THIS WEEK'S TOP TOPICS
Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease
A diet that's high in fat, salt, sugar and cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Eating habits can be hard to change, though. From controlling portion sizes and choosing foods that are healthier to allowing yourself the occasional indulgence, here are eight tips that can help make heart-healthy eating both doable and enjoyable.

Diabetes symptoms: Know what to watch for
Millions of people in the U.S. have diabetes but don't know it. Early symptoms of diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes, aren't always obvious. The signs and symptoms can come on so gradually that people may have Type 2 diabetes for years before they're diagnosed with the disease. Learn more about the symptoms of diabetes and when you need to see your health care provider.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Can the curcumin in turmeric slow cancer growth?
Curcumin, a substance found in the spice turmeric, has long been used in Asian medicine. Curcumin is thought to have antioxidant properties, which means it may decrease swelling and inflammation. It's being explored as a cancer treatment in part because inflammation appears to play a role in cancer. Learn more from Dr. Timothy Moynihan, an emeritus Mayo Clinic medical oncologist.

Is there an MS diet?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. With MS, the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. It is an incurable, potentially disabling disease, and the cause is unknown. There is no evidence that a specific diet can prevent, treat or cure MS. Some special diets can be harmful because they contain too much of certain vitamins or not enough of others. Learn more from Dr. Orhun Kantarci, a Mayo Clinic neurologist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Slideshow: How to trim thickened toenails
Headache: First aid
Glaucoma
Video: 'Need to Relax? Take a Break for Meditation'

HEALTHY RECIPES
Creamy cheesy macaroni
Potato and fennel soup
Lima bean ragout with tomatoes and thyme
Ambrosia with coconut and toasted almonds

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Fitness takes more than huffing and puffing
When it comes to fitness, aerobic exercise such as running, biking or swimming isn't the only thing that matters. A balanced exercise program includes five key components: aerobic fitness, strength training, core exercises, balance training, and flexibility and stretching. If you're not getting all five, it's time to mix up your routine.

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: Your diet and your heart — 8 steps to prevent heart disease appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

When diabetes symptoms are a concern
Diabetes is a serious condition. However, early symptoms of diabetes, such as excessive thirst or fatigue, can seem harmless. Pay attention to clues your body may be giving you to avoid dangerous complications. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. Here's what to look for and when to consult your health care provider.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Is there an MS diet?
There is no evidence that a specific diet can prevent, treat or cure multiple sclerosis (MS). Some special diets can be harmful because they contain too much of certain vitamins or not enough of others. Learn more from Dr. Orhun Kantarci, a Mayo Clinic neurologist.

Is there any remedy for plugged ears?
When you have a cold, you may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears that can be uncomfortable. This happens when your eustachian tubes, which run between your middle ear and the back of your nose, become obstructed. There are some simple self-care measures that may help. Learn more from Dr. Laura Orvidas, a Mayo Clinic otolaryngologist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Video: 'Need to Relax? Take a Break for Meditation'
Headache: First aid
Glaucoma
Slideshow: How to trim thickened toenails

HEALTHY RECIPES
Cinnamon rolls
Lean country-style breakfast sausage
Citrus salad
Hearty chicken bowl

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Snoring solution: Sleep on your side
Sleep on your side to 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, 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: Do you need a sleep study? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Out of the blue and for no apparent reason, multiple sclerosis strikes young men and women in the prime of their life. On the next Mayo Clinic Radio (9/14), Orhun Kantarci, M.D., will join us to discuss the road to diagnosis and how they live with this disease. What is MS? What are the symptoms? Is there a genetic marker for MS? How close are we to a cure?  

Also, hear from Twin Cities Public Television reporter Mary Lahammer, who recently revealed to the public that she is living with MS. She's a patient of Dr. Kantarci and will be calling in to join the conversation. Read more about Mary's story.

Note: You can hear the program LIVE Saturdays at 9 am CT on I Heart Radio via KROC AM. The show is taped for rebroadcast by some affiliates. On Twitter follow #MayoClinicRadio and tweet your questions.

Listen to this week’s Medical News Headlines at  News Segment September 13, 2013 (right click MP3).                                                     

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

The post MAYO CLINIC RADIO appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.