Springtime allergies, fibromyalgia, walking poles and more

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Vol. 13, Issue 12
March 20, 2012 Dear Subscriber, Spring-like weather in much of the U.S. means an early start to allergy season. Find out what medicines can ease your symptoms. If you have asthma, which often accompanies allergies, check out a video on the proper way to use a peak flow meter. Also this week, get the facts on "herbal viagra," discover the benefits of walking poles, join the blog conversation about hair and skin concerns after cancer treatment, and more. Thanks for subscribing. Sincerely, The team at MayoClinic.com
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Featured Topic Seasonal Allergies Allergy medications: Know your options Which allergy medications are likely to relieve your symptoms? Find out about different medications, why they're used and potential side effects. Allergies and asthma: They often occur together Allergies and asthma are often linked. A Mayo Clinic specialist discusses how they're connected — and what you can do to manage both. Springtime allergies: Nip them in the bud Pollen levels increase in the spring — and for many people, so do allergy symptoms. Take these steps to get some relief. Books & Newsletters Heart disease is the leading cause of death of both women and men in the United States, but you can learn to prevent it or lessen its severity in most cases. Improving your heart health doesn't really take a lot of time. You can start with as little as 10 minutes a day. This new book, "Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life!" can show you how. Get your copy today! Highlights Blood glucose monitors: What factors affect accuracy? Blood glucose monitors are usually accurate, but sometimes problems occur. Consider these factors when measuring blood sugar levels. CT scans: Are they safe? Is the information gained from CT scans worth a small potential increase in cancer risk? Is fibromyalgia hereditary? Fibromyalgia seems to run in families. Have any genes been linked to it? Statins: Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs right for you? Statins are effective in lowering cholesterol. But, are they a good choice for everyone? Find out more. Featured Tools Symptom Checker Foot pain? Headache? Sore throat? Skin rash? Use the Symptom Checker to find out what's causing your symptom. Did You Know? Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution dedicated to patient care, education and medical research. Proceeds from advertising and the sale of Mayo Clinic books and newsletters support Mayo Clinic's mission. Share our passion for science and health. Please consider a gift to Mayo Clinic. Click here to donate. Now Playing: Video How to use a peak flow meter Asthma attacks taking you by surprise? Take regular peak flow meter readings, as shown in this video, to predict asthma episodes and better control your condition. Healthy Recipes Fresh figs with walnuts and mascarpone Lasagna Sauteed zucchini coins Spinach mushroom frittata Now Blogging Living with cancer: Skin, hair care concern cancer survivors Nutrition-wise: Get your plate in shape Pregnancy and you: Ectopic pregnancy recovery — Healing takes time Stress: Recharge your batteries Mayo Clinic's 'Living With Cancer' Newsletter If you or someone you love is living with cancer, get the help you need from a source you can trust. With our weekly e-newsletter "Living With Cancer," you'll hear from Mayo Clinic medical experts specializing in cancer research, prevention and treatment. Join today; it's FREE. Expert Answers with Mayo Clinic specialists Back labor: Childbirth myth or reality? 'Herbal viagra': Is it safe? Tattoo removal cream: Does it work? Walking poles: Good for brisk walking? Health Tip Of The Week Reduce tension through muscle relaxation Progressive muscle relaxation can reduce muscle tension from stress. First, find a quiet place free from interruption. Tense each muscle group for at least five seconds and then relax for up to 30 seconds. Repeat before moving to the next muscle group. Practice this technique anytime you feel stress. Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Try a daily dose of healthy lifestyle tips from MayoClinic.com. Receive the tips through your favorite RSS reader. Health Digest A wrap-up of this week's other new and updated information Bile reflux Chronic daily headaches Dislocation: First aid Ventricular assist devices (VADs) For more of our reliable health information and tools, visit us at MayoClinic.com. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. For questions or comments, please contact Customer Service. If you no longer wish to receive Mayo Clinic Housecall, click here to unsubscribe: Unsubscribe. Or you may visit the Housecall subscription services page to SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your email address. Visit the Housecall archive to read past issues. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to a friend.
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