Mayo Clinic Health Letter - July 2003

Tuesday, July 01, 2003

Here are highlights from the July 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.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter Tip of the Month: Exercise and Arthritis — An important part of the solution for most complaints associated with arthritis is exercise. Appropriate types and levels of exercise can reduce arthritis pain and help reduce fatigue. In general, exercise can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease; help slow bone loss that may lead to osteoporosis; increase flexibility and help strengthen muscles that stabilize joints; reduce morning stiffness; and help control weight, which reduces unnecessary joint stress.

Preventing a Second Heart Attack

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Most people survive their first heart attack. But having a heart attack increases your risk of another heart attack or other heart problems. Taking medication, improving your lifestyle and addressing psychological problems may help prevent a second heart attack, according to the July issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Take your medicine. Talk to your doctor about medication options that could include aspirin or another blood thinner as well as medications that dilate arteries, lower your heart rate or help manage cholesterol.

Change some habits. If you smoke, stop. And start exercising. Regular exercise promotes the development of small, new blood vessels in your heart muscle, increasing blood flow. Exercise also helps control weight, diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension. Improve your diet. Doctors recommend lots of fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes and cutting back on saturated fats.

Address mental-health concerns, too. It's estimated that one-fourth of heart-attack survivors become depressed at some point. Depression significantly increases the risk of another heart attack and can affect your ability to stick with your rehabilitation program. Talk with your doctor about treatment options. Consider group-therapy sessions. Studies have shown that people who are socially isolated are more likely to have a second heart attack.

Caregivers: Don't Forget to Take Care of Yourself

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Caregivers need care, too. More than 15 million Americans care for family members who are ill or disabled. This care, though important, can take its toll on the caregiver. According to the July issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter, caregivers face higher risks of depression, fatigue and illness. If you are a caregiver, be alert for signs that you may need help. These include:

• Easily losing patience or getting angry with the person for whom you are caring
• Finding no joy in any aspect of life
• Finding it difficult to sleep
• Caring for your loved one 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Feeling despair, anguish or depression or having thoughts of suicide
• Experiencing appetite changes and reduced energy levels
• Drinking alcohol or using drugs
• Crying frequently

If you experience any of the above, seek help from you doctor.

Chronic Heartburn Can be a Clue to Cancer Risk

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — If you have chronic, long-term heartburn, you may need more medical care than over-the-counter antacids, according to the July issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Chronic, long-term heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to Barrett's esophagus. In Barrett's esophagus, the body reacts to stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus by replacing the cells lining the esophagus with cells like those in the intestines. Barrett's is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus.

About 10 percent of people with GERD have or develop Barrett's esophagus. The risk of esophageal cancer is 40 times greater in people with Barrett's esophagus.

The only way to detect Barrett's esophagus is with an endoscopy, a procedure in which the doctor inserts a thin tube with a video camera into your esophagus to view it and your stomach. If endoscopy shows your esophagus is irritated, you may be advised to make diet changes to reduce the exposure of your esophagus to stomach acid. Lifestyle changes and medications usually help, although surgery is occasionally required.

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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.

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