Health & Wellness - March 2014 Archives

There's been widespread concern  about the rising incidence of melanoma, which affects 75,000 Americans annually and results in nearly 9,000 deaths. Researchers speculate the uptick may be connected to the popularization of tanning beds, and some states are even considering legislation that would prohibit minors from going to tanning facilities. Mayo Clinic dermatologist Jerry Brewer, M.D., says, “There’s been a cultural trend for many decades in which people connect being tan with being fit and even successful.” The opposite is true. Dr. Brewer gives four ways to improve your chances of preventing skin cancer: 1. Avoid the use of tanning beds 2. Use sunscreen 3. Be familiar with your skin by performing frequent skin-self examinations 4. Check in with your dermatologist annually http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RHRoO-YJqs Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Brewer regarding his recent melanoma study are available in the downloads. MEDIA CONTACT: Alyson Gonzalez, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu

Join us Saturday, March 29, at 9 a.m. CT, when we cover as much about Alzheimer's disease as we can in one hour! Director of the Mayo Clinic ...

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES Added sugar: Don't get sabotaged by sweeteners Added sugar can contribute unwanted calories and aggravate health concerns. See where it may be lurking in your diet and how to cut back. Telehealth: When health care meets cyberspace From researching treatment options to emailing your doctor, see how technology can help you better manage your health. EXPERT ANSWERS White whole-wheat bread: Is it nutritious? White whole-wheat bread may make it easier to add whole grains to your diet. Can vitamins help prevent a heart attack? There's mixed evidence on whether vitamins can prevent heart disease. Find out more. HEALTHY RECIPES Asparagus, tomato and red pepper French bread pizza Broccoli cheddar bake English cucumber salad with balsamic vinaigrette Poached pears HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK Prevent night leg cramps Nighttime leg cramps often strike just as you're falling asleep or waking up. To prevent these involuntary contractions of your leg muscles, usually in the back of your lower leg, stretch your legs before you climb under the covers. Wear shoes with proper support. Untuck the covers at the foot of your bed. And drink plenty of fluids during the day. Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.

Join us Saturday, March 29, at 9 a.m. CT, when we cover as much about Alzheimer's disease as we can in one hour! Director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Ronald Petersen, M.D., Ph.D., will be with us to discuss a recent study listing Alzheimer's disease as the third-leading cause of death, and he'll comment on a news report that says women in their 60s are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's than breast cancer. Dr. Petersen will also share 7 tips to prevent memory loss.  Join us! Myth or Matter of Fact: There are treatments available to help stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. At the top of the hour we'll also hear from David Ahlquist, M.D., a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and co-inventor of the Cologuard test. This high-tech home stool test kit looks for colorectal cancer's DNA in its early stages, when this cancer is highly treatable.  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 March 29, 2014 (right click MP3) 

Mayo Clinic research team shares discoveries on kidney cancer See how one research team is working to find better treatments and a potential cure for ...

Join us Saturday, March 29, at 9 a.m. CT, when we cover as much about Alzheimer's disease as we can in one hour! Director of the ...

ROCHESTER, Minn. — The latest online issue of Discovery's Edge, Mayo Clinic's research magazine, highlights three programs at Mayo Clinic that have changed medicine and the physician/researchers responsible. You may cite and link to this publication as often as you wish. Republication is allowed with proper attribution. Please include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Visit Discovery's Edge for subscription information. Discover our iPad Issue, download the app: https://itunes.apple.com/app/mayo-clinic-de/id471972510?mt=8

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What’s the difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia? Are they treated differently? ANSWER: Osteoporosis and osteopenia are related conditions connected to bone health. Osteopenia can be a precursor to osteoporosis, but that is not always the case. Treatment for these disorders is similar because the treatment goals for both are to strengthen bones and slow bone loss. Bones are in a constant state of renewal. Your body regularly makes new bone and breaks down old bone. When you are young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone, and your bone mass increases. Most people reach their peak bone mass in their mid-20s to mid-30s. As people age, bone mass is lost faster than it is created. That means the higher your peak bone mass is when you are young, the more bone your body has to sustain bone health throughout the rest of your life. Osteopenia develops when a person’s bone density is below normal. This condition raises the risk of bone fractures. Osteoporosis occurs when the body’s creation of new bone can no longer keep up with the breakdown of old bone. This leads to bones becoming weak, brittle and easily broken.

All Justin ever wanted to do was play drums in a rock and roll band, but a serious heart problem, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, silenced his music. With doubts ...

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES Weight loss: Feel full on fewer calories Working on weight loss? Find out how to put the concept of energy density to work for you. Cancer risk: What the numbers mean Find out how to interpret the latest news about cancer risk. This can help you put your own risk into perspective. EXPERT ANSWERS Tetanus shots: Is it risky to receive 'extra' boosters? For adults, tetanus shots are recommended every 10 years, but learn when an extra booster may be OK. Coffee and health: What does the research say? Has coffee gotten a bum rap? Can it be part of a healthy diet? HEALTHY RECIPES Ham, pineapple and asparagus crepes Mango tango salad Quiche Mixed bean salad HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK Reduce tension through muscle relaxation Progressive muscle relaxation can reduce muscle tension from stress. First, find a quiet place free from interruption. Tense each muscle group for at least five seconds and then relax for up to 30 seconds. Repeat before moving to the next muscle group. Practice this technique any time you feel stress. Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.

Eat less, move more, quit smoking and get more sleep! These are just some of the common sense solutions we often hear that would help ...

Intimacy and sex after cancer treatment is over Emotions can have a strong effect on your desire for sex due to anxiety, fears and physical changes during and after cancer treatment. Be patient as you heal. Hormone therapy for breast cancer Get the facts about this treatment for breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones. 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.