Cold medicine dangers, walk-in clinics, Super Bowl snacks and more

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VOL. 9, ISSUE 5

January 29, 2008

Dear Subscriber,

What to do when a runny nose, congestion and other cold symptoms have left your toddler — and you — miserable? Don't reach for the cough and cold medicine, which can be dangerous for kids under age 2. Learn from a pediatrics specialist what soothing remedies are safe. Also this week, check out our game plan for healthy Super Bowl snacking — you won't have to worry about sabotaging your healthy-eating goals with this lineup.

Thanks for subscribing.Sincerely,The team at MayoClinic.com

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Sleep

10 tips for better sleepIf you're having trouble sleeping, making just a few small changes could give you the sleep you need.

InsomniaSleepless nights? Insomnia includes difficulty going to sleep, staying asleep or going back to sleep after you awaken. Insomnia may be temporary or chronic.

Insomnia treatment: Cognitive behavioral therapy instead of sleeping pillsA safe and effective insomnia treatment called cognitive behavioral therapy can treat even severe or long-standing insomnia without pills or side effects.

For more information about these topics, visit the Sleep Center.

Books & Newsletters

Digestive problems shouldn't be ignored. Click here for the guidance you need to make digestive problems more understandable, more manageable and more responsive to treatment.

Highlights

Cold medicines for kids: What's the risk?The FDA says cough and cold medicines are risky for young children. A Mayo Clinic specialist explains why — and offers tips for treating your child's cold.

Walk-in clinics: What to know before you goYou can get treatment for minor illnesses at walk-in clinics in stores and pharmacies. Find out whether these clinics are a good option for you.

Allergy shots: Hope for long-term allergy reliefAn allergy shot every month for several years isn't much fun. But it might be a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatmentMost people who have chemotherapy lose at least some of their hair. Planning ahead can help you prepare for this change in your appearance.

STD symptoms: 7 STDs and common symptomsIf you think you might have an STD, check out this list of common and possible STD symptoms and potential causes.

Featured Tools

Personal Health ScorecardDo risky behaviors threaten your health? Find out how you rate. Take the Personal Health Scorecard.

Symptom CheckerFoot pain? Headache? Sore throat? Skin rash? Use the Symptom Checker to find out what's causing your symptom. Choose from dozens of adult and children's symptoms.

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Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is a newsletter devoted exclusively to your health concerns as women. It brings you the facts straight from the experts, in plain English. Sign up today for your COMPLIMENTARY TRIAL ISSUE plus 2 FREE SPECIAL REPORTS on weight control and joint health.

Healthy Recipes: Super Bowl Lineup

Philly steak sandwich

Chicken strips with honey mustard sauce

Crispy potato skins

Pita wedges with green olive tapenade

Sweet and spicy snack mix

For more recipes, visit our Healthy Recipes Center.

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StressStressed out? Information overload? Check out our blog.

Alzheimer's diseaseDealing with the stress and challenges of Alzheimer's disease? You're not alone. Join our blog conversation.

Ask A Specialist

Mayo Clinic specialists answer questions from readers

Blood poisoning: What does it mean? Metabolism: What's the best way to boost it? Water after meals: Does it disturb digestion? Adult acne: Is it caused by a hormonal imbalance? Ground flaxseed: Better than whole?

Submit your own question to our specialists.

Health Tip Of The Week

Soapy debate: Antibacterial or regular?Despite soaring popularity, antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. And using antibacterial soap may lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the products' antimicrobial agents, making it even harder to kill these germs in the future. In general, regular soap is fine.

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.

Treatment Decisions

Birth control guideFrom the pill and condom to IUD and sterilization, evaluate the pros and cons of contraceptive methods to help choose one that meets your needs.

Now Playing: Slide Show

Melanoma pictures to help identify skin cancerMelanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. View this slide show to see which skin characteristics may be of concern.

Health Digest

A wrap-up of this week's other new and updated information

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For more of our reliable health information and tools, visit us at MayoClinic.com.

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