Health & Wellness - November 2013 Archives

  On Saturday, Nov. 30, we will rebroadcast our program with Richard Hurt, M.D., and Jon Ebbert, M.D., from the Nicotine Dependence Center.  For 25 years, the Nicotine Dependence ...

The perception that doctors who are based in hospitals burn out quicker than doctors in outpatient settings is just wrong – doctor burnout happens equally, according to a new Mayo Clinic study, published in the November issue of Journal of Hospital Medicine. "Burnout is everywhere and if you look for it you’ll find it," says lead author of the study Daniel Roberts, M.D. Mayo Clinic reviewed 54 burnout studies worldwide to see if there is any validity to the longstanding belief that practicing in the hospital incites greater burnout.  Burnout is defined in the study as a syndrome affecting the entirety of work life and characterized by cynicism, detachment and inefficiency. To read more, including ways physicians can help avoid burnout, click here. Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Roberts are available in the downloads. To arrange interviews, contact Jim McVeigh at 480-301-4222 or Mcveigh.Jim@mayo.edu. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azr7pDWrcUQ&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFBTtYEsemY Runny nose, sore throat, cough and a fever. Those symptoms are typical of cold and flu season. Most of the time kids who catch a virus get better with ...

http://youtu.be/WnUlREFi_tE Media: Mayo Clinic Experts Available to Discuss New Epilepsy Therapy People with epilepsy may have a new high-tech way to manage hard-to-control ...

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My wife is 31 and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 7. She had a baby three months ago, and her blood sugar levels were never really controlled. Doctors tested her kidney function and said there is “a little damage” but nothing to worry about. They said a pancreas transplant might be an option. How risky is this? What medications will she need to take following the transplant? ANSWER: Most patients with type 1 diabetes do not require a pancreas transplant, because newer insulin regimens can keep their blood sugar under control. However, someone in your wife’s situation should consider a pancreas transplant, especially if she has frequent “insulin reactions” — meaning her blood sugar goes very low without her realizing it.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — For people with diabetes, a small cut or blister on the foot is an open invitation for infection and potentially more serious ...

Media Expert Alert: Altruistic Kidney Donor and Mayo Clinic Expert Available for Interviews Patients waiting for a lifesaving transplant rely heavily on the public to make the choice to become organ donors. The shortage of deceased donor organs has reached a crisis, with almost 120,000 people in need of a lifesaving organ nationwide. Over 3,000 of those are Mayo Clinic patients. However, living donors can help shorten the wait time for many patients waiting for kidney, liver and/or bone marrow transplants. Mayo Clinic pediatrician Phil Fischer, M.D., decided to become a living donor and give a kidney anonymously. To hear Dr. Fisher explain how a patient in need of a kidney transplant touched his heart and inspired him to explore altruistic organ donation, play the video below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNJz-T5R9FA Dr. Fischer is available to talk to the media about his personal experience. Surgeon Mikel Prieto, M.D.,with the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center, is also available to discuss living-donor kidney donation and transplantation. Click here for news release.  Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Prieto are available in the downloads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SltyYa8s1Es Each year millions of patients are diagnosed with acquired brain injuries, such as concussion, strokes and brain tumors. For these patients, brain rehabilitation is an important part of their recovery. Mayo Clinic researchers found that improvement of mood over the course of post-acute brain rehabilitation is associated with increased participation in day-to-day activities, independent living and ability to work after rehabilitation is complete.  Thomas Bergquist, Ph.D., of Mayo Clinic’s departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Psychiatry and Psychology, says, “People should not ignore psychological issues, such as mood swings or ability to communicate with family members. Comprehensive brain rehabilitation can address both physical and personal problems to help improve outcomes for patients, including improved physical function, the ability to live independently and maintain a job.” Read news release. Journalists: B-roll and sound bites with Dr. Bergquist are available in the downloads.

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES Allergies Allergy symptoms can make you miserable, and in some cases they're life-threatening. Here's some information about allergies and tips on treating allergy symptoms. Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet Eat more fiber. You've probably heard it before. But do you know why fiber is so good for your health? EXPERT ANSWERS Can honey lessen seasonal allergy symptoms? Heard the buzz about honey for allergies? Find out if this home remedy works. Diet soda: Is it bad for you? Diet soda isn't likely to hurt you, but healthier options abound HEALTHY RECIPES Turkey gravy Glazed turkey breast with fruit stuffing Wild rice (or quinoa) stuffing Pumpkin-hazelnut tea cake HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK Sweet potatoes: Color yourself healthy! Why eat sweet potatoes? The deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes tells you that they're high in the antioxidant beta carotene. Food sources of beta carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, may help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of some cancers. Sweet potatoes are also good sources of fiber; vitamins B-6, C and E; folate, and potassium. They're fat-free and relatively low in calories. Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.

  On Saturday, Nov. 23, Jeffrey Thompson, M.D., will join us to discuss fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain in addition to ...

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Join #pancreaticchat  Tuesday, November 26 1-2 pm ET With experts from @MayoClinic and @PanCAN  Moderated by @USAToday’s @LizSzabo     Topics will include: Scope of problem and who it impacts Warning signs, screening and risk factors Why is it so hard to predict and often caught so late Treatments Biomarkers Promising research and therapies on the horizon If you’ve never participated in a Twitter chat, be sure to watch this how-to video before jumping in. We recommend you use a website such as Tweetdeck.com or Twubs.com to more easily follow the flow of the conversation. Questions? Send them to Nick Hanson.

Holiday gatherings and food-focused traditions can pose major challenges to those who are looking to make healthy choices this time of year. Allyn Mahowald, registered dietitian at Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague, Minn., shares some advice for keeping the holiday season healthy – and enjoyable. She says, “You don’t have to sacrifice healthy eating habits just because of the holidays. With a few diet-conscious tactics, you can set yourself up for healthy holiday eating success.” She offers the following tips to keep your waistband in check during fall and winter festivities: Eat a nutritious snack before you attend parties. Choose treats such as fruit, low-fat yogurt, string cheese or a small handful of nuts. This will help you curb your appetite and make rational decisions about what to eat and what not to eat. Contribute a healthy dish to the gathering. This is the perfect way to ensure there is something healthful for you and others to eat. Raw vegetables with low-fat dip, whole-grain crackers with low-fat cheese and fresh fruit are great choices.