THIS WEEK'S TOP TOPICS
Insect bites and stings: First aid 
Most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, causing little more than redness, itching, stinging or minor swelling. Rarely, insect bites and stings, such as from a bee, wasp, hornet, fire ant or scorpion, can result in severe reactions. Some insects also carry disease, such as West Nile virus. Learn how to take care of an insect bite or sting that causes a mild reaction, and when you need to seek emergency medical care.

The truth behind the most popular diet trends of the moment
With so many competing and often contradictory diet trends, finding a healthy eating plan that works for you can be confusing. Is skipping meals a bad idea or a secret weight-loss weapon? Should you eat a low-fat or high-fat diet? You probably could eat less added sugar, but should you eliminate it completely? Compare and contrast four popular eating styles — Whole30, the ketogenic diet, the anti-inflammatory diet and intermittent fasting — and see if one might be right for you.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Can a Mediterranean diet lower Alzheimer's risk?
A Mediterranean diet — one rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, legumes, whole grains and fish — offers many heart-healthy benefits. But a Mediterranean diet also may benefit your brain. Learn more from Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford, a Mayo Clinic neurologist.

Strength training sets: How many for best results?
Are you considering adding strength training to your workouts? For most people, a single set of 12 to 15 repetitions with the proper weight can build strength and improve fitness as effectively as can multiple sets of the same exercise. 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
Brain aneurysm
Nearsightedness
Canker sore
Liposuction

HEALTHY RECIPES
English cucumber salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Crabcakes
Creamy asparagus soup
Barley and roasted tomato risotto

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Protein: Heart-healthy sources
Does your diet include unhealthy sources of protein — perhaps burgers, hot dogs and fried chicken — in excess? Do your heart a favor and choose your proteins wisely. Legumes — beans, peas and lentils — are a great source of heart-healthy protein. Legumes are typically low in fat and contain no cholesterol. Legumes also contain soluble and insoluble fiber.

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 WHO guidelines are primarily intended to instruct people, doctors, societies on what they can do with their lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment in the future," Dr. Petersen says.

He outlines three tips that can help you reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg (0:59) is in the downloads at the end of the post. Please "Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.

"There are a few things that we can do that maybe will not, say, prevent Alzheimer's disease definitively but may delay its onset and slow its progression if it develops," says Dr. Petersen.

No. 1 is physical activity.

"If you exercise moderately — aerobic exercise — and by that, we mean maybe 150 minutes a week. So 50 minutes three times or 30 minutes five times. Vigorous walking, swimming, jogging, if you're up to it," says Dr. Petersen.

No. 2 is staying intellectually active. And No. 3 is diet. He says that most people recommend the Mediterranean diet. Eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables, fish, healthy oils like olive oil, whole grains, and less meat and saturated fat.

"As we gain more information about our lifestyle over our general health, I think it's important to realize that the brain is also in that picture," says Dr. Petersen.

The post Mayo Clinic Minute: 3 tips to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Deborah Lightner, an emeritus Mayo Clinic urologist, will discuss options for preventing and treating urinary incontinence. Also on the program, Dr. Paul Croarkin, a pediatric psychiatrist, will discuss teens and mental health. And Dr. Maria Vassilaki, an epidemiologist at Mayo Clinic, will share the latest research on how the Mediterranean diet affects brain health.

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: Treatment options for female urinary incontinence appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Deborah Lightner, an emeritus Mayo Clinic urologist, will discuss options for preventing and treating urinary incontinence. Also on the program, Dr. Paul Croarkin, a pediatric psychiatrist, will discuss teens and mental health. And Dr. Maria Vassilaki, an epidemiologist at Mayo Clinic, will share the latest research on how the Mediterranean diet affects brain health.

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: Female urinary incontinence / teens and mental health / Mediterranean diet and brain health appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.