Dr. Edward Creagan Archives - Mayo Clinic News Network

Living With Cancer: What to do after a cancer diagnosis

Laurel Kelly — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:00:16 +0000

Cancer diagnosis? Advice for dealing with what comes next
Almost half of all men and one-third of all women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lives. And a cancer diagnosis often comes with little warning. Here, Dr. Edward Creagan, an emeritus Mayo Clinic oncologist and palliative care specialist, offers his advice on what to expect and how to cope after a cancer diagnosis.

Video: 'Dragon Boats and Breast Cancer'
What do you get when you arm a bunch of breast cancer survivors and their friends with life vests, boat paddles and pink T-shirts? The answer is a competitive dragon boat team set on spreading the news that exercise and camaraderie are key to beating breast cancer.

Myxofibrosarcoma
Myxofibrosarcoma is a type of cancer that typically appears as a slow-growing, painless lump on one of your legs or arms. The disease occurs mainly in people 50 to 70 and is slightly more common in men than in women. Myxofibrosarcoma often is mistaken for a benign tumor and treated as such by removing only the visible growth. This delays accurate diagnosis and complicates further treatment. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of myxofibrosarcoma.

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Mayo Mindfulness: The incessant stream of information

Dana Sparks — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 22:00:43 +0000

How can I cope with the huge amount of information coming at me every day? I feel like I'm "drinking from a fire hose."
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How do you handle the incessant stream of information coming at you each and every day?

There are two concepts that might help you cope with the amount of information you receive each day through social media, online sites, email and other outlets.

Recognize you have limited bandwidth.
You have only so much capacity on your mental and emotional hard drive. You can only take in a certain amount of information at once. An overloaded hard drive can't function properly.

Practice selective listening.
Learn to focus on what's important amid the flood of information and chatter. This "noise" can distort the messages that matter and can keep you from attending to what you need to do.You can only focus on a certain number of things at one time. Consider being selective about the information you take in on social media, online sites, email and other outlets.

Here's another suggestion. At the start of each day, write down three measurable and achievable tasks. This might be something as simple as washing your car or making a medical appointment. Then build your day around achieving these tasks.

This article is written by Mayo Clinic staff with Dr. Edward Creagan. Find more health and medical information on mayoclinic.org.

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Housecall: Seniors and nutrition

Laurel Kelly — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:30:42 +0000

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Senior health: How to prevent and detect malnutrition
Good nutrition is critical to overall health and well-being. Yet many older adults are at risk of inadequate nutrition. Know the causes and signs of nutrition problems in older adults, as well as steps you can take to ensure a nutrient-rich diet for an older loved one.

Oral health: A window to your overall health
Did you know that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Poor oral health can contribute to many diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, premature birth and low birth weight, rheumatoid arthritis, and eating disorders. Learn more about why paying attention to oral health is so important, and what you can do to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Is there any link between cellphones and cancer?
The possible connection between cellphones and cancer is controversial. Many years' worth of studies on cellphones and cancer have yielded conflicting results. Learn more from Dr. Edward Creagan, an emeritus Mayo Clinic oncologist.

What's the best frequency for aerobic workouts?
Any type of aerobic activity contributes to cardiovascular fitness. Even dividing up your activity time, such as a few five-minute walks spread throughout the day, offers aerobic benefits. And longer, less frequent sessions of aerobic exercise have no clear advantage over shorter, more frequent sessions of activity. 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
Alcoholic hepatitis
Infographic: Back pain
Video: 'A Very Happy Brain'
Carotid endarterectomy

HEALTHY RECIPES
Avocado salad with ginger-miso dressing
Italian meatballs
Chicken tamales
Quibebe soup

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Too sick to exercise?
The common cold doesn't have to keep you on the sidelines. Mild to moderate exercise is usually OK if your symptoms are all above the neck, such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing or a minor sore throat. However, if your symptoms are below the neck, such as chest congestion, a hacking cough or an upset stomach, delay your workout. And don't exercise if you have a fever, fatigue or widespread muscle aches.

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.

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Mayo Mindfulness: Coping with the incessant stream of information

Dana Sparks — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 17:00:02 +0000

There are two concepts that might help you cope with the amount of information you receive each day through social media, online sites, email and other outlets.

Recognize you have limited bandwidth.
You have only so much capacity on your mental and emotional hard drive. You can only take in a certain amount of information at once. An overloaded hard drive can't function properly.

Practice selective listening.
Learn to focus on what's important amid the flood of information and chatter. This "noise" can distort the messages that matter and can keep you from attending to what you need to do.You can only focus on a certain number of things at one time. Consider being selective about the information you take in on social media, online sites, email and other outlets.

This article is written by Mayo Clinic staff with Dr. Edward T. Creagan. Find more health and medical information on mayoclinic.org.

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Mayo Mindfulness: Burning the candle at both ends

Dana Sparks — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 14:00:48 +0000

"It's become a badge of honor in today's driven society to push the envelope and burn the candles at both ends, but you can only do this so long before you flame out." Dr. Edward Creagan

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Living With Cancer: Understanding glioma

Laurel Kelly — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 16:55:06 +0000

Glioma
Glioma is one of the most common types of primary brain tumors and can occur in the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas begin in the glial cells — the gluey supportive cells that surround nerve cells and help them function. A glioma can affect your brain function and be life-threatening, depending on its location and rate of growth. Learn about the risk factors and symptoms of gliomas, and when you need to seek medical care.

Cancer diagnosis: Dealing with what comes next
Almost half of all men and one-third of all women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lives. A cancer diagnosis often comes with little warning. Here, Dr. Edward Creagan, a Mayo Clinic oncologist, offers his advice on what to expect and how to cope after a cancer diagnosis.

Mouth cancer: Diagnosis and treatment
Once your health care provider has diagnosed your mouth cancer and determined the stage, treatment decisions will be made. Treatment for mouth cancer depends on the location and stage, as well as your overall health and personal preferences. Treatment options include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy — alone or in combination. Learn more about these treatment options for mouth cancer and which might be right for you.

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Mayo Clinic Radio: Planning for end-of-life care

Jennifer O'Hara — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 14:00:08 +0000

It's not a discussion anyone wants to have, but, when it’s time for end-of-life care, there are decisions to be made and questions to answer for patients and families. Questions about palliative care, hospice, life support and feeding tubes can add to the emotional impact of this time of life. To ease the stress and worry, having an advance directive and designated health care proxy are important steps to take. An advance directive is a legal document stating your preferences for medical care if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. A health care proxy is a person you name to make decisions for you when you are unable to do so.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Edward Creagan, an oncologist and palliative care specialist at Mayo Clinic, will discuss the importance of preparing for end-of-life care. Also on the program, Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, division chair of Preventive Cardiology at Mayo Clinic, will explain the benefits of standing workstations. And Dr. Thomas Salinas, a prosthodontist at Mayo Clinic, will share why dental health is important for adults.

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: Planning for end-of-life care appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Mayo Clinic Radio: End-of-life care decisions / standing workstations / dental health

Jennifer O'Hara — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 14:45:19 +0000

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: End-of-life care decisions / standing workstations / dental health appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Mayo Mindfulness: Tired of feeling hassled and stressed?

Dana Sparks — Wed, 09 May 2018 16:00:41 +0000

It's important to manage stress ─ even when you're feeling busy and hassled.

When you're swept away in a number of demands, your stress hormone climbs sky-high. This hormone is called cortisol, and it's produced by pyramid-shaped structures on top of the kidneys (adrenal glands).

Cortisol can suppress your immune system, so you're more likely to become ill. And it can increase your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Cortisol also can affect some areas of the brain involved with memory and learning processes.

To avoid these negative effects of stress, look for ways to keep stress — and cortisol — at manageable levels. Here are two to consider:

Ritualize.
This means having a consistent pattern, within reason, to your day. For example, in the evening, you can plan ahead for the next day. Try making your lunch and setting your clothes out the night before. That way, you're not running around in the morning trying to find what you need. Aim to make these daily habits, which can take you less effort and give you less to think about the next morning.
Minimize decisions.
To decide on anything creates stress and erodes energy. It is easy to become overwhelmed with all the decisions in everyday life. For example, in the past, you could go to the drugstore and purchase a toothbrush. Now, for this simple purchase, you need to decide from many options and choices. Try to limit how many decisions you need to make. You can do this by limiting how many choices you have, which can help you reduce the number of decisions you need to make. And try not to sweat the small stuff. Save your energy for the big decisions.

If you have predictable routines and work to minimize distractions, you can make your days a little less stressful and maybe a tad more productive, too.

This article is written by Dr. Edward Creagan. Find more health and medical information on mayoclinic.org.

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The battle against antibiotic resistance: Mayo Clinic Radio

Joel Streed — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 23:59:17 +0000

Antibiotics have been used for more than 70 years to treat patients who have infectious diseases. Since the 1940s, these drugs have greatly reduced illness and death from infection. However, antibiotics have been used so widely and for so long now that the drugs have become less effective. Organisms the antibiotics are designed to kill have adapted. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year in the U.S., at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and at least 23,000 people die each year as a direct result of these infections.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, an infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic, will discuss antibiotic resistance and antibiotic allergies. Also on the program, Dr. John Wilkinson, a primary care physician at Mayo Clinic, discusses whether an annual exam is still necessary. And Dr. Edward Creagan, a medical oncologist at Mayo Clinic, will explore how the high cost of health care is affecting patient's decision-making when it comes to treatment.

Here's your Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

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