Highlights from the December issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter

Friday, December 01, 2000

Mayo Clinic Health Letter Tip of the Month

Cold symptoms generally appear two or three days after you've picked up the virus. Colds can last from two days to two weeks, but most people recover in a week.

Another Cold? The Best Advice Is Still Plenty of Rest and Fluids

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—December, 2000 — Feel a cold coming on? Extra rest and plenty of warm fluids are still the best ways to cope with the common cold, according to the December issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. While there's hope that something will be discovered to cure the cold, researchers haven't found it yet. Here's a look at the most common remedies:

Over-the-counter medications — Antihistamines, cough medications, decongestants and pain relievers can help minimize symptoms, but they don't make the cold go away. Generally it's best to avoid combination medications that address multiple symptoms. Instead use individual products when they'll have the most benefit.

Vitamin C — It has been suggested that Vitamin C strengthens resistance to viral infections and acts as a mild antihistamine that can decrease nasal secretions. However, studies haven't shown that Vitamin C has much impact on colds. But, there's probably no harm in taking a vitamin C supplement of up to 500 milligrams.

Echinacea — This herb is thought to stimulate the immune system. Some studies have shown that it doesn't prevent colds but it can shorten them. Other studies question those results.

Talk with your doctor before you take this herb. It shouldn't be taken if you have some chronic health conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis or immune systems disorders.

Zinc — In 1996, a study showed that taking zinc made cold symptoms disappear more quickly than was expected. More recent studies have had mixed results. Although more research is needed, taking zinc to treat a cold isn't likely to harm most people.

Getting the Most From Your Calcium Supplement

Many women (and men) can benefit from calcium supplements to their diets. The December issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers these tips to make sure you are getting the most from calcium supplements:

With food or not? — Calcium carbonate supplements (Caltrate, Oscal, Tums) require stomach acid for digestion and are generally absorbed better when taken with meals. Calcium citrate (Citracal) doesn't require stomach acid and can be taken anytime.

Small amounts best — Calcium is better absorbed in smaller amounts throughout the day.

Adequate Vitamin D — Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. You should consume 400 to 600 international units a day through your diet or a supplement.

Ask your doctor if you would benefit from a calcium supplement. Recommended amounts vary depending on your age, other medications and medical conditions.

Paget's Disease — Another Cause of Weak Bones

Osteoporosis isn't the only reason that some people have weak bones. Paget's disease can cause affected bones to become deformed and more likely to break, according to the December issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Throughout your life, your body tears down old bone and replaces it with new in a process called bone remodeling. Paget's disease causes overly rapid bone remodeling, resulting in overly large — and sometimes weaker — bone.

Paget's disease often has no symptoms. For many people it's discovered during blood tests and X-rays conducted for other medical conditions. When it does cause symptoms, such as bone pain or headaches, medications are available to restore the bone remodeling to a normal pace. ###

Mayo Clinic is a private group practice of medicine dedicated to providing diagnosis and treatment of patient illnesses through a systematic focus on individual patient needs. Mayo Clinic Scottsdale offers outpatient healthcare in 66 medical and surgical specialties and programs. Mayo Clinic also provides care at primary care practices located throughout the Valley and at the new Mayo Clinic Hospital. The hospital is located at 56th Street and Mayo Boulevard (north of Bell Road) in northeast Phoenix, and provides inpatient care to support the medical and surgical specialties of the Clinic.

Media Contact: Anne Tewksbury Marketing/Communications Mayo Clinic Scottsdale 480-301-4368

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