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.

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The post Housecall: Seniors and nutrition appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

What science says about happiness

“Research has shown you have control over your happiness,” explains Stacy Blackburn, D.O., Mayo Clinic Health System family physician. “It all relates back to your personality and also your thoughts and behaviors, which can be changed.”

While some people think landing their dream job or driving a fancy car will bring them lots of joy, this is not often the case. On average, people who have wealth, beauty or less stress are no happier than anyone else.

This is great news for many, because there are ways to live a happier life that don’t reflect your income or appearance. Happy people seem to build their life choices around five pillars, says Dr. Blackburn. They include:

• Appreciating what you have
• Devoting time to friends and family
• Feeling a sense of purpose
• Living in the moment
• Maintaining an optimistic outlook

Choose optimism

Optimism is one aspect of your life over which you have complete control. Being optimistic involves seeing your situation from the positive side instead of the negative. It can be easy for negative thoughts to take over, but they don’t have to. If you aren’t naturally an optimistic person, there are ways you can challenge your pessimistic thinking. Dr. Blackburn suggests combating negative thoughts by recognizing them and asking these questions:

• Is the situation really as bad as I think?
• Is there another way to look at the situation?
• What can I learn from this experience that I can use in the future?

Invest in relationships

Relationships are an important part of being happy. Can you think of a friend who can always make you laugh? When you surround yourself with happy people, their happiness is likely to rub off on you and improve your mood. Dr. Blackburn says research suggests that relationships provide the strongest meaning and bring the most purpose to your life.

While it can be easy to take family and friends for granted, they’re typically the people who are there through good and bad times. It’s important you make time for these relationships and give happiness in return. Communicating kind words and actions to the special people in your life and showing appreciation can help you become a happier person.

Express gratitude

Gratitude is a sense of wonder, appreciation and thankfulness for life. Taking time out of your day to recognize the good things in your life and appreciate what you have can help practice gratitude. It can be as simple as taking a minute every day to identify at least one thing that enriches your life. Practice substituting ungrateful thoughts for grateful ones. Try practicing gratitude before you go to sleep at night and right away when you wake up in the morning.

Find your purpose

People who strive to meet a goal or fulfill a mission are happier than those who don’t have such aspirations. Goals provide a sense of purpose, boost self-esteem and bring people together. The goal itself doesn’t matter as long as it is moving you closer toward living a happier life.

“Aligning everyday activities with the long-term meaning and purpose of your life can help you feel more content,” says Dr. Blackburn. “Some people are engaged in activities they love, while others aren’t. If you’re searching for your purpose, ask yourself these questions:

• What excites and energizes me?
• What are my proudest achievements?
• How do I want others to remember me?

Practice

While all of the aforementioned advice suggests ways to help you become happier, practice is the key to achieving happiness. Remember that your choices, thoughts and actions all carry influence over your happiness. Making an effort to cultivate optimism and express gratitude can become a simple habit over time.

Live in the moment

“Don’t wait for joy to come on a day when you’re less busy or stressed, because that day may never come,” says Dr. Blackburn. “Look for opportunities throughout your day to enjoy the small pleasures in life. Focus your energy on the positives of the present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.”

The post Mayo Mindfulness: Grow happiness through focus and practice appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg (1:00) is in the downloads. Read the script.

"H = R-E, or happiness equals reality minus expectations," Dr. Sood says.

Dr. Sood has spent his career researching the keys to happiness and says it can be much simpler than some people make it. A lot of it, he says, comes down to focusing on the things you can control.

"You cannot always change reality, but you can always work with expectation," he says. "And the more your expectations are reasonable, perhaps a little lower, the happier you will be."

Along with managing your expectations, Dr. Sood says happiness also can be maximized by putting equal effort into caring for yourself and others.

"If I have four pieces of chocolate, I can give you all four. It'll make you happy; it'll make me miserable," Dr. Sood says. I can eat all four. It'll make me happy, and it'll make you miserable. I think true happiness is in eating two chocolates yourself and giving away two. So you are nurturing yourself, and you are nurturing others. It is in this synergy, in this combination that you will find the greatest happiness."

So if you need more happiness in your life, just remember two simple formulas: two for me plus two for you equals happiness, and happiness = R-E, or reality minus expectations.

The post Mayo Clinic Minute: The key to happiness in 2 simple formulas appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
HPV vaccine: Who needs it, how it works
Younger teens and preteens now need just two doses of the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer. Find out more about the immunizations and the latest updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control
Making a few simple changes in your lifestyle, such as fitting in more exercise, may help you avoid Type 2 diabetes. Start by taking these healthy steps.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Nighttime headaches: How can I get relief?
Different kinds of headaches can ruin a good night's sleep. Discover which treatments may help you.

Is there a multiple sclerosis diet?
Following a specific diet can't prevent multiple sclerosis. If you have the disease, learn why you should eat healthy.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Seborrheic keratosis: An overview
Risks of high cholesterol: Why you need to control it
Video: A very happy brain
Perimenopause: An overview

HEALTHY RECIPES
Pumpkin-hazelnut tea cake
Pumpkin spice muffins
Roasted butternut squash fries
Butternut squash ravioli

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Reduce tension through muscle relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation can reduce muscle tension from stress. First, find a quiet place free from interruption. Tense each muscle group for at least five seconds and then relax for up to 30 seconds. Repeat before moving to the next muscle group. Practice this technique any time you feel stress.

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

NOW BLOGGING
Nutrition-wise: Are you experiencing lactose intolerance?
Could your favorite dairy foods be causing digestive problems? Learn the symptoms of lactose intolerance and how to adjust your diet to feel more comfortable.

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The post Housecall: HPV vaccine — who needs it and how it works appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES

Blood donation
Millions of people need blood transfusions each year. They may need it during surgery, after an accident or because of a disease. Help save a life today — be a blood donor.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Healthy chocolate: Dream or reality?
In moderation, this sweet treat — especially dark chocolate — may help prevent heart disease.

Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick?
Not getting enough shut-eye can affect your immune system, increasing your risk of getting a cold. Here's why.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 
Mosquito bites: Prevention
Dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: A natural treatment for ED?
Video: Squat with resistance tubing
Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness

HEALTHY RECIPES
Decadent chocolate cake
Shrimp and artichoke pasta
Spinach berry salad
Lemon cheesecake

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Whole grains for a healthy heart
Whole grains are good sources of fiber. Better yet, nutrients found in whole grains help promote heart health. To increase the amount of whole grains in your diet, make simple substitutions: 1. Choose breads made from 100 percent whole grain instead of those made from refined white flour. 2. Choose whole-wheat pasta over regular pasta. 3. Select brown rice instead of white rice. 4. Trade sugar-sweetened cereals for high-fiber cereals, such as bran flakes or shredded wheat. 5. Bake with whole-wheat flour rather than white flour.

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: Mayo Clinic National Health Check-Up
A national survey by Mayo Clinic took the pulse of Americans' health behaviors and concerns. Do your results match up?

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

The post Housecall: How to be Happy appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Eating and exercise: 5 tips to maximize your workouts
Whether you're walking around the block or training for a race, what you eat and drink can affect your workout. Keep these tips in mind.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Food poisoning: How long can you safely keep leftovers?
Bacteria typically don't change the taste, smell or look of food, so you can't tell whether it's dangerous to eat.

Fast weight loss: What's wrong with it?
Dropping pounds gradually makes it more likely that you'll keep the weight off over the long term.

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

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ...
Jellyfish stings
Video: Happiness goes viral
Sun allergy
Thyroid nodules

HEALTHY RECIPES
Tomato basil bruschetta
Sauteed fresh corn
Gazpacho with garbanzo beans
Apple-berry cobbler

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Stay healthy by making friends
Strong relationships with your partner, friends and other loved ones can motivate you to take good care of yourself. These relationships can also be an important buffer from the stresses of everyday life. Take time to nurture your relationships, starting today.

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
Stress: Expectation shift for mid and late career
Senior professionals in many fields are finding they must spend more time, not less, on the job as they approach the end of their careers.

The post Monday’s Housecall: Week of Aug 17, 2015 appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Dietary fats: Know which types to choose
Trans fat. Saturated fat. Omega-3 fatty acids. Not all fat is created equal. Find out which kinds to choose for good health and which ones to skip.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Can yoga help me lose weight?
Trying to shed some pounds? Don't rely on yoga alone. Add aerobic activities to burn more calories.

How can I ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms at night?
If the nighttime pain of rheumatoid arthritis is keeping you from sound slumber, here's what you can do.

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

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
What is diabetic macular edema?
Sickle cell anemia
Treating multiple myeloma
How to be happy: Tips for cultivating contentment

HEALTHY RECIPES
Whole-wheat pretzel
Grilled chicken breasts with roasted yellow tomato sauce
Cheesy baked zucchini
Cookies and cream milkshake

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Ingredient substitutions pack nutritional punch
Want to boost the amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber in your regular recipes? Try some simple substitutions. Use whole-wheat flour for half of all-purpose flour. Use rolled oats or crushed bran cereal instead of dry bread crumbs. Replace iceberg lettuce with arugula, chicory, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, spinach or watercress. And instead of white rice try brown rice, wild rice, bulgur or pearl barley.

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: Mushrooms aren't just for vegetarians
Discover the surprising nutritional benefits of mushrooms and how they may help you keep your weight under control.

The post Monday’s Housecall: Week of Jun 22, 2015 appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Hernias are a common medical problem. Each year in the U.S., about 800,000 inguinal hernias are surgically repaired. On this week's Mayo Clinic Radio, surgeon Dr. David Farley explains what hernias are and who's at risk. Also on the program, Dr. Amit Sood discusses his new book, The Mayo Clinic Handbook for Happiness: A Four-Step Plan for Resilient Living. And Dr. Douglas Sladen explains how the latest advances in cochlear implants are giving people with serious hearing loss the chance to hear again.

Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Most hernia repair surgeries are performed on men ages 40 to 60 years.

Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeart Radio.

Click here to listen to the program on Saturday, April 4, at 9:05 a.m., and follow #MayoClinicRadio.

To find and listen to archived shows, click here.

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 appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Miss the show?  Here's the podcast: Mayo Clinic Radio PODCAST April 4 2015

Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Most hernia repair surgeries are performed on men ages 40 to 60 years.

To listen to the program at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 4, click here.

Follow #MayoClinicRadio and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeartRadio.

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

To find and listen to archived shows, click here.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Hernias/Handbook for Happiness/Cochlear Implants appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Fast forward to a Friday in May, when Teal and a group of other random Mayo Clinic do-gooders spent their collective lunch break around Mayo's Rochester campus handing out flowers, candy, toys, hugs and smiles to anyone who'd take them.

Teal says she began assembling what she dubbed a "random act of kindness flash mob" by sending out an email to some of her "Mayo peeps." She then took to Mayo's internal social and collaboration network, Yammer, and before long, they had something of a movement. "We had people at the Mayo Clinic Florida site doing it, too," she says. Others who couldn't be there committed to random acts of kindness whenever they could.

When the kindness crew came together to prep the flowers they planned to hand out, a woman walked by and commented on how beautiful the flowers were. Teal picked out a flower she'd just trimmed and handed it to the woman, telling her, "This one's for you!" The woman looked at Teal and said, "You have no idea what this means to me. Right before I arrived to work, I had to have eight shots for my neck." Teal then hugged her and says as the woman walked away, "I could see she had tears in her eyes as she held the flower close to her."

The woman immediately re-paid the group’s favor by giving her flower to a man who had fallen down on an escalator. And another man approached Teal, asked for a flower, and said, "My wife is having a transfusion right now. I’d like to take it to her. It would really brighten her day." The group also gave candy and a small toy to a young boy asking in return that he'd bring kindness to his school each day.

Teal says the majority of Mayo employees the group approached politely declined, asking that whatever the group was handing out be "given to a patient instead." And Teal says that attitude is just one of the many reasons she feels "humbled to work at Mayo Clinic."

As the group made its way around downtown Rochester, Teal says most of those they encountered willingly accepted the gifts without question, while others looked at them with a bit of, well, skepticism. "We assumed they were wondering what the pitch or gimmick was," Teal says. "It seems in our culture, we've come to suspect kindness as having ulterior motives." That's exactly the kind of thing the group had hoped to change, says Alison Rentschler, who also works at Mayo and joined the fun. "This was my small way of helping people and showing kindness," she says. "Whether it was to encourage them, make them smile, give them hope that spring was coming (by giving away flowers the day after Minnesota got 12-plus inches of snow!), or just tell them to have a great day."

The response was so positive (and rewarding for participants) that Teal and others are now talking about getting out and practicing their own unique brand of random kindness on a monthly basis. The RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) team plans to host events in the future and continue to spread the smiles!

The post Not-so-random acts of kindness appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.