Fwd: Mayo Clinic Housecall: MRSA and other infectious diseases

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VOL. 8, ISSUE 43

October 23, 2007

Dear Subscriber,

Reports about a deadly "superbug" bacteria in schools may have you worried. The bacteria, called MRSA, short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is resistant to many medications, making it difficult to treat. Student athletes and young students are among those at risk. You can help protect your children, your other loved ones and yourself by taking a few minutes to learn about MRSA and staph infections and the best ways to prevent their spread.

Thanks for subscribing.

Sincerely,

The team at MayoClinic.com

FEATURED CENTER

Skin

Itchy skin

Whether it affects a small or large area of your body, itchy skin can be uncomfortable and persistent. Here's how to stop the itch.

Dry air: Combating the effects of dry winter air

In the battle to stay warm, dry indoor air may leave you with annoying signs and symptoms. Here's how to win the fight.

Humidifiers: Vital steps for cleaning

Humidifiers can provide soothing relief of dry skin and even asthma during the winter months. But don't let yours become a household health hazard.

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

Books Newsletters

Half off Mayo's bestsellers! Get all three of our most popular books at an incredible 49 percent off when you buy the set. You'll get Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody, The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook and Mayo Clinic Fitness for EveryBody ... plus three bonus gifts for a healthier you!

Highlights

DHEA: Evidence for anti-aging claims is lacking

A Mayo Clinic specialist who studies DHEA answers common questions.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common type of arthritis in children. In most cases JRA is not a lifelong disorder.

Sprains and strains

Sprains and strains — damage to ligaments and muscles — can result from overdoing physical activities. Learn ways to prevent this damage.

Crying baby? How to keep your cool

All babies cry, but the tears can take a toll. Here's help staying calm when the tears won't stop.

Alzheimer's: Managing sleep problems

Alzheimer's sleep problems affect both you and your loved one. Try these tips for getting both of you a good night's rest.

Timely Topics: Understand MRSA and other infections

Are infectious diseases on the rise? Editor's note

Infectious diseases on the rise? A Mayo Clinic expert tackles the question.

MRSA infection

From spotting symptoms to preventing infections, protect yourself from this virulent form of staph bacteria.

Staph infections

The bacteria that cause staph infections are everywhere, including on your skin and in your nose. Learn how to protect yourself from these potentially dangerous germs.

Hand washing: An easy way to prevent infection

Hand washing is a simple habit that can help keep you healthy. Find out why hand washing is so important.

Infectious diseases: How they spread, how to stop them

Kids call them cooties. Adults call them germs. Learn how infectious agents spread and what you can do to minimize your risk of infectious diseases.

For more information about these topics, visit the Infectious Disease Center.

Featured Tools

Slide show: Labor positions

During labor, frequent changes of position can help you relax and stay in control of the pain. Be creative! These ideas may help.

Symptom Checker

Use this Symptom Checker to pinpoint possible causes of your symptoms.

Healthy Recipes

Chocolate pudding pies

Creamed Swiss chard

Portobello and blue cheese salad

Miso soup with watercress and shiitakes

For more recipes, visit our Healthy Recipes Center.

Now Blogging

Stress

Stressed out? Information overload? Check out our new blog.

Alzheimer's disease

Dealing 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

Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment?

Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?

Infant formula: Should I use tap or bottled water?

Pulsatile tinnitus: What causes it?

Ear candling: Is it safe?

Submit your own question to our specialists.

Treatment Decisions

Mastectomy vs. lumpectomy guide

Use this guide to help you decide whether mastectomy or lumpectomy is your best choice in breast cancer treatment.

Health Digest

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

Primary biliary cirrhosis

Bed-wetting

Newborn care: Common-sense strategies for stressed-out parents

Myelodysplastic syndromes

HIV/AIDS

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

Get updates via RSS.

PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.

For questions or comments, please contact Customer Service.

Visit the Housecall subscription services page to SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your e-mail address.

Visit the Housecall archive to read past issues.

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to a friend.

Copyright 2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.

Advertising and sponsorship policy

[Guest guest]

See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.

Click here if you can't view this properly

Search MayoClinic.com

VOL. 8, ISSUE 43

October 23, 2007

Dear Subscriber,

Reports about a deadly "superbug" bacteria in schools may have you worried. The bacteria, called MRSA, short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is resistant to many medications, making it difficult to treat. Student athletes and young students are among those at risk. You can help protect your children, your other loved ones and yourself by taking a few minutes to learn about MRSA and staph infections and the best ways to prevent their spread.

Thanks for subscribing.

Sincerely,

The team at MayoClinic.com

FEATURED CENTER

Skin

Itchy skin

Whether it affects a small or large area of your body, itchy skin can be uncomfortable and persistent. Here's how to stop the itch.

Dry air: Combating the effects of dry winter air

In the battle to stay warm, dry indoor air may leave you with annoying signs and symptoms. Here's how to win the fight.

Humidifiers: Vital steps for cleaning

Humidifiers can provide soothing relief of dry skin and even asthma during the winter months. But don't let yours become a household health hazard.

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

Books Newsletters

Half off Mayo's bestsellers! Get all three of our most popular books at an incredible 49 percent off when you buy the set. You'll get Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody, The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook and Mayo Clinic Fitness for EveryBody ... plus three bonus gifts for a healthier you!

Highlights

DHEA: Evidence for anti-aging claims is lacking

A Mayo Clinic specialist who studies DHEA answers common questions.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common type of arthritis in children. In most cases JRA is not a lifelong disorder.

Sprains and strains

Sprains and strains — damage to ligaments and muscles — can result from overdoing physical activities. Learn ways to prevent this damage.

Crying baby? How to keep your cool

All babies cry, but the tears can take a toll. Here's help staying calm when the tears won't stop.

Alzheimer's: Managing sleep problems

Alzheimer's sleep problems affect both you and your loved one. Try these tips for getting both of you a good night's rest.

Timely Topics: Understand MRSA and other infections

Are infectious diseases on the rise? Editor's note

Infectious diseases on the rise? A Mayo Clinic expert tackles the question.

MRSA infection

From spotting symptoms to preventing infections, protect yourself from this virulent form of staph bacteria.

Staph infections

The bacteria that cause staph infections are everywhere, including on your skin and in your nose. Learn how to protect yourself from these potentially dangerous germs.

Hand washing: An easy way to prevent infection

Hand washing is a simple habit that can help keep you healthy. Find out why hand washing is so important.

Infectious diseases: How they spread, how to stop them

Kids call them cooties. Adults call them germs. Learn how infectious agents spread and what you can do to minimize your risk of infectious diseases.

For more information about these topics, visit the Infectious Disease Center.

Featured Tools

Slide show: Labor positions

During labor, frequent changes of position can help you relax and stay in control of the pain. Be creative! These ideas may help.

Symptom Checker

Use this Symptom Checker to pinpoint possible causes of your symptoms.

Healthy Recipes

Chocolate pudding pies

Creamed Swiss chard

Portobello and blue cheese salad

Miso soup with watercress and shiitakes

For more recipes, visit our Healthy Recipes Center.

Now Blogging

Stress

Stressed out? Information overload? Check out our new blog.

Alzheimer's disease

Dealing 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

Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment?

Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?

Infant formula: Should I use tap or bottled water?

Pulsatile tinnitus: What causes it?

Ear candling: Is it safe?

Submit your own question to our specialists.

Treatment Decisions

Mastectomy vs. lumpectomy guide

Use this guide to help you decide whether mastectomy or lumpectomy is your best choice in breast cancer treatment.

Health Digest

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

Primary biliary cirrhosis

Bed-wetting

Newborn care: Common-sense strategies for stressed-out parents

Myelodysplastic syndromes

HIV/AIDS

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

Get updates via RSS.

PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.

For questions or comments, please contact Customer Service.

Visit the Housecall subscription services page to SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your e-mail address.

Visit the Housecall archive to read past issues.

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to a friend.

Copyright 2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.

Advertising and sponsorship policy

[Guest guest]

Great info! Thank you for this.Blessings,Beckyanewronald@... wrote: See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage. Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:16:49 -0500 (CDT)To: housecall@...Subject: Mayo Clinic Housecall: MRSA and other infectious diseasesFrom: newsletters@... Reliable Health Information from www.mayoclinic.com Click here if you can't view this properly Search MayoClinic.com VOL. 8, ISSUE 43 October 23, 2007 Dear Subscriber, Reports about a deadly

"superbug" bacteria in schools may have you worried. The bacteria, called MRSA, short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is resistant to many medications, making it difficult to treat. Student athletes and young students are among those at risk. You can help protect your children, your other loved ones and yourself by taking a few minutes to learn about MRSA and staph infections and the best ways to prevent their spread. Thanks for subscribing. Sincerely, The team at MayoClinic.com FEATURED CENTER Skin Itchy skin Whether it affects a small or large area of your body, itchy skin can be uncomfortable and persistent. Here's how to stop the itch. Dry air: Combating the effects of dry winter air In the battle to stay warm, dry indoor air may leave you with annoying signs and symptoms. Here's how to win the fight. Humidifiers: Vital steps for cleaning Humidifiers can provide soothing relief of dry skin and even asthma during the winter months. But don't let yours become a household health hazard. For more information about these topics, visit the Skin Center. Books & Newsletters Half off Mayo's bestsellers! Get all three of our most popular books at an incredible 49 percent off when you buy the set. You'll get Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody, The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook and Mayo Clinic Fitness for EveryBody ... plus three bonus gifts for a healthier you!

Highlights DHEA: Evidence for anti-aging claims is lacking A Mayo Clinic specialist who studies DHEA answers common questions. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common type of arthritis in children. In most cases JRA is not a lifelong disorder. Sprains and strains Sprains and strains — damage to ligaments and muscles — can result from overdoing physical activities. Learn ways to prevent this damage. Crying baby? How to keep your cool All babies cry, but the tears can take a toll. Here's help staying calm when the tears won't stop. Alzheimer's: Managing sleep problems Alzheimer's sleep problems affect both you and your loved one. Try these tips for getting both of you a good night's rest. Timely Topics: Understand MRSA and other infections Are infectious diseases on the rise? Editor's note Infectious diseases on the rise? A Mayo Clinic expert tackles the question. MRSA infection From spotting symptoms to preventing infections, protect yourself from this virulent form of staph bacteria. Staph infections The bacteria that cause staph infections are everywhere, including on your skin and in your nose. Learn how to protect yourself from these potentially dangerous germs. Hand washing: An easy way to prevent infection Hand washing is a simple habit that can help keep you healthy. Find out why hand washing is so important. Infectious diseases: How they spread, how to stop them Kids call them cooties. Adults

call them germs. Learn how infectious agents spread and what you can do to minimize your risk of infectious diseases. For more information about these topics, visit the Infectious Disease Center. Featured Tools Slide show: Labor positions During labor, frequent changes of position can help you relax and stay in control of the pain. Be creative! These ideas may help. Symptom Checker Use this Symptom Checker to pinpoint possible causes of your symptoms. Healthy Recipes Chocolate pudding pies Creamed Swiss chard Portobello and blue cheese salad Miso soup with watercress and shiitakes For more recipes, visit our Healthy Recipes Center. Now Blogging Stress Stressed out? Information overload? Check out our new blog. Alzheimer's disease Dealing 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 Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment? Melatonin side effects: What

are the risks? Infant formula: Should I use tap or bottled water? Pulsatile tinnitus: What causes it? Ear candling: Is it safe? Submit your own question to our specialists. Treatment Decisions Mastectomy vs. lumpectomy guide Use this guide to help you decide whether mastectomy or lumpectomy is your best choice in breast cancer treatment. Health Digest A wrap-up of this week's other new and updated information Primary biliary cirrhosis Bed-wetting Newborn care: Common-sense strategies for stressed-out parents Myelodysplastic syndromes HIV/AIDS For more of our reliable health information and tools, visit us at MayoClinic.com. Get updates via RSS. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. For questions or comments, please contact Customer Service. Visit the Housecall subscription services page to SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your e-mail address. Visit the Housecall archive to read past issues. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to a friend. Copyright 2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical

Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved. Advertising and sponsorship policy __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Great info! Thank you for this.Blessings,Beckyanewronald@... wrote: See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage. Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:16:49 -0500 (CDT)To: housecall@...Subject: Mayo Clinic Housecall: MRSA and other infectious diseasesFrom: newsletters@... Reliable Health Information from www.mayoclinic.com Click here if you can't view this properly Search MayoClinic.com VOL. 8, ISSUE 43 October 23, 2007 Dear Subscriber, Reports about a deadly

"superbug" bacteria in schools may have you worried. The bacteria, called MRSA, short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is resistant to many medications, making it difficult to treat. Student athletes and young students are among those at risk. You can help protect your children, your other loved ones and yourself by taking a few minutes to learn about MRSA and staph infections and the best ways to prevent their spread. Thanks for subscribing. Sincerely, The team at MayoClinic.com FEATURED CENTER Skin Itchy skin Whether it affects a small or large area of your body, itchy skin can be uncomfortable and persistent. Here's how to stop the itch. Dry air: Combating the effects of dry winter air In the battle to stay warm, dry indoor air may leave you with annoying signs and symptoms. Here's how to win the fight. Humidifiers: Vital steps for cleaning Humidifiers can provide soothing relief of dry skin and even asthma during the winter months. But don't let yours become a household health hazard. For more information about these topics, visit the Skin Center. Books & Newsletters Half off Mayo's bestsellers! Get all three of our most popular books at an incredible 49 percent off when you buy the set. You'll get Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody, The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook and Mayo Clinic Fitness for EveryBody ... plus three bonus gifts for a healthier you!

Highlights DHEA: Evidence for anti-aging claims is lacking A Mayo Clinic specialist who studies DHEA answers common questions. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common type of arthritis in children. In most cases JRA is not a lifelong disorder. Sprains and strains Sprains and strains — damage to ligaments and muscles — can result from overdoing physical activities. Learn ways to prevent this damage. Crying baby? How to keep your cool All babies cry, but the tears can take a toll. Here's help staying calm when the tears won't stop. Alzheimer's: Managing sleep problems Alzheimer's sleep problems affect both you and your loved one. Try these tips for getting both of you a good night's rest. Timely Topics: Understand MRSA and other infections Are infectious diseases on the rise? Editor's note Infectious diseases on the rise? A Mayo Clinic expert tackles the question. MRSA infection From spotting symptoms to preventing infections, protect yourself from this virulent form of staph bacteria. Staph infections The bacteria that cause staph infections are everywhere, including on your skin and in your nose. Learn how to protect yourself from these potentially dangerous germs. Hand washing: An easy way to prevent infection Hand washing is a simple habit that can help keep you healthy. Find out why hand washing is so important. Infectious diseases: How they spread, how to stop them Kids call them cooties. Adults

call them germs. Learn how infectious agents spread and what you can do to minimize your risk of infectious diseases. For more information about these topics, visit the Infectious Disease Center. Featured Tools Slide show: Labor positions During labor, frequent changes of position can help you relax and stay in control of the pain. Be creative! These ideas may help. Symptom Checker Use this Symptom Checker to pinpoint possible causes of your symptoms. Healthy Recipes Chocolate pudding pies Creamed Swiss chard Portobello and blue cheese salad Miso soup with watercress and shiitakes For more recipes, visit our Healthy Recipes Center. Now Blogging Stress Stressed out? Information overload? Check out our new blog. Alzheimer's disease Dealing 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 Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment? Melatonin side effects: What

are the risks? Infant formula: Should I use tap or bottled water? Pulsatile tinnitus: What causes it? Ear candling: Is it safe? Submit your own question to our specialists. Treatment Decisions Mastectomy vs. lumpectomy guide Use this guide to help you decide whether mastectomy or lumpectomy is your best choice in breast cancer treatment. Health Digest A wrap-up of this week's other new and updated information Primary biliary cirrhosis Bed-wetting Newborn care: Common-sense strategies for stressed-out parents Myelodysplastic syndromes HIV/AIDS For more of our reliable health information and tools, visit us at MayoClinic.com. Get updates via RSS. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. For questions or comments, please contact Customer Service. Visit the Housecall subscription services page to SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your e-mail address. Visit the Housecall archive to read past issues. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to a friend. Copyright 2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical

Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved. Advertising and sponsorship policy __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks and Rose for passing this info along. I didn't see your post until after I posted my message. I appreciate it. Debbieanewronald@... wrote: See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage. Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:16:49 -0500 (CDT)To: housecall@...Subject: Mayo Clinic Housecall: MRSA and other infectious diseasesFrom: newsletters@... Click here if you can't view this properly Search MayoClinic.com VOL. 8, ISSUE 43 October 23, 2007 Dear Subscriber, Reports about a deadly "superbug" bacteria in schools may have you worried. The bacteria, called MRSA, short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is resistant to many medications, making it difficult to treat. Student athletes and young students are among those at risk. You can help protect your children, your other loved ones and yourself by taking a few minutes to learn about MRSA and staph infections and the best ways to prevent their spread. Thanks for subscribing. Sincerely, The team at MayoClinic.com FEATURED CENTER Skin Itchy skinWhether it affects a small or large area of your body, itchy skin can be uncomfortable and persistent. Here's how to stop the itch. Dry air: Combating the effects of dry winter airIn the battle to stay warm, dry indoor air may leave you with annoying signs and symptoms. Here's how to win the fight. Humidifiers: Vital steps for cleaningHumidifiers can provide soothing relief of dry skin and even asthma during the winter months. But don't let yours become a household health hazard. For more information about these topics, visit the Skin Center. Books & Newsletters Half off Mayo's bestsellers! Get all three of our most

popular books at an incredible 49 percent off when you buy the set. You'll get Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody, The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook and Mayo Clinic Fitness for EveryBody ... plus three bonus gifts for a healthier you! Highlights DHEA: Evidence for anti-aging claims is lackingA Mayo Clinic specialist who studies DHEA answers common questions. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritisJuvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common type of arthritis in children. In most cases JRA is not a lifelong disorder. Sprains and

strainsSprains and strains — damage to ligaments and muscles — can result from overdoing physical activities. Learn ways to prevent this damage. Crying baby? How to keep your coolAll babies cry, but the tears can take a toll. Here's help staying calm when the tears won't stop. Alzheimer's: Managing sleep problemsAlzheimer's sleep problems affect both you and your loved one. Try these tips for getting both of you a good night's rest. Timely Topics: Understand MRSA and other infections Are infectious diseases on the rise? Editor's noteInfectious diseases on the rise? A Mayo Clinic expert tackles the question. MRSA infectionFrom spotting symptoms to preventing infections, protect yourself from this virulent form of staph bacteria. Staph infectionsThe bacteria that cause staph infections are everywhere, including on your skin and in your nose. Learn how to protect yourself from these potentially dangerous germs. Hand washing: An easy way to prevent infectionHand washing is a simple habit

that can help keep you healthy. Find out why hand washing is so important. Infectious diseases: How they spread, how to stop themKids call them cooties. Adults call them germs. Learn how infectious agents spread and what you can do to minimize your risk of infectious diseases. For more information about these topics, visit the Infectious Disease Center. Featured Tools Slide show: Labor positionsDuring labor, frequent changes of position can help you relax and stay in control of the pain. Be creative! These ideas may help. Symptom CheckerUse this Symptom Checker to pinpoint possible causes of your symptoms. Healthy Recipes Chocolate pudding pies Creamed Swiss chard Portobello and blue cheese salad Miso soup with watercress and shiitakes For more recipes, visit our Healthy Recipes Center. Now Blogging StressStressed out? Information overload? Check out our new 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 Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment? Melatonin side effects: What are the risks? Infant formula: Should I use tap or bottled water? Pulsatile tinnitus: What causes it? Ear candling: Is it safe? Submit your own question to our specialists. Treatment Decisions Mastectomy vs. lumpectomy guideUse this guide to help you decide whether mastectomy or lumpectomy is your best choice in breast cancer treatment. Health Digest A wrap-up of this week's other new and updated information Primary biliary cirrhosis Bed-wetting Newborn care: Common-sense strategies for stressed-out parents Myelodysplastic syndromes HIV/AIDS For more of our reliable health information and tools, visit us at MayoClinic.com. Get updates via RSS. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.For questions or comments, please contact Customer Service. Visit the Housecall subscription services page to SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your e-mail

address. Visit the Housecall archive to read past issues. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to a friend. Copyright 2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved. Advertising and sponsorship policy Debbie T.Co-Moderator __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks and Rose for passing this info along. I didn't see your post until after I posted my message. I appreciate it. Debbieanewronald@... wrote: See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage. Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:16:49 -0500 (CDT)To: housecall@...Subject: Mayo Clinic Housecall: MRSA and other infectious diseasesFrom: newsletters@... Click here if you can't view this properly Search MayoClinic.com VOL. 8, ISSUE 43 October 23, 2007 Dear Subscriber, Reports about a deadly "superbug" bacteria in schools may have you worried. The bacteria, called MRSA, short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is resistant to many medications, making it difficult to treat. Student athletes and young students are among those at risk. You can help protect your children, your other loved ones and yourself by taking a few minutes to learn about MRSA and staph infections and the best ways to prevent their spread. Thanks for subscribing. Sincerely, The team at MayoClinic.com FEATURED CENTER Skin Itchy skinWhether it affects a small or large area of your body, itchy skin can be uncomfortable and persistent. Here's how to stop the itch. Dry air: Combating the effects of dry winter airIn the battle to stay warm, dry indoor air may leave you with annoying signs and symptoms. Here's how to win the fight. Humidifiers: Vital steps for cleaningHumidifiers can provide soothing relief of dry skin and even asthma during the winter months. But don't let yours become a household health hazard. For more information about these topics, visit the Skin Center. Books & Newsletters Half off Mayo's bestsellers! Get all three of our most

popular books at an incredible 49 percent off when you buy the set. You'll get Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody, The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook and Mayo Clinic Fitness for EveryBody ... plus three bonus gifts for a healthier you! Highlights DHEA: Evidence for anti-aging claims is lackingA Mayo Clinic specialist who studies DHEA answers common questions. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritisJuvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common type of arthritis in children. In most cases JRA is not a lifelong disorder. Sprains and

strainsSprains and strains — damage to ligaments and muscles — can result from overdoing physical activities. Learn ways to prevent this damage. Crying baby? How to keep your coolAll babies cry, but the tears can take a toll. Here's help staying calm when the tears won't stop. Alzheimer's: Managing sleep problemsAlzheimer's sleep problems affect both you and your loved one. Try these tips for getting both of you a good night's rest. Timely Topics: Understand MRSA and other infections Are infectious diseases on the rise? Editor's noteInfectious diseases on the rise? A Mayo Clinic expert tackles the question. MRSA infectionFrom spotting symptoms to preventing infections, protect yourself from this virulent form of staph bacteria. Staph infectionsThe bacteria that cause staph infections are everywhere, including on your skin and in your nose. Learn how to protect yourself from these potentially dangerous germs. Hand washing: An easy way to prevent infectionHand washing is a simple habit

that can help keep you healthy. Find out why hand washing is so important. Infectious diseases: How they spread, how to stop themKids call them cooties. Adults call them germs. Learn how infectious agents spread and what you can do to minimize your risk of infectious diseases. For more information about these topics, visit the Infectious Disease Center. Featured Tools Slide show: Labor positionsDuring labor, frequent changes of position can help you relax and stay in control of the pain. Be creative! These ideas may help. Symptom CheckerUse this Symptom Checker to pinpoint possible causes of your symptoms. Healthy Recipes Chocolate pudding pies Creamed Swiss chard Portobello and blue cheese salad Miso soup with watercress and shiitakes For more recipes, visit our Healthy Recipes Center. Now Blogging StressStressed out? Information overload? Check out our new 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 Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment? Melatonin side effects: What are the risks? Infant formula: Should I use tap or bottled water? Pulsatile tinnitus: What causes it? Ear candling: Is it safe? Submit your own question to our specialists. Treatment Decisions Mastectomy vs. lumpectomy guideUse this guide to help you decide whether mastectomy or lumpectomy is your best choice in breast cancer treatment. Health Digest A wrap-up of this week's other new and updated information Primary biliary cirrhosis Bed-wetting Newborn care: Common-sense strategies for stressed-out parents Myelodysplastic syndromes HIV/AIDS For more of our reliable health information and tools, visit us at MayoClinic.com. Get updates via RSS. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.For questions or comments, please contact Customer Service. Visit the Housecall subscription services page to SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your e-mail

address. Visit the Housecall archive to read past issues. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to a friend. Copyright 2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved. Advertising and sponsorship policy Debbie T.Co-Moderator __________________________________________________