Medical Edge

March 2, 2012

Medical Edge: History of baldness on either side of family increases risk of balding

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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is it true that you inherit genes for baldness from your mother’s side of the family? Is there anything that can be done to prevent or slow hair loss? ANSWER: Actually, patterns of baldness are inherited from many genes, which can come from both sides of the family. So, to assess your […]

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Tags: baldness


February 8, 2012

Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: PSA test alone not enough to diagnose specific condition

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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What do you recommend as far as PSA testing? Is it true that the test is not completely accurate? ANSWER: The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test can be a valuable tool for detecting prostate problems, particularly prostate cancer. But a PSA test alone is not enough to diagnose a specific condition. To […]

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Tags: prostate cancer, prostate-specific antigen, PSA testing


February 1, 2012

Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Pain from sciatica can range from mild to intense

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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’ve had sciatica on-and-off for weeks, but for the past few days it has been so bad that I’m uncomfortable all of the time. It feels best when walking, but when I stop or sit down the pain is almost unbearable…ANSWER: Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the […]

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Tags: Randy Shelerud, sciatica


February 1, 2012

Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Cryoablation recently approved as atrial fibrillation treatment

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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was just diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and am on medication for the time being but was told I may need surgery. I have read about a new treatment option called cryoablation. Is this a safe option? How effective is the procedure? ANSWER: Cryoablation can be used to control atrial fibrillation when […]

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Tags: atrial fibrillation, cryoablation, Fred Kusumoto, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville


January 20, 2012

Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Bruising easily can be normal but sometimes signals an underlying problem,

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 DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Lately, I seem to bruise very easily. Is this something I should see my doctor about or be concerned with? I am 54 and in excellent health. ANSWER: Bruising easily can be normal in some people and becomes more common as we age. But bruising easily may also signal an underlying medical […]

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January 19, 2012

Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Previous gastric bypass surgery may be affecting time-release medication,

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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I suffer from chronic back pain that requires ongoing pain medication, but the medication only works for two to three hours at a time. Years ago, I had gastric bypass surgery…ANSWER: Many medications can be absorbed normally after gastric bypass surgery. But certain drugs, including some types of time-release medications, require careful […]

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January 19, 2012

Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Cataract surgery is possible for most people who’ve had LASIK,

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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is it true that I can’t have cataract surgery because I once had LASIK? I’m only 57 and am worried about losing my eyesight. ANSWER: No, that’s not true. Successful cataract surgery is possible for most people who have had laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK surgery) or other types of refractive surgery that […]

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January 19, 2012

Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: 9 an appropriate age for girls to receive HPV vaccine

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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Our pediatrician recommended the HPV vaccine for our 9-year-old daughter. This seems early for a vaccine that protects women from a sexually transmitted disease. Wouldn’t it be better to wait? What are the side effects? How do I know it’s safe?  ANSWER: Age 9 is a good time for girls to receive […]

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January 19, 2012

Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Left untreated, hypercalcemia can lead to health problems

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 DEAR MAYO CLINIC: A recent blood test showed that I have mild hypercalcemia. What could cause this? Is it a serious condition? ANSWER: When blood contains too much calcium, the condition is called hypercalcemia. Most often, the cause is a problem with the parathyroid glands and the hormone they produce… Chicago Tribune, , by Bart […]

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January 19, 2012

Medical Edge: Habit Program

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Mild Cognitive Impairment, or MCI, is a condition that can be a precursor to Dementia-like Alzheimer’s Disease. People with MCI have problems with things like memory and judgment.  After someone learns they have MCI problems, they’re left wondering “What comes next?” That’s why Mayo Clinic developed “The Habit Program.”… “What we’re trying to do is […]

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