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THIS WEEK'S TOP TOPICS
Transfat is double trouble for your heart health
Transfat is considered by many health care providers to be the worst type of fat you can eat. Unlike other dietary fats, transfat — also called transfatty acids — both raises your low-density lipoprotein, or LDL or "bad" cholesterol, and lowers your high-density lipoprotein, or HDL or "good" cholesterol. A diet laden with transfat increases your risk of heart disease, the leading killer of men and women. Learn more about transfat and how to avoid it in your diet.
Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness
Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. Others' judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding rather than facts. Learning to accept your condition, recognizing what you need to do to treat it, seeking support and educating others can make a big difference in dealing with the stigma of mental illness.
EXPERT ANSWERS
What happens to swallowed gum?
Your body can't digest chewing gum, so what happens when you swallow it? Folklore suggests that swallowed gum sits in your stomach for seven years before it can be digested. Learn more from Dr. Michael Picco, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist.
What's the difference between scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis?
Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are common conditions that affect the scalp. They share some similar signs and symptoms, such as red, scaly skin. They also share some similar treatments, including medicated shampoos, and topical corticosteroid or antifungal solutions. Learn more from Dr. Lawrence Gibson, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist.
PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress
Pseudobulbar affect
Meniere's disease
Domestic violence against women: Recognize patterns
HEALTHY RECIPES
Buttermilk waffles
Veggie egg bake
Buckwheat pancakes
Cranberry orange muffins
HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
5 ways to avoid secondhand smoke
You don't smoke because you understand the dangers, but what about smoke you inhale involuntarily? Here are five tips to protect yourself and those you love from secondhand smoke:
- Don't allow smoking in your home.
- Don't allow smoking in your vehicle.
- Insist that smoking restrictions be enforced at work.
- Choose smoke-free care facilities for children and aging loved ones.
- Patronize businesses with no-smoking policies.
Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover more healthy lifestyle topics at mayoclinic.org.
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