Health & Wellness - November 2013 Archives

A new study at Mayo Clinic is using genomic sequencing to develop customized treatments for men with castration-resistant prostate cancer, a progressive and incurable stage of prostate cancer, which no longer responds to hormone therapies that stop or slow testosterone production. Oncologist and principal investigator of the Prostate Cancer Medically Optimized Genome-Enhanced Therapy (PROMOTE) study, Manish Kohli, M.D., says, “Men with  castration-resistant prostate cancer have abysmal survival rates, typically living an average of two years once hormone therapies fail." Dr. Kohli says the poor prognosis for men with this cancer highlights the need for studies like PROMOTE, which seek to match new targeted drugs with the genomic characteristics of individual patients’ tumors. Click here for news release. Watch this educational animation about pharmacogenomics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGjG_9EEeeA

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) holds its annual State Conference for Wisconsin, at which the counsel gives a Diversity Award to an organization/company ...

Mayo Clinic researchers have shown that a molecule called Cul4 helps to deposit DNA-packaging histone proteins onto DNA, an integral step in cramming yards of genetic code into compact coils that can fit into each cell. When DNA isn’t packaged correctly, it can lead to the genomic instability characteristic of many forms of cancer. Senior study author Zhiguo Zhang, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, says, “We suggest that cancer cells may have evolved a mechanism to disrupt proper nucleosome assembly by altering Cul4 and other factors, which in turn could affect the stability of the genome and promote the formation of tumors.” The research is published in the Nov. 7 issue of the journal Cell. Click here for news release.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was recently put on medication for high blood pressure. Does it matter what time I take it? I thought I was supposed to take it before I go to bed. But when I do, I’m up all night using the bathroom. Also, is this medication something I will have to take for life? ANSWER: It usually is not necessary to take your blood pressure medication at night, unless your doctor has told you to do so. Whether or not you have to take the medication for the rest of your life depends on a variety of factors. In some cases, lifestyle changes can lower or eliminate the need for blood pressure medication. What you eat and how much you exercise can help control blood pressure. Lowering the amount of salt in your diet and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains and low-fat dairy foods, can have a positive effect. Regular physical activity can also help lower blood pressure and keep your weight at a healthy level. Weight is a big factor in high blood pressure. Research has shown that, in people who are overweight, lowering one’s weight by just 10 percent can lower blood pressure.

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES Buying prescription drugs online: The do's and don'ts Buying prescription drugs online? Stay safe with these do's and don'ts. Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control Changing your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention — and it's never too late to start. EXPERT ANSWERS Cold symptoms: Does drinking milk increase phlegm? Drinking milk may thicken phlegm — but it doesn't increase phlegm production. Chapped lips: What's the best remedy? Chapped lips can have several causes. Learn how to prevent and treat chapped lips. HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK  Time to buy a new toothbrush? Change your toothbrush or the replacement head on your electric or battery-powered toothbrush at least every three to four months. Change it sooner if it becomes frayed. Keeping a toothbrush for too long makes it difficult to clean your teeth well, and it may contribute to bad breath or other oral health problems. HEALTHY RECIPES Roasted squash soup Vegetable salsa Ratatouille with roasted tomato vinaigrette Caribbean red beans and brown rice Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.

Epilepsy  November is Epilepsy Awareness  Month.  On Saturday, Nov. 9, Elaine  Wirrell, M.D., and Jerry Shih, M.D., joined us for a program all ...

  On Saturday, Nov. 2, pediatric gastroenterologist William Faubion, M.D., will join us to discuss the major complaint he hears about most from his patients, bellyaches.  Abdominal pain is troubling for both young patients and their parents, and while the usual reason for this type of pain is constipation, that is not always the case.  Sometimes it's more serious, involving weight loss, a flattened growth curve and chronic diarrhea. We hope you’ll join us. Myth or Matter of Fact: Swallowed gum can get stuck and is a cause of bellyaches. Note: You can hear the program LIVE Saturdays at 9 am CT on I Heart Radio via KROC AM. The show is taped for rebroadcast by some affiliates. On Twitter follow #MayoClinicRadio and tweet your questions. Listen to this week’s Medical News Headlines: News Segment November 2, 2013 (right click MP3).     Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.