles, cold or other viral bugs, but with influenza, whooping cough and other illnesses affecting people ...

  The newest member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network is in Big Sky Country. The Billings Clinic is the first health system in Montana to pass Mayo Clinic's ...

There's promising news in the battle against anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), a rare but aggressive and devastating form of thyroid cancer that typically strikes men and ...

JACKSONVILLE, Flórida — A maioria das pessoas sabe que uma colonoscopia requer alguma preparação do paciente. Agora, um médico da Clínica Mayo de Jacksonville, Flórida, ...

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is it true a large study found that most vitamin supplements may actually do more harm than good? What supplements should I avoid? Which are worth taking? I am 67 and in good health.   ANSWER: Advice on vitamin and mineral supplementation is constantly changing. Over the past few years, well-conducted research has found that some supplements previously thought to be beneficial for disease prevention may not be helping — and some may actually be causing harm.  This research includes the Iowa Women’s Health Study, which tracked the supplementation habits of more than 38,000 women 55 and older for nearly 20 years. Among the findings, taking a multivitamin appeared to increase risk of premature death. Interestingly, the people who took multivitamins actually had better overall health habits than those that didn’t. With this study and others, there is increasing evidence against taking most supplements for general health or disease prevention. There are exceptions — such as calcium and vitamin D for bone health — but even the exceptions should be approached with caution. 

JACKSONVILLE, Flórida — Pesquisadores da Clínica Mayo de Jacksonville, Flórida, identificaram um novo alvo para o tratamento do adenocarcinoma ductal pancreático, que responde por mais ...

Take Vitamin Supplements with Caution: Some May Actually Cause Harm January 4, 2013 Dear Mayo Clinic: Is it true that a large study ...

Treatment Options Can Offer Relief from Vaginal Atrophy January 4, 2013 Dear Mayo Clinic: What exactly is vaginal atrophy? Are there any effective ...