Health & Wellness - January 2015 Archives

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What is the most effective way to stopping my smoking habit of 20 years? I’ve tried the gum and it helped the cravings for a while, but not enough to get me to quit smoking. Even though I’m worried about what smoking is doing to my health, I can’t seem to stop. ANSWER: You are not alone in your experience. Many people try to quit smoking and are not successful right away. The nicotine found in cigarettes is very addictive. Breaking a smoking habit is hard, especially when you try to do it on your own. The best way to quit is to seek help from your doctor or from a counselor trained as a tobacco treatment specialist. He or she can guide you through behavioral therapy, as well as offer approved medication treatments that can help you stop smoking for good. Behavioral therapy associated with quitting smoking can encompass a wide variety of activities in your day-to-day life. It often involves replacing old behaviors with new routines that are not associated with smoking.

Share your story about living with cancer Telling your tale about surviving cancer can provide reassurance and a ray of hope to others. Make a ...

A Line in the Sand - by Bob Nellis Early in the 20th century, a desperate group of patients began appearing at Mayo ...

SPARTA, Wis. — Figuring out the best choices for your child’s diet can be an intimidating process. With so much information out there, how are ...

Miss the program?  Here's the podcast:  Mayo Clinic Radio January 17 2015 Make plans to listen to the next Mayo Clinic Radio on Saturday, ...

Donald Hensrud, M.D., Medical Director for the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, recently participated in the filming of a video series with America Cooks with Chefs, a nationwide health and wellness movement that paired up six contestants from across the country with award-winning celebrity chefs to teach each contestant how to create healthier versions of their favorite high-calorie dishes, without sacrificing taste. In one of the episodes, contestant Michael Angelo Gonzales is teamed up with chef Michelle Bernstein of Miami’s Seagrape, who teaches Michael a heart-healthy version of a traditional Latin dish he enjoys, but was not helping high blood pressure. In the episode, Dr. Hensrud offers Michael advice about ways to lower his high blood pressure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UUdMKDzdYk America Cooks with Chefs will highlight Mayo’s expert knowledge about health, wellness and preventive care, along with programs and products in news articles and videos around various wellness topics. In addition to those activities, the contestants will compete in a live cooking challenge at the Clinton Health Matters Initiative Conference in January 2015, where Mayo will participate in the judging at the event.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is preventative surgery an option for people with a strong genetic predisposition to pancreatic cancer? If not, are there any screening tests that can catch it early? ANSWER: Although removing the pancreas is a possibility for people who have a strong family history of pancreatic cancer, it is used only rarely as a means of preventing the disease. That’s because there are significant health risks associated with not having a pancreas. No formal screening methods are in place for this type of cancer. But certain imaging exams may be able to detect pancreatic cancer in its early stages. Your pancreas is located in your abdomen, behind the lower part of your stomach. One of its main jobs is to make insulin, a hormone that regulates the transfer of sugar, or glucose, from your bloodstream into your cells. The pancreas also makes enzymes that aid in your body’s digestion.

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin Despite winter weather, get younger, healthier looking skin with these simple tips. DASH diet: Healthy eating to lower your blood pressure The DASH diet may help prevent hypertension, cancer and more. See how it focuses on portion size and getting the right amount of nutrients. EXPERT ANSWERS Electronic cigarettes: A safe way to light up? Although makers of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) say they're safe, experts warn of health risks. Exercise and illness: Work out with a cold? Depending on your symptoms, exercising with a cold is usually OK, but take it easy. Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What could cause a person without diabetes to become hypoglycemic? Would keeping track of my blood levels throughout the day be beneficial? ANSWER: Diabetes and the medications people take for it are by far the most common causes of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. There are other reasons your blood sugar may be low, however. Keeping track of your blood sugar at home can be a good step in some cases. But you should do so only after you have been evaluated for low blood sugar by an endocrinologist — a doctor who specializes in diabetes and other hormone-related disorders. Hypoglycemia happens when you do not have enough sugar, or glucose, in your blood. People sometimes talk casually about having low blood sugar. True hypoglycemia is a serious condition that can lead to severe medical problems if left untreated.

LA CROSSE, WI. – Exercise enthusiasts who love to run outdoors may be challenged during the cold months of winter. Facing bitter temperatures, wind chills, snow and ice can cause the most experienced runner to think twice before hitting the pavement. Karla Marley, a physical therapist at Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare in Holmen, has some important reminders and good advice for anyone exercising or running in the winter elements:  Dress appropriately; dress in layers. Rule of thumb is to dress like it's 20 degrees warmer than the current temperature. You should feel slightly chilled, but as you warm up you will be comfortable. Common sense will tell you to check ground conditions and watch for ice, slush and snow but make sure you have the kind of traction shoe you need for those conditions, like a trail running shoe. During winter there are fewer hours of light, so if you're running in the early morning or evening make sure you have reflective gear and wear light/bright colored clothing. Bright yellows and oranges make it easier for vehicles to see you. It's also a good idea to wear a headlamp and tail light to keep you visible. Warm up before heading out the door: walking lunges, running the stairs, jump rope or some yoga poses will help you avoid injury. You still sweat so remember to stay hydrated and replace your fluids!

Hospital emergency departments see an influx of weather-related injuries with each icy assault from old man winter. "There are really four types of things that ...

Pregnancy is an exciting and challenging time for parents, regardless of how much planning is involved. And when your baby is born, new obstacles present themselves. Although many of these learning experiences are expected, illness is one everyone hopes to avoid. A cough here and a cold there is normal, but some medical conditions are very serious. Mayo Clinic Health System obstetrician & gynecologist  Javier Cardenas, M.D., shares steps you can take before and after birth to help your baby be the healthiest he or she can be. Preconception Folic acid. Are you planning a pregnancy? Or maybe you’re not necessarily trying to become pregnant but know it’s a possibility. Either way, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day. Folic acid helps prevent brain and spine birth defects. These problems occur during the first few weeks of pregnancy, a time period during which many parents are unaware of conception. Getting enough folic acid from a regular diet is challenging, so supplements are encouraged. Smoking cessation. Refraining from smoking before and during pregnancy is a must. Smoking has harmful effects on fetal development. If you do smoke, talk to your health care provider about quitting. Diet. Make sure you’re eating a healthy diet. Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein. Your body. Being underweight or overweight is not ideal for pregnancy, so your health care provider may want you to address your weight before becoming pregnant. Additionally, get regular physical activity and minimize daily stresses. Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs and toxic chemicals.