Genetic material in COVID-19 vaccines: Can I avoid it?
Last week, I met my sister and her friend for a walk around a lake in the spring weather. As we chatted, I learned that…
Understanding how depression effects teens and adults differently
Whether you’re 13, or 30, anyone can be affected by clinical depression. However, depending on your age, the symptoms aren’t the same for everyone. “It’s…
What are barriers to cancer screening and what can you do about them?
You might not be particularly excited when your doctor mentions that you’re due for a mammogram or Pap smear — but these tests have more…
Taking flight with Mayo Clinic’s peregrine falcon friends
The Mayo Building in downtown Rochester, Minnesota, has 21 floors, with most of this space dedicated to providing expert medical care to people from around…
Endometrial ablation for endometriosis
Q: I’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis and have heavy menstrual bleeding. My health care provider said I should consider endometrial ablation. A friend told me it…
How to prep for a specialist visit
Find out how Mayo Clinic specialists themselves recommend preparing for your visit so you feel both ready and a little more relaxed. Health Letter+Get direct…
Polycystic kidney disease can affect children, too
Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder where clusters of cysts develop within the kidneys, causing the kidneys to enlarge and lose function over time.…
Breast cancer radiotherapy and treatment innovations
The type of breast cancer a person has and how far it has spread determine the appropriate treatment. Previously, a patient with breast cancer might have received…
Fibromyalgia: A diagnosis of exclusion?
You don’t understand: I hurt somewhere in my body all the time. I have trouble sleeping because of it. I can’t exercise because I have…
The first parent freakout: Baby falls
The night was going well. My husband and I — along with our newborn son — were visiting our good friends at their house for…
Before you start exercising, ask yourself why
I once read about a parent driving to pick up their 10-year-old child from school. As they approached the schoolyard, they fumbled around in their…
Facing a new brain cancer diagnosis
After the shock of a brain tumor diagnosis, what are the most important steps to take? Learn what Dr. Ian Parney, a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon,…
When makeup gets ugly
Wait – makeup expires? You may have never considered whether expired makeup is safe to use, but risks associated with using expired makeup include clogged…
Video: What to do with 5 free minutes
What can you really get done in five free minutes? Turns out, it’s a lot, say Mayo Clinic experts, even when it’s taking a moment…
Tips for helping kids build resilience
Most parents instinctively recoil when it comes to thoughts of their children facing failure or dealing with a difficult situation. In fact, parents typically think…
Uterine fibroids are more common and severe in Black women — but there are treatment options.
Fibroids are common — really, really common. Still, I’m betting there are things about fibroids that you may not have considered, especially when it comes…
How and why endoscopy is used in children
Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to visually examine the digestive system with a tiny camera on the end of a long, flexible tube. An upper…
If I just got a vaccine, should I wait to schedule my mammogram?
You arrive at the clinic for your mammogram and while lifting your arm, a small twinge reminds you that you got your COVID-19 booster just…
Video: Why sitting has become the new smoking
Why has sitting become the new smoking when it comes to your health risks? Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, explains the science. Health…
Are video games and screens another addiction?
In an increasingly digitalized world, where most people ― even children ― own electronic devices with screens, many parents worry about the effects of screen…
Tips for helping children deal with stress
The last few years caused families everywhere to learn to live with new kinds of stress. The COVID-19 pandemic created an unpredictable roller coaster of…
The Feeding episode: Helping your baby thrive
Breast is best. Or is formula fine? A bit of both? Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D., talk through all the issues and…
When your ovaries check out early: Early menopause
If you’re in your 30s, you probably think of menopause — the end of women’s reproductive lives — as something that awaits you in the…
Common skin conditions in babies
Many parents expect their newborn’s skin to be flawless. But most babies are born with some bruising, and skin blotches and blemishes are common. Young…
Video: How to talk to kids about serious illness
How do you talk to a child about a serious diagnosis in the family? Mayo Clinic experts have helped many families with the process. See…
Post-partum: What to expect in the 6 weeks after delivery
Everything’s new. Everything’s exciting. And everything’s hard. The first six weeks after birth probably aren’t talked about enough. Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic…
Climate change and global childhood health
From allergies and asthma to infectious diseases and even malnutrition, the indirect effects of climate change are taking a toll on our most valuable resource,…
Building habits for healthy stress management
Humans are hard-wired to react to stress in ways originally meant to protect us against threats like predators or other dangerous situations. Thankfully, these days…
Why premature birth happens
Although most babies are born full term and free of medical problems, some are born too early. A premature (preterm) birth — a birth that…
Video: Getting a good night’s sleep
Which simple habits can help you sleep better? Find out what works best for Mayo Clinic experts. Health Letter+Get direct access to the knowledge, wisdom,…
Delivery: The real deal and stuff no one tells you about
Learn why Rachel’s delivery room scene on “Friends” qualifies as “the most unrealistic birth ever.” Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic obstetrician, gynecologist and…
Taking long-haul COVID-19 — and other chronic conditions — seriously
Caring for people with long-haul COVID-19 is helping to bring increased attention and legitimacy to conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, which are…
Video: Mayo Clinic experts on how to face your fears
We often hear only two options for confronting fear: Fight or flee. Find out what Mayo Clinic experts hope you’ll do instead. Health Letter+Get…
Toilet training: Recognizing readiness
Many children show signs of being ready for toilet training between ages 18 and 24 months. However, others might not be ready until they’re 3…
Preparing for Delivery: Having a plan, but keeping it flexible
Your trip to the hospital, like a trip to go camping, will benefit from advanced planning. Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic obstetrician, gynecologist…
When to start feeding your baby peanut butter, milk, and other foods
It’s time to begin feeding your baby some of the same nutritious foods the rest of the family enjoys at mealtimes, such as mashed or…
Primary care: Your health quarterback
Walking into my exam room, I smiled at the patient in front of me and gently squeezed her shoulder in greeting. I’ve been the primary…
Video: The rewards of living organ donation
What does life look like after donating an organ to a loved one? Get an inside glimpse of real stories from a Mayo Clinic nurse…
The future of women’s heart health
It’s an exciting time medically and technologically as we look at what’s new and on the horizon for cardiac care for women. Demilade A. Adedinsewo,…
Meal planning on a budget: Plan, purchase, prepare
If you often think that consistently eating healthy, affordable, home-cooked meals is impossible, you’re not alone. Many people can find it overwhelming even to find…
Planning and Nesting: What do you actually need?
The pop-up ads will start soon after the positive pregnancy test. You must have this safety feature! Your baby cannot survive without that gadget! Co-hosts…
Understanding bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs and lows. The main difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar…
Early intervention can help kids with cerebral palsy
Children with cerebral palsy may require lifelong care from a medical care team, but early intervention and treatments can improve function. Cerebral palsy is a…
Understanding self-injury in teens
While parents may suspect signs of self-injury: wearing long sleeves when it’s hot out; frequent reports of accidental injury; being sensitive, moody or getting angry…
You hate them, but know you need them. Making a pelvic exam more tolerable
You might cringe while setting up the appointment for your next pelvic exam, which probably includes a Pap test. The Pap test and pelvic exam…
Hidden signs of vision problems in children
In some cases, the signs a child has a vision problem is abundantly clear. The child may squint, hold reading material close, experience headaches or…
Video: How parents find hope when a child faces brain surgery
No family should have to face brain surgery for a child. But the inspiring outcomes this Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon has seen show hope for any…
Pregnancy do’s and don’ts – Part 2
Pregnancy creates a tidal wave of hormones. This protects a growing baby — while creating serious discomfort for mom. Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie…
Managing sickle cell disease in children and teens
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Red blood cells are usually round and flexible, so they move easily through…
Taking care of everyone else? It’s ok to take a break
If you are a caregiver for someone you love, give yourself a break. Many people who are actively caring for older adults don’t identify as…
Routine screening tests for women as they enter midlife and beyond
At a typical yearly visit in primary care, your health care provider is likely to run through a checklist of screening questions with you. As…
Getting to the root cause of sleepless nights
Many things can keep us up at night or interrupt our sleep — from something as simple as drinking caffeine too late in the day…
Video: Calming pre-surgery nerves
What are the most effective ways to manage worries about an upcoming surgery? Hear what Mayo Clinic doctors and nurses say has helped their patients…
Pregnancy do’s and don’ts — Part 1
Being pregnant means you’re about to swim in a sea of “do’s and don’ts.” Mostly don’ts. Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D., discuss…
Burnout in youth sports: Help your child stay in the game
David B. Soma, M.D., is a pediatrician and sports medicine physician at Mayo Clinic, and his research passion is pediatric sports medicine. Here, he talks…
The itchy truth: What to know about head lice
You may have the urge to scratch an itch in your hair when you hear about head lice. The tiny insects like to move in…
Kids with diabetes: how technology is changing the landscape of care
When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, parents most often want to know what care options are available to limit restrictions on their child’s life…
Keeping yourself and your baby healthy early in pregnancy
Pregnancy: It’s the most excited you’ll ever be. And it’s the most scared you’ve ever been. Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic obstetrician, gynecologist…
Helping children cope with medical experiences
Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children feel comfortable with medical care. When possible, sharing age-appropriate information with children before a medical…
Video: Balancing life as a busy professional and a mom
As a working mom, it’s tough not to buckle under the weight of your two jobs. Mayo Clinic doctors who are also moms offer their…
Video: A Mayo Clinic expert tells how to get motivated for exercise
To stick with an exercise program, you need the right motivation. See why this Mayo Clinic physical therapist Dani Johnson says it starts with joy.…
Managing colic and keeping your cool
Caring for an infant who has colic can be exhausting, confusing and stressful — even for experienced parents. Colic isn’t a result of poor parenting…
It’s all natural. It’s from the drug store. It’s just a vitamin. Yeah, but is it safe?
A vast world of products fall under the umbrella of dietary supplements. Some supplements can be part of a healthy lifestyle and are safe in…
Congratulations, you’re pregnant! But now what?
Co-host Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. talks through the “biggest adventure of my life” — she’s pregnant! She’s joined by co-host Angela Mattke, M.D. — and special…
Is pregnancy possible after breast cancer treatment?
A young woman recently came to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center seeking a second opinion about treatment for her newly diagnosed breast cancer. She came…
Positive self-advocacy for female-centered care
Focus, knowledge and persistence — these are traits women often need to get the heart health care they require in a timely and respectful manner.…
Stepping back from helicopter parenting
Protecting your child without over-protecting — and helping them learn and grow in the process. You’ve probably heard of helicopter parents — it’s a term…
Video: Normalizing life for kids with epilepsy
Should children with epilepsy be encouraged to take risks? Dr. Lily Wong-Kisiel of Mayo Clinic says yes — maybe more than you think. Find out…
The bladder owner’s manual: What your bladder wants you to know
We have owner’s manuals for many things in life: our cars, our smartphones, even our toaster ovens. We know so much about these gadgets, yet…
Innovative procedures for kids with congenital heart disease
Thanks to significant advances in techniques and devices, minimally invasive procedures can be used to treat some congenital heart disease defects. Innovative procedures using catheters through blood…
Estrogen fluctuations and migraines: The menstrual connection
Most migraines in women are linked to menstruation. The pattern of how these migraines occur helps guide prevention and treatment choices. Migraines are all too…
Pregnancy: Keeping your heart health a priority helps your baby’s health, as well
Yes, you can have a pregnancy-related heart attack. Monitoring your blood pressure is a key heart-health factor with pregnancy. You may be eating for two,…
Brain-building: How to grow your cognitive reserve
In addition to protecting your heart and staying physically fit, there’s another factor that may play an important role in preserving your brain health. It…
Menopause: Unexpected symptoms catch women by surprise
When Bertha Garcia Foster first started experiencing irregular bleeding during the month, she figured it would eventually stop and her cycle would even out. It…
More than 2 years of COVID-19 takes its toll on children, families
More than two full years of living in the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on children and their families. During the most recent omicron surge, pediatric…
Keeping your cool during family mealtimes with babies and toddlers
Mealtimes are an important part of family life. They offer family members a chance to come together to share not just food but companionship. Whenever…
Video: Expert advice for women facing a serious diagnosis
How can a woman best help herself after a serious diagnosis? This Mayo Clinic expert says it’s about focusing on yourself first — even when…
Six steps to taking control of your heart health
Heart disease may be the No. 1 killer of women — but six basic lifestyle choices can help you prevent it, control it, or even…
Single parent? Go from surviving to thriving
As a single parent, some days it may feel like you’re doing all you can just to survive. It will get better. As one mother…
Video: Being a patient changes your perspective.
What do health care professionals learn when they become the patient? These Mayo Clinic doctors’ answers may surprise you. Health Letter+Get direct access to the…
Improving caregiver stress while prioritizing loved one’s values
“I’m so stressed caring for my parents! My brothers and sisters live out of state and I’m the main one caring for them.” In primary…
How you may feel when you’re no longer expecting
People react to death in many kinds of ways. Your upbringing, culture and personal experiences with illness and death influence how you respond to loss.…
Treating congenital heart defects
A congenital heart defect means that a child was born with a problem in the structure of his or her heart. Some congenital heart defects in…
How to put your baby to sleep safely
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby. Although the exact cause is still unknown, it…
Treating hernias in children
A hernia occurs when a part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the stomach muscles. A hernia creates a soft lump or…
How to handle 5 common concerns after a miscarriage
If you’ve recently experienced a pregnancy loss, you may not know what to expect afterward. Here are several common concerns that come up after a…
Early signs of autism
Many children with autism spectrum disorder show hints of the disability within the first year of life. Other children appear to develop with their peers…
Treating the emotional side of cancer
While cancer is a physical condition with unique physical health needs, cancer also brings with it very real emotional and mental health needs. From dealing…
Spinal anesthesia has advantages for some pediatric surgeries
When a baby needs surgery, parents may be worried about how general anesthesia will affect their child. In place of general anesthesia, Mayo Clinic is using spinal…
Heart disease in women: Unsuspected? Overlooked? Ignored?
Joy O’Neal was diagnosed with advanced heart failure — two years after she first started telling doctors that she was fatigued, gaining weight and just…
Video: Protect your bones as you age
Older adults are at higher risk of complications from a broken bone. Dr. Ann Kearns, an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, explains how to prevent that…
Why do miscarriages happen?
For many people, the sudden end of a pregnancy gives rise to a thousand thoughts and feelings. Suddenly, you’re not sure what this means about…
Podcast: Healthy ways to discipline children
Child health experts condemn the use of violence in any form, but some people still use corporal punishment, such as spanking, as a way to…
When should I consider using a medication to assist with weight loss?
Lisa is a 53-year-old woman who has struggled to maintain a healthy body weight for many years — really since her first pregnancy when she…
Healing from cleft lip and cleft palate
Having a baby born with a cleft can be upsetting, but cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth defects, and both can be…
Caring for transgender and gender-diverse children, teens
Transgender is an umbrella term used to describe the spectrum of gender identity and gender expression diversity. Gender identity is the internal sense of being male, female,…
Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants: What’s the difference? Which do I buy?
As a women’s health specialist at Mayo Clinic, I’m baffled when I ask, “What lubricant do you use?” and the woman replies, “I don’t know,…
Chest wall deformities in children
Chest wall deformities are structural abnormalities in the chest. While present since birth, chest wall deformities might not become noticeable until children hit their adolescent…
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Is seasonal affective disorder (SAD) considered depression? If so, should I be treated for it year-round even though it comes and goes? Seasonal affective disorder,…
Overcoming fears of storms
For many children, storm fears that interfere with day-to-day life can be reduced with comfort in a plan, appropriate knowledge, and decreasing behaviors that make…
Beyond bone density: Checking the health of your bones
Your skeleton is a never-ending home repair project. Throughout your lifetime, you experience the breakdown and removal of bone tissue (resorption) and the creation of…
What’s that lump? Bartholin’s cyst
Sarah was having a regular, busy Tuesday morning when she hopped in the shower after yoga class. Sarah lathered up and was mentally making her…
Topical steroids for your child’s eczema: Isn’t there something safer?
Odds are, if your child has eczema, you’ve heard a few tall tales about topical steroid treatment. Between online advice and well-meaning family members, you…
Video: Complementary medicine
Have you ever wondered whether alternative therapies could help you feel better about your health? Learn which approaches Mayo Clinic experts rely on in their…
Routine screening tests for women as they enter midlife and beyond
At a typical yearly visit in primary care, your health care provider is likely to run through a checklist of screening questions with you. As…
My child wets the bed at night — is this normal?
It’s not unusual for kids to wet the bed at night. Known formally as pediatric enuresis, uncontrolled nighttime urination affects as many as 5% to…
Are there reasons I’m feeling more down during perimenopause?
Q: I’m going through perimenopause and I’ve been feeling down lately — can perimenopause contribute to depression? A: Perimenopause is the 2 to 8 years…
Video: How to handle a serious diagnosis
A serious medical diagnosis can turn anyone’s world upside down. Mayo Clinic experts offer insight into how they would process a difficult diagnosis and who…
Just a poke? Not to a young child. How to smooth out the COVID-19 vaccine process
Watching your young child receive an injection of anything is often an emotionally difficult experience. On the one hand, you want your child to be…
The constant cold: Why kids are always sick and what to do about it
For parents, certain sounds can evoke an almost physical response — crying at 3 in the morning, eerie midday silence, but perhaps most dreaded: the…
What to know about concussion — Before your kid gets hit
As a general internist, I’m responsible for knowing about a lot of medical conditions. Not only do I treat a wide range of medical problems…
Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Sexual health after cancer treatment
Treatment for certain cancers can affect sexuality, causing a range of signs and symptoms that can make sex more difficult. Sexual side effects from cancer…
You’re going to get a Pap smear from where?! Explaining the anal Pap smear
Carolyn came to my office as a new patient. She was 26 years old, and because she had a kidney transplantation a couple of years…
Video: How do you deal with midday stress?
That moment when pent-up stress threatens to throw off your day? Stop what you’re doing and try the techniques Mayo Clinic experts use to re-center.…
Diet and nutrition help cancer survivors return to good health
After cancer treatment, cancer survivors are eager to return to good health. The right diet and nutrition can play a big role in improving long-term health so…
How to exercise safely during the winter
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am an active 43-year-old female who enjoys exercising and staying in shape. I usually try to work out at least three days…
Modeling healthy problem-solving for your kids
To work together effectively as parents, one of the best things you can do is to maintain healthy interactions and habits in your adult relationship.…
Preserving fertility after a cancer diagnosis
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 70,000 women of reproductive age are diagnosed with cancer each year. This can be an overwhelming time, and…
My radiologist says I have dense breast tissue. Should I be worried?
Q: I had my first mammogram this year and was told that everything was fine, but the radiologist sent me a letter saying that I…
Video: Why exercise is such powerful medicine
If this habit were available in pill form, it would be a wonder drug. This Mayo Clinic expert wants you to know why exercise is…
Tips for Co-Parenting After Divorce
A divorce is never something you anticipate or want to go through. It becomes even more complicated and difficult if you are a parent. There…
Androgenic alopecia: Hair loss isn’t only for men
Since elementary school, I’ve had a scar on the front of my scalp from an injury. I’ve always been able to hide it with my…
Tips to beat holiday depression
The holiday season can invite unwelcome guests into your life, such as loneliness, money problems, family demands and unrealistic expectations. The stress and anxiety that accompany those…
Video: Tips for putting instinct to work at snack time
When presented with two options, it’s natural to choose quick and easy. Jen Welper, executive chef at Mayo Clinic and author of “Cook Smart, Eat…
Air travel with an infant
Your first flight with your child will likely be a lot different from your previous flights. Instead of worrying about whether you have enough reading…
Researching health info online
Wondering what online health information you can trust? Mayo Clinic experts share tips on how to focus your searches on dependable sources. Video: Mayo Clinic…
Dangers of mixing antidepressants and alcohol
Can you drink alcohol while taking antidepressants? Answer From Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D. It’s recommended to avoid combining antidepressants and alcohol. Drinking while taking antidepressants may…
Video: Mayo Clinic experts on how to set screen time rules
When all your screens are closing in, it’s time to take a stand. Learn how Mayo Clinic experts fight the good fight in their own…
Breast cancer risk – I can take a drug for that?
Q: I went in for my annual screening mammogram at age 45. I filled out a questionnaire before going in. The report said that although…
Bladder cancer in women
Bladder cancer is often thought of as affecting men, and with good reason. New cases of this cancer are more than three times higher among…
Sexual function after cancer
You’ve been through the long and difficult road of cancer treatment. You have finally reached the point where the cancer is gone, and you’re ready…
Mental health and the holidays: Resilience
Q: People who are grateful seem to appreciate life and be much happier, regardless of their external circumstances. This time of year, and after what…
How do I know that my toddler can see properly?
Newborns come into the world with vision that is mostly blurry. The visual system develops over time and is fully formed by the teen years.…
Hot flash? Breathe.
Even if you make over your environment and do your best to avoid triggers, you may still experience hot flashes with the menopause transition. But…
Helping your child process news of a mass tragedy
When a mass tragedy — such as a natural disaster, shooting or terrorist attack — comes to the attention of your child, you can help…
Testosterone — Not just for men
Men have heard about testosterone their whole lives, but women might not have stopped to consider testosterone’s role in their bodies. While testosterone is the…
Establish good sleep habits in your child
While your child is sleeping, a complex cycle of events is taking place. During slumber, the body is alternating between one of two states: no-rapid…
How can I train myself to use the right pronouns?
Q: One of my siblings has announced she is transgender and wants to go by “she” and “her” pronouns. I really want to respect her…
Tips for taking control of the holidays (so they don’t take control of you)
While the holiday season can be filled with joy and wonderful moments with family and friends, for many it often also brings unwanted guests…
Want to talk to your doctor about sexual function? Bring it up!
I hesitated as I looked over a new patient’s medical chart. Her health history was incredibly complicated with cystic fibrosis, diabetes, a lung transplant, laser…
I feel like I eat healthy. Do I also need a multivitamin?
Erin is a 23-year-old student at Arizona State University who is concerned about nutrition. She admits she doesn’t always eat healthy but really tries. She…
Liven up your leftovers!
It’s the end of the week, and when you open the fridge, you’re shocked at how much food is waiting inside. There are so many…
What those with chronic conditions wish their friends knew
For those with a chronic illness, navigating and sometimes declining social invitations comes with the extra stress of frustrating friends and colleagues. An all-too familiar…
I have calcifications in my breast. Should I be worried?
Q: I started having mammograms at 40 as a woman at average risk for breast cancer. This year, I received a notice from the radiologist…
What to note about your bloat
You’ve been bloated before — and you probably remember the feeling well. But ask 10 different people to describe bloating symptoms, and you’ll be surprised…
7 tips to reduce food waste
If you regularly buy groceries for your family, you know how hard it can be to buy just the right amount. Either you’re running to…
They’re safe. They’re effective. But is an IUD right for me?
Maybe you saw a commercial on TV. Maybe your good friend just got one. Maybe you’re tired of taking your pill. Whatever the reason, IUDs…
The pros and cons of social media on mental health
Social media as well as smartphone technology has touched almost all areas of our lives. We order groceries online, video chat with our relatives and…
COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5 to 11 years old: Good news for families
Nearly 28 million children in the U.S. are newly eligible to be protected by COVID-19 vaccination. The Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization…
Colorectal cancer screening aims younger: 45 is the new 50
Millions of people who thought colorectal cancer screening was somewhere off in their distant future recently got a wake-up call. The recommended age for taking…
Magnesium: Are you low, but don’t know?
Jana is a 50-year-old woman with three children at various stages of leaving the nest … and returning to the nest … and leaving again.…
Backing into an eating disorder: An illness that often starts with good intentions of being healthier
Thanks to made-for-TV movies, most of us have a stereotype of how eating disorders start. Someone, usually a privileged young girl wanting to be skinny…
Mayo Clinic explores: Supporting someone with depression
Once you understand that depression isn’t something your loved one can easily manage without help, it may be more possible for you to offer support…
Mayo Clinic explores: The mental health toll of family estrangement
Although not everyone is as public as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Royals are not the only family experiencing a possible rift. More than…
Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: An alert for women about heart disease
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S. Since the mid 1980’s more women have died of heart disease than men.…
When is my child old enough for strength training?
Most children at the elementary school ages don’t need to be participating in strength training. Unstructured free play is a great exercise program for this…
Help your kids learn to try, try again
Life isn’t a string of continual successes; it’s a string of attempts at success. Think of your child’s first steps. Many of those initial efforts…
Mayo Clinic explores: The role of massage therapy for mental health
If you’re experiencing tension, stress or pain, a little bit of touch may be just what you need. Massage — a general term for pressing,…
Biographical disruption: When a chronic illness diagnosis changes you forever
Heidi’s main fear was just realized; the doctor has informed her that — without a doubt — she has rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Gone is the…
Wait, what? You’re struggling to lose weight? 7 tips to consider
By the time women turn 40, most either have tried to lose weight or are currently trying to lose weight. There is an excess of…
Mayo Clinic explores: The Stigma of Mental Health in Communities of Color
Since 2012, Pastor Walter Lanier has led the MIRACLE (Mental Illness Raising Awareness with Church & Community Leaders Everywhere) initiative in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in…
Ear infections: If not antibiotics, then what?
Your 3-year-old was up half the night crying because of pain in one ear. He’s still tugging on it this morning, but he doesn’t have…
Pink eye: Do I need to keep my kid home from child care?
You’re anticipating a busy day at work and hustling to get your toddler off to child care. But then you notice she has crusting and…
Unplugging your family: Tips to make it work
Are you worried that screen time has run amok in your family? If so, you’re not alone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most children and families…
Keeping kids safe on trampolines and at bounce houses
Trampolines and bounce houses have become staples of backyards, community and family events, and children’s birthday parties. Their softer surfaces can lead you to believe…
What does it mean if I have dense breasts?
What is dense breast tissue? Most medical organizations recommend that women who have an average risk of breast cancer consider regular mammogram testing beginning in…