Consumer Health: Summer travel — don’t let jet lag spoil your fun
Preventing jet lag
If you have a summer vacation coming up, don't let jet lag spoil your fun. Jet lag, also called jet lag disorder, is a temporary sleep problem that can affect anyone who travels across multiple time zones. Symptoms include daytime fatigue, an unwell feeling, difficulty staying alert and gastrointestinal problems. A few basic steps may prevent jet lag or reduce its effects. Here's what you need to know.
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Calcium supplements and blood pressure medications
If you take blood pressure medications and calcium supplements, you may need to ask your health care provider about interactions. In large amounts, calcium supplements may interact with some blood pressure medications, specifically thiazide diuretics and calcium channel blockers. Calcium supplements don't appear to interact with other commonly prescribed blood pressure medications, though. Learn more from Dr. Sheldon Sheps, an emeritus Mayo Clinic hypertension and peripheral vascular diseases specialist.
Metabolism and weight: What's the connection?
It's true that metabolism is linked to weight. But contrary to common belief, a slow metabolism is rarely the cause of excess weight gain. Although your metabolism influences your body's basic energy needs, how much you eat and drink, along with how much physical activity you get, are the things that ultimately determine your weight. Learn more about the connection between metabolism and weight, and what you can do to influence your weight loss or gain.
Stop multitasking and learn how to focus
Multitasking is a myth. At best, research shows that your mind only can switch rapidly between tasks. Instead of trying to do two things at once, look for ways to maintain focus on the task at hand. Here are some tips to help you improve your focus
What is OCD?
There's a difference between being a perfectionist — someone who requires flawless results or performance, for example — and having obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A perfectionist might worry excessively about real problems in life, or prefer to have things clean or arranged in a specific way. OCD features a pattern of unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that leads to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress. Learn more about the symptoms, causes and risk factors for OCD.