• Featured News

    Housecall: Treating bladder control problems in women

a close-up of a young woman biting her fingernail and looking anxious or embarrassedTHIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Bladder control problems in women: Seek treatment
If you're one of the many women who experience bladder control problems, don't let embarrassment keep you from getting the help you need. Bladder control problems require medical attention for several reasons. Reduced bladder control may cause you to restrict your physical activities or withdraw from social interactions. Sometimes bladder control problems may be caused by a serious underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or kidney disease. Here's what you need to know about seeking treatment for your bladder control problem.

Understanding mild cognitive impairment
Mild cognitive impairment is the stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and the more serious decline of dementia. It can involve problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment that are greater than normal age-related changes. Mild cognitive impairment may increase your risk of later developing dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or other neurological conditions. But some people with mild cognitive impairment never get worse, and a few eventually get better. Learn more about the symptoms and risk factors for mild cognitive impairment.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Will a flu shot prevent the stomach flu?
The flu shot will not prevent the stomach flu. The flu shot protects against influenza. The stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, is an infection caused by various viruses, including rotaviruses and noroviruses. The stomach flu is not caused by influenza viruses. Learn more from Dr. James Steckelberg, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist.

What is 'hot yoga?'
"Hot yoga" is a vigorous form of yoga performed in a very warm and humid studio. There are many different types of hot yoga classes, and researchers continue to study the pros and cons of hot yoga, including its effects on body fat and heart health. Hot yoga is not for everyone, though. The intensity of the workout and the hot temperatures have the potential to cause heat-related illness. Learn more from Dr. Edward Laskowski, a Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Living-donor liver transplant
Dupuytren's contracture
Retinal detachment
MRSA infection

HEALTHY RECIPES
6-grain hot cereal
Sauteed zucchini coins
Pork tenderloin with fennel sauce
Baked apples with cherries and almonds

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Blood pressure tip: Watch your weight
Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. In general, the more weight you lose, the lower your blood pressure. If you're overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can reduce your blood pressure. You generally may lower your blood pressure by about 1 millimeter of mercury with each kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of weight you lose. Work with your health care provider to determine your target weight and the best way to achieve it.

Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover more healthy lifestyle topics at mayoclinic.org.

Receive a free e-subscription to Housecall and other health newsletters.