What you need to know about health screening tests
By Michael Rabovsky, M.D. Recently, during her annual “well woman” exam, Mary, a healthy 50-year-old schoolteacher, asked me about screening her for ovarian cancer. Tragically, one of Mary’s friends recently died from ovarian cancer. Mary has no risk factors for ovarian cancer and no family history of ovarian cancer or other cancers. I explained to […]
Fatty Fish for Heart Health
Everyone can take steps to help control their blood pressure
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’ve been on blood pressure medication for nine months. It has lowered my blood pressure, but I’m having trouble with side effects like dizziness. I eat a healthy diet and walk every day, but want to know if there are other ways to lower my blood pressure so that hopefully I can […]
Herniation can happen to a disk for a number of reasons
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was recently diagnosed with a herniated disk in my back. It’s causing quite a bit of pain throughout one of my legs. My doctor says the disk is basically choking the nerves in my lumbar spine. Surgery has been recommended, but I’m not sure I want surgery. I’ve heard it’s not […]
Chicago Brain Doc Goes Hollywood
Above photo: Will Smith, left, and Alec Baldwin star in Columbia Pictures’ “Concussion.” Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon. © 2015 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved By David Himmel Usually, when Hollywood depicts the true story of the ordinary guy/gal in an extraordinary situation, actors add a touch of glamor to the characters. But Julian Bailes, MD, […]
5 tips for conquering food cravings
By Rachael Moeller Gorman People who suffer from alcohol or drug addiction have a lot in common with people who chronically crave food: they are highly conditioned to abuse their substance of choice, says Nora Volkow, M.D., director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). If thinking about food rules your life, seek help […]
Knowing when infant tummy troubles may be serious
Source: Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Spitting up and occasional constipation are unfortunate — yet normal — facts of life for most infants. “All babies experience reflux to at least some degree,” said Dorothy Rocourt, M.D., a pediatric surgeon at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. “Same with a couple days of constipation here […]
Effective treatment for excessive sweating available
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m a 57 year-old woman and am so warm all the time that I don’t even wear a coat in the winter; just a heavy sweater. I sweat so much that it drips off my nose sometimes, and if I do any kind of physical activity — even just a short walk […]
Tactics to make long-term-care coverage affordable
By Kimberly Lankford, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance No matter how carefully you plan for retirement, if you don’t have long-term-care insurance, a catastrophic illness could wipe out your savings. The average private room in a nursing home costs $250 per day — or $91,250 per year — according to Genworth’s 2015 Cost of Care study. The […]
Ovulation predictor kits can be useful for couples trying to conceive
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My husband and I are thinking about starting a family. We’re both in our late 30s and know it might take some time. Do ovulation predictor kits really work for people trying to conceive, or are they just a gimmick? Also, are there any tests you recommend before we start trying to […]
Are protein bars really just candy bars in disguise?
By Robert Shmerling, M.D. Harvard Health Letter I was traveling by air recently and eating my usual “lunch on the go” — a protein bar and an apple. Across the aisle, I noticed another passenger eating a candy bar. It made me think about recent studies documenting the deplorable state of the average American diet, […]
The Kid’s Doctor: “Concussion” sparks debate among football parents
As the end of football season is upon us, with bowl games for colleges and playoffs for the NFL, a week does not go by that we don’t hear about a player who has been diagnosed with a concussion. The debate surrounding football players and concussions will only get louder as the film Concussion debuted […]
The catch on mercury in fish
By Kaley Todd, M.S., R.D., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter Fish contain an abundance of nutrients and health benefits. This high-protein food choice is a major source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, along with vitamin D, selenium and antioxidants. Research suggests that fish consumption is important in the growth and development of children, as well as reducing […]
Leg swelling often caused by vein problems
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I recently saw my doctor because my ankles and lower legs swell. She says I have venous insufficiency. What does that mean? Is it serious? A: Venous insufficiency means that the veins don’t work properly. Most people develop this condition in their legs. The veins are responsible for draining blood […]
Heart-safer NSAID alternatives
Harvard Health Letters In July 2015, the FDA repeated a previous warning about the heart hazards of common pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) and prescription-only NSAIDs. Should you avoid these medications at all costs? Not necessarily. NSAIDs have cardiac risks, but are still a […]
When Eating Isn’t Easy
Picky eating in kids may be associated with behavioral issues Many parents are familiar with children who are picky eaters. Their kids will only eat chicken nuggets day in and day out. Apples may be acceptable or an anathema, and green foods and mushy ones might be on their yucky list. Pediatricians often advise frustrated […]
To save your vision, doctors look deep into your eyes
By Richard Gans, M.D. If you want to see inside a room, do you peek through the keyhole or open the door? You open the door, of course, to get a full view of what’s inside. When it comes to your eye, think of your pupil as the door. When doctors need a full view […]
Start moving with a fitness tracker
Harvard Health Letter You’ve probably seen people wearing digital fitness trackers, small gadgets that come in wearable styles such as wristbands and pendants or handheld versions you can slip into a pocket. Why are they popular? The devices record your workout data, and they track your progress on those measures. “We’ve seen them make a […]
Extra tired? Could be stress
By Rae Lynn Mitchell, Texas A&M Health Science Center Do you ever notice how stress and mental frustration can affect your physical abilities? When you are worried about something at work, do you find yourself more exhausted at the end of the day? This phenomenon is a result of the activation of a specific area […]
Finding relief for delayed stomach emptying in diabetics
By Howard Lewine, M.D. Q: My mother is a type 1 diabetic and has been diagnosed with gastroparesis. She is suffering terribly with this disease. Is there a special diet that she can follow? A: Gastroparesis means that the stomach muscles do not contract properly. So, fluid and food linger in the stomach far longer […]
5 tips for eating to age well
Environmental Nutrition Newsletter If you want to keep a sharp mind and able body as you age, it takes a bit of effort. Here are our five key dietary strategies: 1. Consume EPA and DHA omega-3s. These fish oils support heart health, brain function and memory during aging. That’s not all. A July 2015 American […]
New hope in treatment of schizophrenia
UCLA Health Sciences Schizophrenia, which affects 2 million to 3 million people in the U.S., causes hallucinations, delusions and disorganization. Left untreated, the disease can cause a significant loss in quality of life, including unemployment and estrangement from loved ones. But many people with schizophrenia can control the disorder and live without symptoms for several […]
Asthma medicines during pregnancy generally safe
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: Can I continue to take my asthma medication if I am pregnant? A: It is important to keep your asthma under control during pregnancy, even if it means taking multiple medications. Most asthma medicines are thought to be safe to use. It is safer to take your asthma medicines than […]
Poor diet key factor fueling a rise in kidney stones
Cleveland Clinic Kidney stones are becoming more prevalent, with the risk rising more quickly in women, younger adults, and even kids, experts say. Manoj Monga, M.D., urologist and director of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Endourology and Stone Disease, says kidney stones are also appearing in patients with historically low risks of stone disease. “With the […]
The Power of Protein
To maintain muscle, spread protein intake throughout the day Protein is a hot nutrient right now—and rightly so. Along with carbohydrates and fat, protein is one of the three big nutrients, aka macronutrients, that your body needs. Protein plays a powerful role in your health, particularly for your muscles. Preserving muscle strength and proper function […]
Quitting smoking doesn’t have to mean big weight gain
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Harvard Health Blog Many people put off quitting smoking because they’re worried about gaining weight. Not only do they want to avoid having to buy bigger pants, they also might believe that the extra pounds would be worse for their health than smoking. The good news is that kicking the habit […]
High morning blood sugar common and treatable
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I have type 2 diabetes. My blood sugar runs high in the morning, especially if I am in pain. I have arthritis and neuropathy in my feet and lower legs. Why is my sugar running high in the morning, especially when my pain is worse? A: It’s common for people […]
Discuss ADHD medication with your child’s doctor
By Sue Hubbard, M.D. If your child takes medications for ADHD, you may notice that your insurance company may either deny coverage for these prescriptions or wants to use a generic version of the medication your child needs to take. It seems that this is becoming more and more prevalent, and I get phone calls […]
Do you know your personal colorectal cancer risk?
By Michael Kattan, Ph.D. What is your risk of having colorectal cancer? If you are approaching or have passed your 50th birthday, your doctor probably has advised you to have colorectal cancer screening to determine that. And that’s the problem. Since the late 20th century, this one-size-fits-all advice has been standard because there has been […]
Boot camp for better sleep
Do you worry yourself awake frequently? Cognitive behavioral therapy can help. If you have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep, that’s insomnia. It happens to everyone from time to time. But it can also become a chronic problem. For some people, fretting about whether they will be able to sleep — and the emotional […]
3 Health Strategies to Help You Get Through the Holidays
Harvard Health Letter The winter holidays are supposed to be a joyous time, filled with celebration. But they come with health risks, such as loneliness and depression, overeating, weight gain, falls in icy weather, foodborne illness, and heart problems. Here are ways to protect yourself while enjoying the season. 1. Avoid the blues. Even though […]
Easy ways to stay regular
Having regular bowel movements is a sign of a healthy digestive system, and it prevents the discomfort of diarrhea and constipation. But regularity is challenging in our older years. It is the job of muscles in the wall of the colon to squeeze digested food downward and eventually out of the body. “As we get […]
Radiation therapy no longer routinely used for ovarian cancer
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My mother was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer a few weeks ago. She had surgery and is about to begin chemotherapy, and I’ve read that sometimes chemo is more effective if it is given directly in the abdomen. Is this commonly done, and should I ask her doctor about it? Also, […]
Keep Kids Safe this Holiday with These Tips
By Nancy Maes The winter holidays are a season of comfort and joy. Kids and parents revel in all the holiday traditions as well as the time spent with family and friends. But with the strings of Christmas lights, ornaments and new toys come a few potential hazards. While we don’t want to be Grinches, […]
Breast milk can protect preemies
Source: John Hopkins Medicine The immune-boosting properties of breast milk have long been known. Now a team of scientists led by Johns Hopkins pediatric surgeon-in-chief David Hackam, M.D., Ph.D., says experiments in mice reveal how breast milk works to ward off the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating intestinal disorder that affects 12 percent […]
Don’t let hemorrhoids prevent you from exercise
Q: I have hemorrhoids. Can running or exercise make hemorrhoids worse or cause them not to heal? Also what do you suggest if they become painful? A: Symptoms of hemorrhoids may sometimes be brought on by activity. Vigorous exercise, such as heavy weight lifting, or any activity that causes exertion, straining or bearing down can […]
How your genes affect your reaction to drugs
By Charis Eng, M.D., Ph.D. Your doctor prescribes a medication. If you have a high risk of negative side effects, do you ask for something else instead? If you know the drug won’t work well for you, do you request more options? These questions aren’t just hypothetical. They’re at the heart of pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics is […]
5 reasons you should have a family doctor
By Michael Rabovsky, M.D. If you have a medical need — sudden flu symptoms, nagging back pain, an unexpected rash — who is your first point of contact? A family physician can be the right answer for most healthcare situations. Medical emergencies are an exception. An emergency is a valid reason to visit the emergency […]
Crohn’s disease worsens without treatment
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My daughter is 19 and was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. What is considered a flare-up? Her symptoms seem to be quite mild so far. Is it possible that this will continue, or do they usually worsen with time? ANSWER: Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the digestive […]
Number of children with peanut allergies has increased significantly
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Why is it that so many kids these days have peanut allergies? I don’t remember it being an issue even 20 years ago. Is it something most kids will grow out of? I have heard of children doing a peanut allergy study to “cure” them of their allergy. What does that involve? […]
Lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms of an enlarged prostate
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I have an enlarged prostate. Over the last few months, I have a more frequent urge to urinate, especially at night. And my urine flow is so slow. I would prefer not to start medication. Any suggestions? A: Doctors call this condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In most men, BPH […]
Abruptly stopping antidepressants can cause distressing symptoms
By Michael Craig Miller, M.D. Q: I have been taking paroxetine (Paxil) for more than a year. Since I felt better, I stopped it. But now I feel even worse than when I started it. Is there something else I can do rather than just taking the drug again? A: You may be having discontinuation […]
You are what you eat: Let food be your medicine, too
By Carrie Dennett, M.P.H., R.D.N., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter In the 4th Century BCE, the Greek physician Hippocrates authored the famous oath, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” We now know that foods like berries, green tea, and mushrooms are more than just a delicious source of energy; the nutrients inside can […]
Bouts of dizziness consistent with episodic vertigo
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: At least once a week I experience a bout of extreme dizziness. It’s accompanied by a physical feeling of being turned upside down. I take melatonin before I go to bed each night. Could the dizziness be a side effect? If not, what else might cause this? A: When a […]
What Doctors Know: Reluctance to see doctor among key men’s health issues
Source: University of Mississippi Medical Center whatdoctorsknow.com Men have higher morbidity rates in almost every one of the leading causes of death in the United States, a factor leading to a renewed focus on men’s health issues. Some of the problem stems from basic machismo, a sense that men don’t need to see a physician […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Child with recurrent fever may have periodic fever syndrome
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Every few weeks, my toddler will develop a fever that lasts a couple of days but then goes away. Other than the fever, she doesn’t have any other symptoms. Could it be periodic fever syndrome? How is this diagnosed, and is treatment for it different than treating a “normal” fever in kids? […]
Why Do Women Sleep Worse Than Men?
By Kevin Sterne You lie in bed staring at the clock, trying not to count the hours until the alarm rings. Soon you turn over to face the wall. After a while, you reach for your phone. By 3 a.m. you’ve “liked” your whole newsfeed. Thinking about falling asleep only breeds frustration, keeping you awake. […]
Local Hospitals Receive A’s in Hospital Safety Scores
By Laura Drucker When it comes to choosing the right hospital for your needs, the factor of patient safety—how well a hospital protects its patients from preventable medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections—should be one of the most important to take into account. Fortunately, The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit program focused on transparency and […]
Safely clear earwax when build-up causes symptoms
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: How do you clear wax build up in the ear? I have small ear canals and it’s difficult for me to clear the wax build-up. I use hydrogen peroxide, but it doesn’t always help. What do you recommend? A: Earwax (the medical term is cerumen) is the sticky substance made […]
6 quick tips for digestive health
If you’re one of the 70 million people affected by digestive problems you probably know that diet plays a role in how you feel. While optimizing your digestive health typically takes trial and error — and the guidance of a health-care provider — there are some helpful changes you can make to your diet that […]