Author: admin

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: During warm weather months, I find myself eating less formal meals and, instead, reaching for more snacks. I also tend to exercise less when it’s hot outside. Do you have advice on how to ensure I’m snacking healthfully as I realize the potential to overeat and not be as active? ANSWER: Regardless of the time of year, maintaining healthy habits is important for good health. This includes exercise, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight. When snacking is done correctly, it can give you a boost of energy between meals, help meet nutrient needs for the day…

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So the Y is not the worst place in the world to live.It is like a dorm — like a crappy dorm. This building reminds me a lot of the one Paul and Dad lived in, a rooming house that is falling apart at the seams. It’s interesting that it is now considered a dorm, when 30 years ago this would have just been your run-of-the-mill weekly rooming house. Times have changed, but I need to be realistic and say that I am literally in the exact same place in my life as dad was when he lived in a…

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It’s not making major news headlines like in the ’80s, but HIV remains a significant health concern. About 38 million people are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, according to the World Health Organization. June 27 is National HIV Testing Day, a reminder to get tested and know your HIV status. This year’s theme is self-testing. Knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy. Dr. Stacey Rizza, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist, says people should take the virus more seriously. “I want people to know that it’s still prevalent in society,” says Dr. Rizza.…

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For decades, even centuries, women have suffered in silence during what may be the most successful years of their careers, enduring symptoms such as hot flashes, brain fog and mood swings. These symptoms were minimized, misunderstood, unnoticed and unacknowledged. But as older millennials hit perimenopause and menopause, that’s set to change. The topic of menopause is starting to enter the conversation, and workplace leadership is taking notice, as they should: Around 15 million women are working full-time in the U.S. between the ages of 45-60, roughly the average age range for menopause, according to a Mayo Clinic survey.“The average age…

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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)—a challenging autoimmune disease most common in women of childbearing age—can cause many problems in the body, including chronic pain. Typical pain management strategies are not always available to patients with lupus. For example, patients with kidney problems being treated with steroids cannot use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. As a result, different pain management strategies, including opioid therapy, may be needed. A Mayo Clinic cross-sectional study in a population-based setting aimed to better understand rates of opioid use among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and the factors behind their use. The researchers note that when deciding to…

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The product recommendations in this post are recommendations by the writer and/or expert(s) interviewed and do not contain affiliate links. Meaning: If you use these links to buy something, we will not earn a commission. Unless you’ve managed to purchase and sample every single product that has ever hit Costco shelves, there’s a chance that your experience at the retailer has involved a lot of trial and error. For every product that you end up loving, there could have been another that you were disappointed in and decided to never purchase again. Sure, Costco has a very accepting return policy…

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Life is full of social gatherings and events where alcohol takes center stage. But you may decide to cut back on drinking or take a break from it altogether, recognizing the impacts that alcohol has on your overall well-being. Whether it’s for health reasons, a personal choice, or simply a desire to cut back on those excess calories, it’s important to learn how to enjoy social settings while also keeping your health goals top of mind. Here are some savvy strategies to help you find your balance, so you can enjoy the festivities, connect with others, and stay true to…

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I usually say not to judge a mattress by its…topper, but this is the exception. It looks anything but typical, and that’s because it’s not. The breathable memory foam is specifically designed to cater to each part of the body for maximum comfort, and, hopefully, less tossing and turning. The topper is also infused with soothing, calming aloe vera to promote relaxation—perfect for people who deal with the frustration of hot flashes. Rave Review: “It turns my nights into a dream! I used to suffer from pain in the morning, but not anymore. It’s comfortable, cooling, and everything you can…

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Do you want to lose 20 pounds? Weight loss can be a much more bearable—and enjoyable!—journey when you have some tried and true tips at your fingertips from individuals who have already achieved your goal weight. It’s inspiring to hear their personal stories and the hacks and habits that worked for them, which may very well work out great for you, too. Of course, we’ll preface this by saying weight loss is a truly unique experience for everyone, and what was a successful trick for someone may not be the best plan of attack for you. But they’re worth a…

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