Health & Wellness - October 2012 Archives

LA CROSSE, Wis. — October 1, 2012.  Errant gunshots are an obvious health risk during fall hunting season, but a range of other dangers also can send hunters to the hospital or worse: heart attacks, injured backs and broken bones are among the most common medical emergencies. Emergency medicine physician Eric Grube, D.O., of the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse offers several tips for a safe hunting season. VIDEO ALERT: For B-roll of a hunter and news network membership, visit the Mayo Clinic News Network. Click here for a deer stand safety video on YouTube. "I am a hunter and always need to remind myself to lead by example when I'm in the woods," Dr. Grube says. "Hunting can be a fun sport for all to enjoy. But we need to make sure that fun isn't spoiled by some unfortunate accident." Hunters should make sure they are properly educated about their surroundings. They also should be diligent with safety precautions, wear clothing suitable for hunting and for the weather, stay level headed, and always alert other hunters to their presence, he says. Other tips from Dr. Grube: Watch for heart attack warning signs. One study of middle-aged male deer hunters found that the activities inherent to hunting — walking over rough terrain, shooting an animal and dragging its carcass, for example — sent their heart rates up significantly. Although opinion varies, many doctors caution that exercising at more than 85 percent of a person's maximum heart rate increases the risk of heart attack. Hunters unaccustomed to the strenuous hikes involved should take several breaks to rest, Dr. Grube says. Falls tend to be the most common cause of injuries, and often happen when a hunter is up a tree and startled by animals there. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Always check equipment and stands and use safety belts to prevent falls. Permanent tree stands are more likely to deteriorate and should be avoided. The average fall from a tree stand is about 15 feet. Injuries suffered from those heights can cause broken bones, paralysis, or even death. Avoid alcohol. Hunters are more susceptible to injuries, including frostbite and hypothermia, if they've been drinking. Let family members know where you'll be hunting and take two-way radios or loud whistles along in case help is needed. A surprisingly large number of hunting accidents occur between family members and friends who have gone out together, but do not remember or know where their party has gone, Dr. Grube says. Learn some basic first aid before heading to the woods, including how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or hands-only CPR, which consists of chest compressions, should a hunting partner have a heart attack. Dr. Grube notes four basic rules of firearm safety from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources known as TAB-K: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, be certain of your target and what's beyond it, and keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — October 1, 2012.   Steven Rose, M.D., has been named dean of Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education at Mayo Clinic. He succeeds Mark Warner, M.D., who served as dean from 2006 until his appointment as executive dean for education in July 2012. Dr. Rose's appointment is effective immediately. He will be responsible for graduate medical education activities throughout Mayo Clinic. Dr. Rose began his career at Mayo as a physician in the Department of Anesthesiology in 1988. He was appointed vice dean of Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education in 2007 and became a professor in the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic last year. He has received several awards, including the Resident Education Award, the Distinguished Clinician Award and the Distinguished Service Award in the Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Rose is an author, researcher and educator whose interests focus on orthopedic and thoracic anesthesia and medical education. He serves as an editor or reviewer for several journals.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — October 1, 2012.  No matter how long or diligently runners train before a marathon, they invariably cross the finish line with some mark of the endurance test they've just experienced. To help alleviate injuries and stay healthy on race day, Ed Laskowski, M.D., co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center, offers runners prerace tips for a rewarding marathon experience. Dehydration, sprains and "hitting the wall" are among some of the most common race-day problems However, some pain prior to race day doesn't mean runners need to stay at home. "Soreness of muscles and tissues as you progress through higher levels of training and increasing mileage is normal. If the soreness resolves as you continue to run and doesn't interfere with your running mechanics, you likely can continue," says Dr. Laskowski. But sometimes runners should have an injury professionally evaluated before continuing. "Pain associated with joint swelling or that causes the joint to feel unstable should be checked. You should also seek an evaluation for pain that persists or intensifies after rest from running or pain that causes you to compensate, change your running, or change your gait." Hydration and energy-boosting carbohydrates during the race also contribute to a healthy race with low risk of injury, Dr. Laskowski says. He advises that if you eat and drink sufficiently in the 8–12 hours prior to a long run, then you should be close to being well hydrated. On race day, water and milk, fruit juice and sports drinks can be consumed up to an hour prior to your run. During the run, sports drinks are a good source of energy, and the sodium they contain may help stimulate thirst and replace electrolytes lost through sweat. After the run, when you are in recovery mode, veggie juice, chocolate milk, smoothies and fruit juice are good choices for hydration. Dr. Laskowski offers the following tips for marathon runners just prior to the big race: The day before the marathon, consume extra calories, especially high-carbohydrate foods such as bread, cereal, rice, pasta, and/or potatoes. To enable fluid absorption, start drinking fluids at least four hours before exercise. Most marathoners find they perform better if they consume carbohydrates during the race. Sports drinks, bars and gels are good options. To avoid runners' diarrhea, at least one day before running, limit or avoid sweeteners called sugar alcohols — most often found in sugar-free candies, gum and ice cream. For three to six hours before running, limit or avoid caffeine and high-fat foods. After-marathon food should include protein, preferably peanut butter or string cheese, which you should eat within two hours after stepping off the course.