Mayo Clinic Health Letter - October 2003

Friday, October 03, 2003

Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale - Anne Tewksbury - 480-301-4368
Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville - Erik Kaldor - 904-953-2299
Mayo Clinic in Rochester - Carol Lammers - 507-284-5037 (days) 507-284-2511(evenings) e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Getting Your Daily Dose of Fiber

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Have you had enough fiber today? If not, supplements can be a safe alternative, according to the October issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Like your mother probably told you, oatmeal, cauliflower, broccoli, beans and peas are all good sources of fiber. They help with regularity, digestion and staying lean. A high-fiber diet may reduce your risk of certain health conditions such as diabetes, colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, high cholesterol and obesity.

But some adults can't get the generally recommended 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day from their diet because they don't like high-fiber foods, or because the foods may cause cramping or flatulence. A fiber supplement can help.

Fiber supplements are bulk-forming substances available as powders, biscuits, wafers, tablets or toasted granules. Labeled as "bulking agents" on over-the-counter packaging, they're safe for long-term self-treatment of constipation. Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers these tips for using fiber supplements:

• Go slow. Start with a small dose and progress gradually.
• Be consistent. They are most effective when taken daily for at least a month.
• Drink plenty of fluids. If you don't, fiber supplements may make you even more constipated.
• Take before or after meals. They create a feeling of fullness. Take before meals if you are overweight. Take after meals if you are underweight or normal weight.

  Supplement, don't substitute. Supplements contain only part of the fiber you need daily. Pass the broccoli and beans!

Erectile Dysfunction — A Symptom of Several Health Concerns; Several Treatments Available

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, is no longer the taboo topic it once was, perhaps due to the advertising for Viagra, the first oral drug for this condition.

The October issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter outlines other treatment options for erectile dysfunction and why treatment is important. Impotence, which interferes with sexual performance, also can be the first sign of serious illnesses including diabetes; high blood pressure; kidney, liver or hormonal disorders; or coronary artery disease.

Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but it is more common in men over age 65. If you have concerns about impotence, ask your doctor about your treatment options. They include:

• Oral medications: Sildenafil (Viagra) now has competition. A second medication was approved by the FDA in August 2003. Another is expected to be available by the end of the year.
• Injected drugs: Men can be taught to inject drugs into the penis to enhance blood flow.
• Self-administered intraurethral therapy: This involves using a small applicator to insert a tiny pellet of medicine into the urethra.
• Vacuum devices: This involves placing a hollow plastic tube over the penis and manually pumping to create a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis. Surgical options: These may be considered if other treatments aren't helpful. Semirigid malleable rods or inflatable devices may be surgically placed.

Striding Right

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Walking is simply great exercise — simple to do and great for your health. But if your posture is off or your movement unbalanced, you may be doing more harm than good.

Here are tips for better walking from the October issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

• Hold your head high. Keep your chin parallel to the ground and avoid jutting your head forward, which can put strain on your neck.
• Keep your neck, shoulders, back and hands relaxed. Hold your shoulders back and down. No hunching or shrugging. Let your arms swing, with a slight bend to each elbow. Avoid clenching your fists.
• Gently tighten stomach muscles. Move your navel toward your spine. That keeps the abdominal muscles tight and your back straight.
• Tread softly. Roll from heel to toe. Avoid crashing heels to the ground.

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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