SIDS Archives - Mayo Clinic News Network

Housecall: Why you should drink water before you’re thirsty

Laurel Kelly — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 19:00:27 +0000

THIS WEEK'S TOP TOPICS
Want to stay hydrated? Drink before you're thirsty
Did you know you're already dehydrated when you start to feel thirsty? And that how much water you need per day depends on a number of factors, such as what you eat and the way you move your body? The climate and the weather on any given day can influence your hydration needs, as well. Here's what you need to know about staying hydrated.

Integrative medicine: Find out what works
Integrative medicine, the combination of complementary and alternative medicine treatments with conventional treatments, takes advantage of evidence-based conventional and alternative medicine practices to improve health and treat illness. While nonconventional approaches such as acupuncture, music therapy and animal-assisted therapy have been found to be effective, others haven't been studied well enough to determine whether they're safe and effective. And the web and social media are full of information about integrative health techniques, but not all of it is accurate. Here are some tips for finding integrative techniques that may work for you.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Is honey an effective cough remedy?
Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat. But honey alone may be an effective cough suppressant, too. Learn more from Dr. James Steckelberg, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist.

Can depression and anxiety occur together?
Depression and anxiety are different conditions, but they commonly occur together. They also have similar treatments. Anxiety may occur as a symptom of clinical depression. It's also common to have depression that's triggered by an anxiety disorder. Many people have a diagnosis of both an anxiety disorder and clinical depression. Learn more from Dr. Craig Sawchuk, a Mayo Clinic psychologist and co-chair of Mayo Clinic’s Division of Integrated Behavioral Health.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Sudden infant death syndrome
Testosterone therapy: Benefits and risks as you age
Morphea
Underage drinking: Talking to your teen about alcohol

HEALTHY RECIPES
Salad greens with squash
Cracked wheat chili
Baked macaroni with red sauce
Quinoa cakes

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
The power of positive thinking
Negative thoughts can feed pessimism and create unnecessary stress. You can learn to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. The process is simple, but it takes time and practice. Start by following one simple rule: Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyone else. Throughout the day, stop and evaluate what you're thinking. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about you.

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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Housecall: Are you drinking enough water?

Laurel Kelly — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 17:00:11 +0000

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Want to stay hydrated? Drink before you're thirsty
Did you know you're already dehydrated when you start to feel thirsty? And that how much water you need per day depends on a number of factors, such as what you eat and the way you move your body? The climate and the weather on any given day can influence your hydration needs, as well. Here's what you need to know about staying hydrated.

Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness
Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. Others' judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding rather than facts. Learning to accept your condition, recognizing what you need to do to treat it, seeking support and educating others can make a big difference in dealing with the stigma of mental illness.

What are the heart health benefits of grass-fed beef?
Many people think grass-fed beef tastes better than cattle raised on a diet that includes grains. Compared with other types of beef, grass-fed beef may have some heart health benefits, too. Learn more from Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress
Domestic violence against women: Recognize patterns
Sudden infant death syndrome
Testosterone therapy: Benefits and risks as you age

HEALTHY RECIPES
Sweet potatoes and roasted bananas
Brussels sprouts with shallots and lemon
Seasoned baked cod
Portobello and blue cheese salad

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Have a cold? Common sense rules
There's no cure for the common cold, but you don't need to feel miserable while you're toughing it out. Drink plenty of fluids. Try chicken soup. Rest as much as you can. Use saline nasal spray to relieve stuffiness. Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat. Turn on a humidifier. And to prevent spreading your cold to others, wash your hands often.

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: Are you drinking enough water? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Housecall: Tips on cooking for 1 or 2

Laurel Kelly — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 11:00:00 +0000

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Healthy cooking for singles or couples
Do you make time for healthy meals when you're cooking for yourself? Or do you settle for leftovers and frozen dinners? With a little planning, you can enjoy healthy, delicious meals. Try experimenting with these tips on cooking for one or two.

How osteoporosis is diagnosed
Because bone loss typically happens gradually and painlessly, the first sign of osteoporosis can be breaking a bone, often more easily than you'd expect. But it is possible to determine if you have osteoporosis, before a bone is broken, by getting a bone density test. Learn about bone density testing and whether it might be right for you.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Is caffeine dehydrating?
While caffeinated drinks may have a mild diuretic effect, they don't appear to increase the risk of dehydration. If you're worried about staying hydrated, though, here's a better beverage choice. Learn more from Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic dietitian.

What causes adult bed-wetting?
Wetting the bed is common in children, but not adults. Bed-wetting that starts in adulthood, called secondary enuresis, is uncommon and requires medical evaluation. Causes for secondary enuresis may include a blockage or infection in the urinary tract, diabetes, neurological problems, and enlarged prostate. Learn more from Dr. Erik Castle, a Mayo Clinic urologist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Liver transplant: An overview
Molecular breast imaging
Slideshow: Common skin rashes
Sudden infant death syndrome

HEALTHY RECIPES
Cinnamon French toast
Thai peanut beef
Crispy potato skins
Easy pizza for two

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Quit smoking: Put it on paper
Consider what you don't like about smoking and why you want to quit. Do you want to feel better? Are you worried about health consequences, such as lung cancer and heart disease? Are you looking to set a good example for your kids? Do you want to rid yourself of that lingering smoke smell on your hair, skin and clothes? Write it all down, and carry the list with you. Each time you go to pick up a cigarette or other tobacco product, read your list and remind yourself why you want to quit.

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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Safe sleep to protect against SIDS

Dana Sparks — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 13:49:19 +0000

The American Academy of Pediatrics says infants should sleep in the same bedroom as their parents or caregivers, for at least six months, to decrease the risks of sleep-related deaths. However, the new policy also states the infant should sleep on a separate surface, a crib or bassinet, and not on a couch or soft surface. "SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment," will be published in the November 2016 issue of Pediatrics.

*This information is credited to the AAP news release.
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Approximately 3,500 infants die annually in the United States from sleep-related deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); ill-defined deaths; and accidental suffocation and strangulation. The number of infant deaths initially decreased in the 1990s after a national safe sleep campaign, but has plateaued in recent years.
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Dr. David Soma, with the Mayo Clinic Children's Center, says, "It's not entirely clear why some evidence would support that staying in the same room as parents, but not in the same bed, would be potentially protective. This could be a marker for some other factor or something not fully understood but there is some data to support this practice." He added that more investigations may needed but ultimately, "the message remains the same to my patients in that we need to minimize risk while optimizing sleep for parents and children."

AAP recommendations on creating a safe sleep environment include:

Place the baby on his or her back on a firm sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet with a tight-fitting sheet.
Avoid use of soft bedding, including crib bumpers, blankets, pillows and soft toys. The crib should be bare.
Share a bedroom with parents, but not the same sleeping surface, preferably until the baby turns 1 but at least for the first six months. Room-sharing decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent.
Avoid baby's exposure to smoke, alcohol and illicit drugs.

Other recommendations include:

Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
Do not use home monitors or commercial devices, including wedges or positioners, marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Infants should receive all recommended vaccinations.
Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development.

Mayo Clinic News Network report: Safe Sleeping Space for Babies.

Learn more about Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

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Safe Sleeping Space for Babies

Dana Sparks — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 16:11:36 +0000

Many parents and caregivers are placing babies in unsafe sleeping environments associated with increased risks of death. That's according to a new report released by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Mayo Clinic pediatrician Dr. Robert Jacobson says, "This study points out what many of us fear. Parents are failing to take the necessary steps to prevent sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS." While Dr. Jacobson was not involved with the study, he says he supports its recommendations. "Babies need to be placed on the back for every nap and every night until the baby is 1 year old. No blankets, no bumpers, no pillows, no stuffy animals, but always on a firm, authentic baby crib mattress!"

Read more about SIDS prevention.

Other studies have relied on self-reported surveys or police reports after an infant's death but this report incorporated video recordings which provide a window into parental behavior during the night.

For the study, “Nocturnal Video Assessment of Infant Sleep Environments,” in the September 2016 Pediatrics (published online Aug. 15), researchers video-recorded infants at ages 1, 3 and 6 months within family homes. Most parents, even when aware of being recorded, placed the infants in environments with established risk factors for sleep-related infant deaths, including positioning the children on their sides or stomachs; soft sleep surface; loose bedding; or bed-sharing. - American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Silent Heart Attack / Lone Star Tick / Swaddling and SIDS: Mayo Clinic Radio

Joel Streed — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 22:55:15 +0000

A heart attack doesn’t always have symptoms, such as pain in your chest or shortness of breath. It’s possible to have a heart attack and not even know it. A silent heart attack can be mistaken for indigestion or a bout with the flu. According to the American Heart Association, upwards of 45 percent of all heart attacks are silent. On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, cardiologist Dr. Sharonne Hayes will cover the symptoms and warning signs of silent heart attacks and why treatment is critical. Also on the program, parasitologist Dr. Bobbi Pritt explains how the lone star tick can cause a meat allergy. And, neonatologist Dr. Christopher Colby will discuss new research on the connection between swaddling and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Here's the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

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Mayo Clinic Expert Available to Talk about Treating Infants with Head Shape Asymmetry

mayonewsreleases — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:09:58 +0000

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Parents are often the first to notice when their otherwise healthy infant slowly begins to develop a lopsided skull. Sometimes the change in head shape can look like a flattened section in the back of the skull, or off to one side if the baby prefers looking toward one direction. The incidence of head shape asymmetries has risen, likely related to the successful Back to Sleep campaign, which has saved countless infant lives since it was introduced in 1994 to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.

"There's no doubt that as we as a country began putting babies to sleep on their backs, the incidence of SIDS declined significantly. Simultaneously, the incidence of positional plagiocephaly, or head shape asymmetry caused by babies' sleeping position, increased," says Sherilyn Driscoll, M.D.,of Mayo Clinic's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Head shape asymmetries tend to be easy to treat, but timing is essential. Treatment needs to take place while the skull is still rapidly growing and before the bones of a baby's skull have fused and the soft spots have closed. Fortunately, parents and pediatricians are becoming proactive about looking for head shape asymmetries and are referring babies to specialists during the critical months. Dr. Driscoll, who is division director of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, emphasizes these key points:

The optimal time to address head shape asymmetry is as soon as it's noticed, offering the baby supervised tummy time during waking hours or showing toys and encouraging the baby to turn to either side. If repositioning activities don't work, helmeting therapy can encourage the bones to grow in the right direction. Helmeting therapy is most effective when it's introduced in an infant 4 to 6 months old, before the soft spots of the baby's skull have closed. By the time a baby is a year old, minimal correction of head shape is possible.
The specialized helmets babies wear during treatment are structured to allow their heads to grow in the proper direction. They do not press on or reshape babies' skulls.
Parents who notice a head shape asymmetry in an infant younger than 4 months can meet with a physiatrist or physical therapist to discuss strategies that will reposition the baby in settings like car seats. The specialists can also provide strategies to stimulate a baby to turn toward the less flattened side.
Importantly, a baby with a head shape asymmetry needs to be seen by a specialist who can ascertain that the shape is due to the baby's sleeping position.

"There are a few less common conditions of greater concern, such as craniosyntosis, that can cause a head shape asymmetry, and those need to be ruled out first," Dr. Driscoll emphasizes.

To schedule an interview with Dr. Driscoll, please contact Bryan Anderson at
507-284-5005 or newsbureau@mayo.edu.

Media Contact: Bryan Anderson, 507-284-5005 (days), newsbureau@mayo.edu

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