Mayo Clinic Health Letter - May 2003

Monday, May 05, 2003

Here are highlights from the May issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Also, you may reprint up to four articles annually without cost. More frequent reprinting is allowed for a fee. Mayo Clinic Health Letter attribution is required. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Call toll-free for subscription information, 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

Tip of the Month: Part of successful aging is staying involved and maintaining relationships. Mayo Clinic Health Letter recommends you spend time with family and friends, volunteer or even try a new career, explore the Internet or join a book club.

Does an Active Brain Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Completing a crossword puzzle. Playing cards. Taking up a musical instrument. Do these and other mind-challenging activities help prevent Alzheimer's Disease? Research shows a connection, but no solid proof, according to the May issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Several recent studies have examined the relationship between cognitive stimulation and Alzheimer's. Results indicated that seniors who exercise their brains were less likely to develop Alzheimer's. While slower learning and recall are normal changes with aging, Alzheimer's is a brain disorder and not a normal aspect of aging.

So far the research doesn't prove if an active brain reduces dementia or if there's simply less cognitive activity among people with yet-to-be diagnosed Alzheimer's. One thing's for certain: there's no harm in keeping your brain engaged as you age.

Finding the New Normal as a Cancer Survivor

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Attempting to recapture life as it was before cancer can be a major frustration. For the cancer survivor, jubilance may be tempered by fear of recurrence. Your body may be different. Almost certainly your perspective and priorities have changed. There are steps you can take to adjust to your new "normal," according to the May issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

• Actively participate in your care. Discuss any concerns you have with your health-care provider.
• Find a way to express your feelings. You may find help by talking with another cancer survivor, joining a support group, talking to family or friends or working with a counselor. Other creative outlets could help, such as keeping a journal, painting, sculpting or photography.
• Focus on things besides cancer. Join a club, start a hobby, volunteer or resume a career.
• Learn ways to relax. Try deep breathing, using imagery, biofeedback, massage, tai chi or yoga.

A Refresher on First Aid for Minor Burns

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Cold water or ice? Bandage or not? A review of home care for minor burns can help minimize the pain, according to the May issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

First-degree burns, where the skin is reddened, and small second-degree burns, where a blistered area is no larger than two inches, generally can be treated at home.

Promptly follow these steps:

• With chemical burns, make sure the chemical and any clothing or jewelry in contact with the chemical are removed.
• Cool the burn under running water long enough to reduce the pain, usually 15 to 20 minutes. If this isn't possible, immerse the burn in cold water or cover with cold compresses. Don't put ice directly on the burn. Ice can cause frostbite and further damage.
• Once the burn is cooled, apply a lotion or moisturizer to soothe the area and prevent dryness. Don't apply butter. It holds heat in the tissues and may cause more damage.
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Wrap loosely. Bandaging keeps air off the burn and reduces the pain.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medication unless your doctor has told you to avoid these medications.
• Don't break blisters. If the blister is broken, wash with antibacterial soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll-free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.