STD testing: What's right for you?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are common, but the types of STD testing you may need depends on your age, sexual behaviors and other risk factors. In many cases, there are neither signs nor symptoms. That's why many experts prefer the term sexually transmitted infections, because you can have an infection without disease symptoms. Find out more about STD testing guidelines and what might be right for you.

EXPERT ANSWERS
What can I do about my insomnia?
Waking up in the middle of the night is called insomnia, and it's a common problem. Insomnia often occur during periods of stress. Over-the-counter sleep aids rarely offer significant or sustained help for this problem. There are some lifestyle strategies that may help, though. Learn more from Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler, a Mayo Clinic pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist.

Can I manage my hot flashes without medication?
Hot flashes are the most common symptom of the menopausal transition. They can vary in frequency, intensity and duration. On average, symptoms persist for more than seven years. In the meantime, you may be able to get a handle on hot flashes by making some simple changes, such as dressing in layers and learning to relax. Learn more from Dr. Shannon Laughlin-Tommaso, a Mayo Clinic OB-GYN.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
First aid for a corneal abrasion
Slideshow: Age-related vision problems
Video: Squat with dumbbell
Sudden cardiac arrest: An overview

HEALTHY RECIPES
Polenta with roasted red pepper coulis
Sichuan broccoli and cauliflower
Sloppy Joes
Spicy snow peas

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
When is it time to buy a new toothbrush?
Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three to four months. Change it sooner if the bristles become irregular or frayed. Keeping a toothbrush for too long makes it difficult to clean your teeth well.

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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The post Housecall: The importance of a healthy mouth appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Oral health begins with clean teeth. Keeping the area where your teeth meet your gums clean can prevent gum disease, while keeping your tooth surfaces clean can help you stave off cavities. Consider these brushing basics from the American Dental Association:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, don't rush. Take enough time to do a thorough job.
• Use the proper equipment. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, which can reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) more than does manual brushing. These devices are also helpful if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.

Click HERE to read more about brushing up for National Dental Hygiene Month.

The post Oral health: Brush up on Dental Care Basics appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

The next Mayo Clinic Radio will make you smile!  On Saturday, July 19, at 9 a.m. CT, Thomas Salinas, D.D.S., will join us to discuss different aspects of oral health.  We’ll talk about new ways to restore teeth and replacing missing teeth. Also on the list for discussion — the dramatic increase in oral cancers in those afflicted with HPV, how oral health impacts overall health, the affect of certain medications on oral health and the importance of oral health for aging patients.  Join us!

Follow #MayoClinicRadio and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeart Radio.

To listen to Mayo Clinic Radio live, go to our flagship station, KROC AM.

Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic. The show is taped for rebroadcast by some affiliates.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Oral Health appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Oral health: Brush up on dental care basics
Your smile depends on simple dental care habits, such as brushing and flossing. But are you using the right techniques?

Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
Exercise can improve your mood, stamina and sex life. How many more reasons do you need to get moving?

EXPERT ANSWERS
Cervical cysts: Can they be cancerous?
Most cervical cysts are noncancerous, cause no signs or symptoms and require no treatment.

Walking pneumonia: What does it mean?
Walking pneumonia is a general term for relatively mild cases of pneumonia.

HEALTHY RECIPES
Split pea soup
Beef stew with fennel and shallots
Garlic mashed potatoes
Green smoothie

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Fit in more fruit
Getting in at least three servings of fruit a day is easier than you may think. But if you're tired of the same old fruit options, try these two variations. 1. Blend it. In a blender, add 2 fresh or frozen bananas, 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries and 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt. Blend until smooth. 2. Grill it. Cut apples, pears or peaches into chunks, brush lightly with canola oil and sprinkle with cinnamon. Place on skewers or wrap in foil. Grill on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes.

Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Managing food allergies
Posterior cruciate ligament injury
Slide show: See how your digestive system works
Broken heart syndrome

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Nutrition-wise: Make forgiveness a habit
Forgiveness is a choice you make to preserve your own health and well-being.

The post Monday’s Housecall appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

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.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Women's sexual health: Talking about your sexual needs
How to be happy: Tips for cultivating contentment
Fast food: Tips for choosing healthier options
COPD

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Alzheimer's: Alzheimer's caregivers benefit from more self-compassion
Caregivers need to be kinder to themselves. Self-compassion begins when caregivers accept that they did the best they could.

The post Monday’s Housecall appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

[You can listen to a podcast of the entire program: Mayo Clinic Radio – Full Show 8-3-2013]

Developing good dental hygiene is especially important for children. On a recent Mayo Clinic Radio show, Thomas Salinas, D.D.S., was a guest expert and he discussed dental health topics, from cavities and canker sores to larger issues such as cleft palates or implants. During the radio program listeners tweeted specific questions and below are Dr. Salinas' answers. *Follow #mayoclinicradio on Saturdays, 9 am CT.

Q: Is brushing twice important?  Can we use oral chemicals to rinse mouth at night?
A:  Assuming twice a day brushing (YES!) and you can use chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium before bed.

Q: What is the most effective toothpaste?
A: All fluoridated toothpastes with ADA seal are effective.

Q: Won't 4 minutes of brushing wear down enamel over time?
A:  4 minutes of brushing will not appreciably wear down enamel.

Q: How important is the direction you brush?  Which area of mouth needs more attention?
A:  Angle brush 45 degrees to gum with small circular strokes. Spend slightly more time on back teeth.

Q: Isn't fluoride harmful?  Why put it in water?
A:  Fluoride in small quantities as suggested is harmless. 1 part per million is harmless and beneficial.

Q: How do I get rid of gingivitis for good?
A:  Strong attention to regular oral hygiene with disclosing dye, low sugar consumption, regular professional cleanings.

Q: After two extractions, I have painful teeth and gums when it is cold.  Advice?
A: Desensitizing toothpastes, bonding over the root surfaces exposed, coverage of the root with crowns, root canal therapy. (Sequentially in that order if each one does not work.)

Q: Will there be stem cell therapy for tooth regeneration?
A:  There is stem cell regeneration but not refined. Tooth regeneration is still susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. Implants more predictable.

The post Back to School: Dental Health Tips appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.