Mayo Clinic News Source - January 2003

Friday, January 31, 2003

Is Your Family Tree Killing You?

Learning about your genetic risk factors could save your life

The genes you inherited from your family tree could be like a time bomb of immediate risk of heart attack, cancer or stroke for you. Being aware of and telling your physician about these conditions your family members have could help save your life.

"It's crucial for patients to be aware of their family tree," says Connie Mariano, M.D. "Knowing hereditary conditions enables physicians to chart a strategic course of action to prevent premature onset of many fatal diseases."

Dr. Mariano, a former White House physician to three presidents, sees patients for comprehensive health screenings in the Executive Health Program at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. She is available to discuss a variety of topics including:

• How hereditary and physical predisposition contribute to disease
• The top five recommendations she makes to prevent early onset of health problems
• When baseline and preventive physicals should be scheduled
• Significant health concerns of most patients

Why Don't You Listen to Me?

Is Hearing Loss Wrecking Your Marriage?

"You're just not listening to me!" Have you heard — or said — that old line just a few too many times? It's time to see if the problem is hearing rather than listening. More than 28 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, even though 95 percent of hearing disorders can be helped.

"Hearing loss often begins earlier than you'd think," says Steven Huart, AuD., an audiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. "And the damage could have been done years ago with just one severe exposure to noise. " When a loved one appears to have stopped listening, it can leave a relationship in shambles. Dr. Huart, sees first-hand, the effects that undetected hearing loss can have on relationships. He can also share:

• When to watch for early warning signs of hearing loss
• New treatment options, including some that don't involve the use of hearing aids
• Types of noise exposures that could put you at risk
• Examples of the psycho-social impact of hearing loss

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