THIS WEEK'S TOP TOPICS
Work-life balance: Tips to reclaim control 
There was a time when the boundaries between work and home were fairly clear. Today, work is likely to invade your personal life, and maintaining work-life balance can be a challenge. When your work life and personal life are out of balance, your stress level is likely to soar. But if you can learn to set limits and look after yourself, you can achieve the work-life balance that's best for you. Here are some strategies you can use to bring your life back into harmony.

Evaluating complementary and alternative medicine therapies
Complementary and alternative medicine treatments, from herbal remedies and dietary supplements to ancient healing systems and mind-body techniques, are growing in popularity. And thanks to increasing research, health care providers are better able to understand the role some of these complementary therapies can play in helping treat and prevent disease. But not all complementary and alternative medicine treatments have been studied well enough to know whether they're safe or effective. Here's what you need to know.

EXPERT ANSWERS
What are probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the "good" bacteria in the body. Prebiotics are foods that act as food for those "good" bacteria and improve the balance of these microorganisms. How can you include probiotics and prebiotics in your diet? Learn more from Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist.

Are ankle weights a good idea for fitness walking?
Although ankle weights can increase the energy you burn while walking, they may strain the ankle joints and leg muscles, which could increase your risk of injury. Learn about better ideas for adding to your walking workout 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
Animal bites: First aid
Sun allergy
Gout
Cellulite

HEALTHY RECIPES
Sweet carrots
Tomato-basil pizza
Summer vegetable soup
Grilled snapper curry

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Do your sunglasses get the job done?
Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement. When you're shopping for shades, skip sunglasses that don't offer details about ultraviolent (UV) radiation protection. Instead look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of both UVA and UVB rays.

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.

The post Housecall: How balanced is your work-life balance? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. John Sperling, an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, will cover common shoulder injuries and treatment options including reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Also on the program, Dr. Bart Clarke, an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, will discuss osteoporosis. And Dr. Dawn Davis, a dermatologist at Mayo Clinic, will explain why cellulite appears and what can be done about it.

Here's your Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

The post Common shoulder problems: Mayo Clinic Radio appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. John Sperling, an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, will cover common shoulder injuries and treatment options including reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Also on the program, Dr. Bart Clarke, an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, will discuss osteoporosis. And Dr. Dawn Davis, a dermatologist at Mayo Clinic, will explain why cellulite appears and what can be done about it.

To hear the program, find an affiliate in your area.

Use the hashtag #MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.

Access archived shows or subscribe to the podcast.

Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Common shoulder problems appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. John Sperling, an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, will cover common shoulder injuries and treatment options including reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Also on the program, Dr. Bart Clarke, an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, will discuss osteoporosis. And Dr. Dawn Davis, a dermatologist at Mayo Clinic, will explain why cellulite appears and what can be done about it.

To hear the program, find an affiliate in your area.

Miss the show?  Here's your Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

Use the hashtag #MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.

Access archived shows or subscribe to the podcast.

Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Common shoulder problems / Osteoporosis / Cellulite appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Weight loss: Choosing a diet that's right for you
When it comes to weight loss, there's no shortage of advice. Magazines, books and websites promise weight loss by eliminating fat or carbohydrates, or eating superfoods or special supplements. With so many conflicting options, how do you know which approach might work for you? Here are some suggestions for choosing a weight-loss program.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Can sleep deprivation cause high blood pressure?
People who sleep five hours or less a night may be at higher risk of developing high blood pressure or worsening already high blood pressure. There's also an increased risk of high blood pressure for people who sleep between five and six hours a night. Learn more from Dr. Sheldon Sheps, an emeritus Mayo Clinic hypertension and peripheral vascular diseases specialist.

What are probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the "good" bacteria in the body. Prebiotics are foods that act as food for those "good" bacteria and improve the balance of these microorganisms. How can you include probiotics and prebiotics in your diet? Learn more from Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
How much water should you drink every day?
Treating cellulite
CPAP machines: Tips for avoiding 10 common problems
Sun allergy

HEALTHY RECIPES
Watermelon-cranberry agua fresca
Chicken salad with pineapple and balsamic vinaigrette
Eggplant with toasted spices
Minty-lime iced tea

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Snoring solution: Sleep on your side
Sleep on your side to help prevent snoring. Lying on your back allows your tongue to fall backward into your throat, which narrows your airway and partially obstructs airflow. To stay off your back while you sleep, try sewing a tennis ball in the back of your pajama top. This uncomfortable trick will remind you to roll over.

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.

The post Housecall: Is your work-life balance out of balance? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: 

ANSWER: You’re smart to be wary about claims that certain creams or other products will get rid of cellulite. There’s no way to completely eliminate cellulite. Some treatments are available that may reduce its appearance, though. To achieve the best results, work with a reputable health care provider to decide which therapies may be right for you.

Cellulite is lumpy, dimpled flesh that most often develops on the thighs, hips and buttocks. When skin is affected by cellulite, it’s sometimes referred to as having an orange peel or cottage cheese appearance. Cellulite forms just below the skin when fibrous connective cords that tether the skin to the underlying muscle break, stretch or pull down, while fat cells accumulate and push up against the skin.

The reason some people develop cellulite and others do not isn’t clear. Women are much more likely than men to have cellulite, and it tends to run in families, so genetics may play a role. Cellulite is more common in people who are overweight and in older adults.

Cellulite doesn’t pose any health risks, and it doesn’t need to be treated. But, if the appearance of cellulite bothers you, there are a few therapies that may help.

A procedure that doesn’t involve surgery called cryolipolysis has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It uses cold therapy to freeze the lipids in fat cells, causing the cells to die. Not everyone sees benefits from this treatment. In those who do, it usually requires several treatments, and it can take three to four months to receive the best results.

Another nonsurgical approach to treating cellulite uses lasers and radiofrequency systems. These systems improve cellulite after a series of treatments. The results are not permanent, however, typically lasting no longer than about six months. New treatments involving lasers are being developed, and they may offer better long-term results.

You mention that you don’t want to have surgery, but some people try liposuction to treat cellulite. During liposuction, a surgeon inserts a narrow tube under the skin and suctions out fat cells. Though liposuction can be used to shape the areas of the body affected by cellulite, liposuction won’t remove cellulite. And it needs to be used carefully in people who have cellulite because, in some cases, it may actually make the appearance of cellulite more noticeable. Laser-assisted liposuction — a newer form of treatment that destroys fat cells while tightening the skin — might be more effective for cellulite, but more study is needed.

You can take some self-care steps that may make cellulite less noticeable. For example, weight loss and exercise keep your muscles toned and make dimpled skin less obvious. That said, if the skin is stretched, weakened or lays a particular way on the muscle after weight loss — including after bariatric surgery or delivery of a baby — the cellulite can be just as noticeable, which can be frustrating after working so hard to lose weight.

Not smoking and eating a diet centered around fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber can improve the appearance of your skin overall.

No over-the-counter remedy has been shown to be effective in treating cellulite. That includes creams marketed to cure cellulite that have ingredients such as caffeine, antioxidants and herbal supplements. You need to be cautious about using these creams, too, because they may contain products that could trigger a rash or other skin reaction. Dry brushing, massage and skin wraps don’t work as cellulite treatments either.

If you want to pursue treatment for cellulite, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. He or she can assess your situation and work with you to decide on the most appropriate approach. — Dawn Davis, M.D., Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

The post Women’s Wellness: Making cellulite less noticeable appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is dry brushing effective for getting rid of cellulite? What about creams with caffeine? Is there anything else that works? I’m willing to try anything to make the cellulite on my thighs less noticeable, other than going under the knife. But I don’t want to waste money on things that don’t work. 

ANSWER: You’re smart to be wary about claims that certain creams or other products will get rid of cellulite. There’s no way to completely eliminate cellulite. Some treatments are available that may reduce its appearance, though. To achieve the best results, work with a reputable health care provider to decide which therapies may be right for you.

Cellulite is lumpy, dimpled flesh that most often develops on the thighs, hips and buttocks. When skin is affected by cellulite, it’s sometimes referred to as having an orange peel or cottage cheese appearance. Cellulite forms just below the skin when fibrous connective cords that tether the skin to the underlying muscle break, stretch or pull down, while fat cells accumulate and push up against the skin.

The reason some people develop cellulite and others do not isn’t clear. Women are much more likely than men to have cellulite, and it tends to run in families, so genetics may play a role. Cellulite is more common in people who are overweight and in older adults.

Cellulite doesn’t pose any health risks, and it doesn’t need to be treated. But, if the appearance of cellulite bothers you, there are a few therapies that may help.

A procedure that doesn’t involve surgery called cryolipolysis has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It uses cold therapy to freeze the lipids in fat cells, causing the cells to die. Not everyone sees benefits from this treatment. In those who do, it usually requires several treatments, and it can take three to four months to receive the best results.

Another nonsurgical approach to treating cellulite uses lasers and radiofrequency systems. These systems improve cellulite after a series of treatments. The results are not permanent, however, typically lasting no longer than about six months. New treatments involving lasers are being developed, and they may offer better long-term results.

You mention that you don’t want to have surgery, but some people try liposuction to treat cellulite. During liposuction, a surgeon inserts a narrow tube under the skin and suctions out fat cells. Though liposuction can be used to shape the areas of the body affected by cellulite, liposuction won’t remove cellulite. And it needs to be used carefully in people who have cellulite because, in some cases, it may actually make the appearance of cellulite more noticeable. Laser-assisted liposuction — a newer form of treatment that destroys fat cells while tightening the skin — might be more effective for cellulite, but more study is needed.

You can take some self-care steps that may make cellulite less noticeable. For example, weight loss and exercise keep your muscles toned and make dimpled skin less obvious. That said, if the skin is stretched, weakened or lays a particular way on the muscle after weight loss — including after bariatric surgery or delivery of a baby — the cellulite can be just as noticeable, which can be frustrating after working so hard to lose weight.

Not smoking and eating a diet centered around fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber can improve the appearance of your skin overall.

No over-the-counter remedy has been shown to be effective in treating cellulite. That includes creams marketed to cure cellulite that have ingredients such as caffeine, antioxidants and herbal supplements. You need to be cautious about using these creams, too, because they may contain products that could trigger a rash or other skin reaction. Dry brushing, massage and skin wraps don’t work as cellulite treatments either.

If you want to pursue treatment for cellulite, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. He or she can assess your situation and work with you to decide on the most appropriate approach. — Dawn Davis, M.D., Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

The post Women’s Wellness: Reducing appearance of cellulite appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

ANSWER: You’re smart to be wary about claims that certain creams or other products will get rid of cellulite. There’s no way to completely eliminate cellulite. Some treatments are available that may reduce its appearance, though. To achieve the best results, work with a reputable health care provider to decide which therapies may be right for you.

Cellulite is lumpy, dimpled flesh that most often develops on the thighs, hips and buttocks. When skin is affected by cellulite, it’s sometimes referred to as having an orange peel or cottage cheese appearance. Cellulite forms just below the skin when fibrous connective cords that tether the skin to the underlying muscle break, stretch or pull down, while fat cells accumulate and push up against the skin.

The reason some people develop cellulite and others do not isn’t clear. Women are much more likely than men to have cellulite, and it tends to run in families, so genetics may play a role. Cellulite is more common in people who are overweight and in older adults.

Cellulite doesn’t pose any health risks, and it doesn’t need to be treated. But, if the appearance of cellulite bothers you, there are a few therapies that may help.

A procedure that doesn’t involve surgery called cryolipolysis has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It uses cold therapy to freeze the lipids in fat cells, causing the cells to die. Not everyone sees benefits from this treatment. In those who do, it usually requires several treatments, and it can take three to four months to receive the best results.

Another nonsurgical approach to treating cellulite uses lasers and radiofrequency systems. These systems improve cellulite after a series of treatments. The results are not permanent, however, typically lasting no longer than about six months. New treatments involving lasers are being developed, and they may offer better long-term results.

You mention that you don’t want to have surgery, but some people try liposuction to treat cellulite. During liposuction, a surgeon inserts a narrow tube under the skin and suctions out fat cells. Though liposuction can be used to shape the areas of the body affected by cellulite, liposuction won’t remove cellulite. And it needs to be used carefully in people who have cellulite because, in some cases, it may actually make the appearance of cellulite more noticeable. Laser-assisted liposuction — a newer form of treatment that destroys fat cells while tightening the skin — might be more effective for cellulite, but more study is needed.

You can take some self-care steps that may make cellulite less noticeable. For example, weight loss and exercise keep your muscles toned and make dimpled skin less obvious. That said, if the skin is stretched, weakened or lays a particular way on the muscle after weight loss — including after bariatric surgery or delivery of a baby — the cellulite can be just as noticeable, which can be frustrating after working so hard to lose weight.

Not smoking and eating a diet centered around fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber can improve the appearance of your skin overall.

No over-the-counter remedy has been shown to be effective in treating cellulite. That includes creams marketed to cure cellulite that have ingredients such as caffeine, antioxidants and herbal supplements. You need to be cautious about using these creams, too, because they may contain products that could trigger a rash or other skin reaction. Dry brushing, massage and skin wraps don’t work as cellulite treatments either.

If you want to pursue treatment for cellulite, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. He or she can assess your situation and work with you to decide on the most appropriate approach. — Dr. Dawn Davis, Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

The post Mayo Clinic Q and A: Can anything help cellulite? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
Working out can improve your mood, boost your energy and help you sleep better. How many more reasons do you need to get moving?

Women's health: Prevent the top threats
Taking steps to avoid the leading threats to women's health is easier than you think. See what you can do today to help stave off heart disease, stroke and cancer.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Protein shakes: Good for weight loss?
Despite what manufacturers claim, protein shakes aren't a magic bullet for weight loss. Here's why.

Too much vitamin C: Is it harmful?
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, but consuming megadoses could be risky.

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

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Mental health: What's normal, what's not
Peripheral neuropathy
Cellulite
Manage the pain of rheumatoid arthritis

HEALTHY RECIPES
Muesli breakfast bars
Strawberry banana milkshake
Breakfast burrito
Three-grain raspberry muffins

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Have cold sores? Keep them to yourself
If you have cold sores, do your part to avoid spreading them to others: 1. Avoid skin-to-skin contact. This includes kissing. 2. Don't share utensils, towels, lip balm or other personal items. 3. Wash your hands before touching your eyes or genital area. 4. Wash your hands before touching another person.

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

NOW BLOGGING
Nutrition-wise: Dietary supplements: Greater accountability needed
Dietary supplement firms don't need FDA approval before they market their products. But the FDA can take action later on if the supplement is found to be unsafe.

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

Dear Mayo Clinic:
I am a 36-year-old woman in decent health, but lately I have noticed unsightly cellulite on my thighs. How does cellulite form, and how can I get rid of it without surgery? Will exercise or losing weight make it better, or am I stuck with what I have for life?

Answer:

Cellulite — the appearance of dimpled skin that is sometimes described as having a cottage cheese-like texture — is common in women and even occurs in some men. It most often appears on the thighs, buttocks or abdomen, but can also be found on the breasts or upper arms. Although having cellulite makes many people feel self-conscious, it's important to know that you are not alone: at least 8 out of 10 women have some amount of cellulite.

The good news is that the condition is nothing to be concerned about medically. Unfortunately, there are no tried-and-true methods for getting rid of cellulite altogether.

Cellulite is the result of normal fat beneath the skin breaking up. In areas where cellulite often appears, the layer of fat contains fibrous connective cords that hold your skin to your muscle. Fat cells are bound to the connective tissue cords, but over time the connecting fibers degenerate. When this happens, the surrounding fat starts to break apart and push up against the skin. In some areas of the body, this process occurs but might not be noticeable. But when the process occurs on your legs, buttocks, or other areas prone to cellulite, the result is dimpled or uneven skin.

Cellulite can develop or become more noticeable after gaining weight. An increase in fat tissue in certain areas of your body will be the areas most likely to show cellulite. Cellulite also can occur when there is significant friction or rubbing, such as the upper arms or inner thighs.

Cellulite is more common with aging. This is because the skin loses some of its elasticity over time, so the prominence of the existing cellulite becomes more evident. Genetics also may play a role in whether or not you develop cellulite, since it can show up in very lean individuals.

Because cellulite resides in the fatty tissue underneath the skin, any claims that a cream or lotion can eliminate it are just not true. The same goes for products or devices that promise to treat cellulite: there is little or no scientific evidence that supports these claims.

Losing weight and strengthening the muscles in the legs, buttocks and abdomen may make cellulite less noticeable in those areas, but it won't go away altogether. That is because once a fat cell develops, it is yours for life. Weight loss can only shrink the contents of the fat cells, but doesn't eliminate the fat cell itself. Maintaining a healthy weight over your lifetime is the best way to prevent additional cellulite from appearing.

Finally, if you're concerned about the appearance of cellulite, finding ways to creatively cover yourself with the right clothing can go a long way to making you feel less self-conscious about your body.

Although cellulite may be a source of frustration, remember that you are not alone. Living a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise will make you look more toned and, most likely, feel better about your body regardless of any perceived flaws.

— Dawn Davis, M.D., Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

The post Could Losing Weight Make Cellulite Less Visible or Get Rid of It Altogether? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.