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June 2011 Volume 15, Number 6 TOOLS FOR HEALTHIER LIVES Belly Fat What Your Waistline May Say About Your Health An expanding waistline is sometimes seen to decreasing levels of estrogen, which as the price of getting older. For women, appears to influence where fat is distrib- this may be especially true after meno- uted in the body. The tendency to gain pause, when body fat tends to shift from or carry weight around the — have the , legs and to the . an “apple” rather than a “pear” shape — Yet an increase in belly fat may do can have a genetic component as well. more than make it hard to zip up your More than skin deep jeans. Research indicates that it also can raise your risk of numerous health con- Although putting on too much weight, in general, can have negative effects on your Visceral fat sequences. The good news is that this health threat can be cut down to size. health, abdominal weight gain is con- Subcutaneous fat sidered particularly unhealthy. In fact, Battle of the bulge research has shown that having a wide Belly fat isn’t limited to Your weight is largely determined by how waist measurement — 35 inches or the extra layer of padding you balance the calories you eat with the more in women and 40 inches or more located just below the energy you burn. Overeating and lack in men — is an important, independent skin (subcutaneous fat). of physical activity are the main reasons risk factor for disease. It also includes visceral why people pack on excess pounds. The trouble with belly fat is that it’s fat — which lies deep inside your abdomen, However, aging also can contribute to not limited to the extra layer of padding surrounding your inter- weight gain as well as to an increase in located just below the skin (subcuta- nal organs. Visceral fat body fat. That’s because as you age, you neous fat). It also includes visceral fat — is associated with far gradually lose muscle and fat accounts for which lies deep inside your abdomen, more dangerous health a greater percentage of your weight. Less surrounding your internal organs. consequences. muscle mass also leads to a decrease in Subcutaneous fat is hard to ignore the rate at which your body uses calories, because you can see and grab hold of which can make it more challenging to the extra layer of cushioning it creates. lose or stay at the same weight. However, research has shown that vis- Contents At midlife, many women see their ceral fat, although not clearly visible, is midsection start to widen, even if they associated with far more dangerous health 3 Headline Watch aren’t gaining weight. This is likely due consequences. That’s because an excessive 4 Subcutaneous fat The CT scan at left shows the 6 Prophylactic belly fat distribution in a woman Oophorectomy with a normal (BMI). The scan at right shows 7 Choosing a belly fat in an obese woman. Note Bicycle the increase in the fat located just below the skin (subcutaneous fat) 8 One on One as well as the fat surrounding the Visceral fat internal organs (visceral fat).

Visit us online, where you’ll find more health information, great offers and more! Mayo Clinic amount of this fat produces substances have on your health. The Department of Women’s that can raise blood pressure, negatively Health and Human Services recommends HealthSource alter good and bad cholesterol levels, and that healthy adults engage in moderate Medical Editor impair the body’s ability to use insulin aerobic activity for 150 minutes a week Julie Abbott, M.D., M.P.H. Preventive and Internal (insulin resistance). All of this can increase or vigorous aerobic activity for 75 min- the risk of , stroke, utes a week. It’s also recommended that Associate Medical Editors Stephanie Faubion, M.D. and other serious health you do some at least Preventive and Internal Medicine problems. An excessive amount of any twice a week. Moderate physical activity Adamarie Multari, M.D. fat, including visceral fat, also boosts includes activities such as brisk walking, Preventive and Internal Medicine estrogen levels. This can increase the risk hiking, gardening and bicycling; vigor- Managing Editor of and colorectal cancers. ous physical activity includes running Jennifer Jacobson Contributing Writers Research has also associated belly fat or jogging, swimming and fast walking. Lee Engfer with an increased risk of premature death Keep in mind that you may need to Julie Freeman Medical Illustration — regardless of weight. In fact, some increase the amount of time you devote Michael King studies have found that even when to physical activity each week to lose Research Librarians Anthony Cook women were considered a normal weight, weight or keep it off. However, before Amanda Golden Deirdre Herman according to standard body mass index starting any new activity program or Customer Service Manager (BMI) measurements, a large waistline increasing your current activity level, Ann Allen Proofreading elevated the chance of dying of cardio- check with your doctor to find out what Miranda Attlesey vascular disease, cancer and other causes. might be best suited to your current Donna Hanson health condition and weight-loss goals. I Julie Maas Trimming the fat Administrative Assistant Beverly Steele You can firm up abdominal muscles with Measuring Your Middle Editorial Board exercises such as sit-ups. However, this Breast Health won’t get rid of belly fat. Fortunately, Like it or not, waist size matters. That’s Dietlind Wahner-Roedler, M.D. Cardiology visceral fat responds to the same diet and because your waist measurement is a good Birgit Kantor, M.D., Ph.D. Dermatology exercise strategies that can help you shed indicator of whether you’re carrying too Rochelle Torgerson, M.D., Ph.D. Endocrinology pounds and lower your total body fat. much fat around your belly. Diana Dean, M.D. When it comes to your diet, emphasize Other measurements — such as your Gynecology Douglas Creedon, M.D., Ph.D. plant-based foods, such as fruits, veg- body mass index (BMI) or waist- ratio Matthew Hopkins, M.D. Nutrition etables and whole grains, and choose lean — can be helpful. Yet they may not be as Charla Schultz, R.D. sources of protein and low-fat dairy prod- good at showing your body fat percentage Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ucts. Dietary guidelines also recommend or fat distribution, particularly after meno- Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. Physical Therapy limiting saturated fats — which can be pause. To measure your waist circumference: Timothy Madson, P.T. found in meat and high-fat dairy prod- Psychiatry & Psychology • Place a tape measure around your bare Karen Grothe, Ph.D., L.P. ucts, such as cheese and butter. , just above your hipbone (at Barbara Rohland, M.D. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated Radiology about the level of your ). Robert Maxwell, M.D. fats found in fish, nuts and vegetable oils Section of Patient Education Rita Jones — such as olive, safflower, peanut and • Pull the tape measure until it fits snug- Women’s Health ly around you, but doesn’t push into Priscilla Flynn, Dr.P.H. corn oils — are a good substitute for Jacqueline Thielen, M.D. saturated fats. In fact, these “good” fats your skin.

Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource actually can improve blood cholesterol • Make sure the tape measure is level all (ISSN 1091-0220) is published monthly by Mayo Foundation for levels, which can decrease your risk of the way around. Medical Education and Research, a cardiovascular disease. However, even subsidiary of Mayo Foundation, 200 • Relax, exhale and measure your waist, First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905. these fats should be used in moderation Subscription price is $29.55 a year resisting the urge to suck in your stomach. and includes a cumulative index to avoid taking in too many calories. published in December. Periodicals If you want to lose weight, reduce your Having a waist circumference of 35 postage paid at Rochester, Minn., and at additional mailing offices. portion sizes and cut back on calories. inches or more indicates that you have an POSTMASTER: Send address unhealthy concentration of belly fat and changes to Mayo Clinic Women’s Slow and steady weight loss — 1 to 2 HealthSource, Subscription Services, are at a greater risk of problems such as P.O. Box 9302, Big Sandy, TX pounds a week — is the best way to lose 75755-9302. excess fat and keep it from coming back. cardiovascular disease, high blood pres- Your doctor can provide more information sure and type 2 diabetes. For men, a waist on how to get started and stay on track. measurement of 40 inches or more is con- Regular physical activity also can help sidered cause for concern. I reduce belly fat and the impact it can

M AYO C LINIC W OMEN’ S H EALTHS OURCE 2 J UNE 2011 News You Can Use Diabetes Plus Depression Can Be Other medications can help ease some Deadly Combination in Women of IBS, but they work Diabetes and depression are serious ill- only while they’re being used. Rifaximin nesses on their own. Yet in combination, may provide longer relief by altering an they can be quite deadly, according to overgrowth of bacteria in the small intes- a study in the January 2011 Archives of tine or affecting the type or quantity of General Psychiatry. bacteria living in the colon. Researchers collected data on more than It’s still not clear who might benefit 78,000 women, ages 54 to 79, participating most from taking rifaximin or whether in the Nurses’ Health Study. After six this antibiotic can be used long term years of follow-up, they found that women without causing antibiotic resistance. who had diabetes had about a 35 percent Widespread use of the drug for IBS may

Headline Watch increased risk of dying of cardiovascular not be recommended until more research disease and other causes, and those with can be done. I depression had about a 44 percent in- Age-Related Macular Degeneration creased risk, when compared with women May Be on Decline in U.S. without either condition. However, women with both conditions had about twice the Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) Having dia- risk of death than did women without is a leading cause of vision loss in older betes can either disease. Americans. Yet even though the popula- tion is aging, a study in the January 2011 increase the Having diabetes can increase the risk of depression, and depression can make Archives of Ophthalmology suggests that risk of depres- it more difficult to properly manage AMD has become less prevalent in the sion, and diabetes. Fortunately, both diseases can last two decades. depression be effectively treated. If you have dia- Researchers collected data from the 2005 betes and develop symptoms of depres- to 2008 National Health and Nutrition can make it sion — such as a loss of interest in daily Examination Survey (NHANES) and more difficult activities, feelings of hopelessness and compared it with another version of to properly trouble sleeping — see your doctor as NHANES conducted between 1988 and soon as possible. I 1994. Based on their analysis, the research- manage ers found that the percentage of U.S. adults diabetes. Antibiotic Treatment May Ease age 40 and older with signs of AMD Symptoms of Fortunately, declined from 9.4 to 6.5 percent. AMD gradually destroys central vision both diseases A recent set of studies indicates that an antibiotic known for treating traveler’s — which is needed for reading, driving can be effec- could offer a new treatment and other everyday tasks. Increasing tively treated. option for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) age is the greatest risk factor. Yet other — a common gastrointestinal disorder factors — including family history, smok- characterized by , bloat- ing, and high blood pressure — ing, gas, and constipation or diarrhea. can increase the likelihood of developing The studies, reported in the Jan. 6, the disorder. 2011, New England Journal of Medicine, Researchers say lower rates of smoking involved 1,260 adults with a form of IBS and improvements in blood pressure that doesn’t involve constipation. Each control may help explain the apparent of the participants was given either the decrease in AMD prevalence. However, antibiotic rifaximin (Xifaxan) or a placebo that doesn’t mean AMD is no longer a three times a day for two weeks. threat. In addition to not smoking and During the first month after treatment, managing conditions such as high blood nearly 41 percent of those who took rifaxi- pressure, experts recommend maintaining For medical information a healthy weight, eating a diet that in- you can trust, visit min reported adequate symptom relief for our website at at least two weeks. Only 32 percent of cludes vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, www.MayoClinic.com. those who took the placebo reported relief. and getting routine eye exams. I

M AYO C LINIC W OMEN’ S H EALTHS OURCE 3 J UNE 2011 Centerpiece Heartburn Find Relief Without Overdoing the Medications prevent stomach contents from coming back into the . With GERD, Refluxing stomach acid problems with this valve may prevent it Esophagus from closing all the way, allowing stom- ach acid to flow backward (reflux) into the esophagus and irritate it. Other conditions associated with heartburn include an inflamed stomach lining (), peptic ulcer, chronic abdominal discomfort (dyspepsia) and hiatal , which occurs when part of Stomach the stomach pushes into the chest. Diagnosing the problem The meal tastes great ... until you lie down Frequent heartburn or acid regurgitation can lead to more-serious health problems Heartburn, also and your chest starts burning. If you’re if untreated. If you experience heartburn referred to as acid like many people, you have some antacids twice a week or more, have difficulty reflux, happens when or another medication on for heart- swallowing, or have accompanying nau- stomach acid flows burn — a problem so common that it has sea or unintentional weight loss, see your back (refluxes) into become a multibillion-dollar business. doctor. GERD can often be diagnosed your esophagus. The Heartburn, also referred to as acid based on signs and symptoms alone. burning sensation reflux, happens when stomach acid flows Tests may be done if your signs and often begins in your back (refluxes) into your esophagus. The symptoms indicate a more serious con- chest and spreads burning sensation often begins in your dition, if the diagnosis isn’t clear or if your toward your . chest and spreads toward your throat. heartburn doesn’t go away with treat- Acid regurgitation Acid regurgitation also may occur and ment. For example, your doctor may do also may occur and can lead to a sour or bitter taste in your a procedure called — which can lead to a sour mouth. Heartburn often follows a large uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and or bitter taste in meal and particularly may occur while camera on the end — to examine your your mouth. you’re lying down or bending over. Many women first experience heartburn during esophagus for changes or signs of dam- , as a result of hormonal age and take biopsy samples, if needed. changes and pressure from the baby. Treatment with lifestyle changes Often, occasional heartburn can be If you get heartburn just once in a while, controlled with diet and lifestyle changes. changes in your diet and lifestyle might Frequent heartburn may signal a more help prevent or control your signs and serious problem. Before you take a heart- symptoms. Use a diary to track whether burn medication, however, take time to certain foods or activities trigger or learn about the options. Heartburn drugs may be overused — and aren’t always worsen your heartburn. Try these strate- needed or helpful. gies, as appropriate: • Raise the head of your bed by putting A symptom, not a disease blocks under the bedposts. Heartburn isn’t a disease in itself, but • Ask your doctor to help you quit smok- rather a symptom of various conditions — ing. Cigarettes aggravate heartburn. most commonly, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Normally, the valve • Work on shedding excess pounds. between your stomach and esophagus • Avoid foods and beverages that give closes quickly after you swallow food to you heartburn. Common triggers

M AYO C LINIC W OMEN’ S H EALTHS OURCE 4 J UNE 2011 include coffee, alcohol, fatty and fried H-2-receptor blockers foods, chocolate, carbonated drinks, Available with or without a prescription, and mint. histamine-2 (H-2) receptor blockers reduce • After meals, wait at least three to four the amount of acid your stomach pro- hours before you lie down. duces. Brand names include nizatidine (Axid), famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine • Eat smaller meals. (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac). These • Ask your doctor if any medications you drugs take longer to work than antacids take might cause or worsen heartburn. do, but can provide relief for four to 10 • Avoid tightfitting clothes, such as hours. They don’t work well for many body shapers and belts at the waist. people with GERD, however, and they aren’t recommended for long-term use. Treatment with medications Side effects may include headache, dizzi- If lifestyle changes don’t help, you might ness, diarrhea and fatigue. benefit from medication. Three main types of drugs can relieve heartburn. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) This class of drugs also reduces stomach Antacids acid. They’re generally more effective and Over-the-counter antacids, such as longer lasting than are the other types of Maalox, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol, Phillips’ heartburn drugs. Prescription PPIs include Milk of Magnesia, Riopan, Rolaids and omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole Tums, are usually the first type of med- (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), ication recommended for heartburn. pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole They use different combinations of (Aciphex) and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant). magnesium, calcium and aluminum Some doses of Prilosec and Prevacid are with other substances to neutralize the available over-the-counter, as is Zegerid, acid in your stomach. Antacids provide another version of omeprazole. rapid relief that lasts about 30 minutes. Nonprescription PPIs are taken once They can be helpful when taken after a day, about an hour before you eat. Stop meals or at bedtime. Side effects may using the medication after 14 days, unless include diarrhea or constipation. your doctor advises you differently. If you take a prescription PPI, follow your Warning Signs doctor’s instructions for use. Side effects of PPIs may include headaches, abdom- from heartburn can be difficult to distinguish from inal pain, diarrhea, , dizziness or pain caused by a heart problem. Get emergency medical help if lightheadedness, rash, and constipation. you experience these warning signs of a heart attack: A more serious issue for women who • Sudden pressure, tightening, squeezing or crushing pain in take PPIs is a possible increased risk of the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or fractures in the hip, and spine due to goes away and comes back decreased absorption of calcium and vita- • Pain spreading to your back, , , or arms min D. People who take PPIs for a year or more are at greatest risk. Older adults who • Chest discomfort accompanied by shortness of breath, sweat- take PPIs may also be more vulnerable ing, dizziness, nausea or to certain , such as pneumonia. • Pressure or tightness in your chest during physical activity or Finally, evidence suggests that some PPIs when you’re under emotional stress may reduce the effectiveness of the blood- Also seek prompt medical attention if: thinning drug clopidogrel (Plavix). • Your heartburn seems worse or different from normal Usually a temporary problem • You experience new chest pain Almost everyone experiences mild heart- • You have trouble swallowing or pain when swallowing burn from time to time. Talk to your doctor if you have heartburn more than • You’ve unintentionally lost weight or have less appetite twice a week or if it persists despite the • You’re vomiting blood or have bloody or black stools I use of medications. Heartburn shouldn’t be an everyday part of life. I

M AYO C LINIC W OMEN’ S H EALTHS OURCE 5 J UNE 2011 Mayo Clinic Office Visit Prophylactic Oophorectomy

An Interview With Walter Rocca, M.D.

Each year in the U.S., about 300,000 women WHS: What health consequences can result elect to have their surgically removed in when ovaries are removed before menopause? a procedure known as a prophylactic oophorec- Dr. Rocca: In the Mayo Clinic Cohort Study tomy. Often, this procedure is performed along Walter Rocca, of Oophorectomy and Aging, women ex- with a hysterectomy, which involves removing perienced a number of major consequences M.D., is a the . For women who have yet to reach when oophorectomies were performed researcher in the menopause, a prophylactic oophorectomy before age 50 or 51. These consequences Department of reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 95 included an increased risk of overall death, Health Sciences percent and cuts the chance of breast cancer cardiovascular disease, dementia and Research at development by about half. Yet having ovaries cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease removed before natural menopause begins Mayo Clinic in and parkinsonism, and psychiatric symp- triggers the onset of menopause and raises the Rochester, Minn., toms, such as anxiety and depression. risk of serious health concerns. Here, Walter and is a professor Other research has found an increased risk Rocca, M.D., a Mayo Clinic researcher who has of epidemiology of stroke, osteoporosis and bone fractures, spent years studying the effect of prophylactic and neurology lung cancer, and impaired sexual function. oophorectomy on long-term health, explains at College The data regarding women who have why it’s important for women to understand of Medicine, oophorectomies after natural menopause the benefits and risks of this procedure. Mayo Clinic. is more limited. But this could present potential problems because your WHS: Why might a prophylactic oophorecto- ovaries continue to produce some benefi- I my be recommended? cial hormones, even after menopause. Natural vs. Dr. Rocca: Some women and their doctors WHS: What can be done to address these Surgical may decide to remove the ovaries when health consequences? Menopause they are discussing a hysterectomy. Cancers When menopause affecting certain reproductive organs, such Dr. Rocca: Younger women may be advised occurs naturally, as the uterus, often require a hysterectomy. to take hormone therapy until age 45 or the hormones pro- However, most hysterectomies performed 50. In women who also have undergone a duced by your in the U.S. are for noncancerous conditions hysterectomy, this usually involves taking ovaries typically — such as uterine fibroids and endometrio- estrogen alone. Estrogen may reduce some, decrease gradually, over several years. sis, which cause pain and heavy bleeding. but not all, of the potential health conse- When menopause In this situation, the ovaries are perfectly quences. The use of hormone therapy is brought on surgi- healthy, but may be removed to reduce sometimes is discouraged because studies cally, such as when the risk of ovarian and breast cancers. have found that it could increase the risk both ovaries are This is an important cancer-prevention of other problems, such as breast cancer. removed (a bilater- al oophorectomy), option for women who have a particularly However, evidence suggests that these hormones decline strong family history of ovarian cancer or same risks shouldn’t be applied to women suddenly. This event who have gene mutations that significantly with premature or early menopause. There- can cause severe increase the risk of developing breast and fore, I think it’s reasonable to consider menopause symp- ovarian cancers. However, it may not be estrogen use up until age 50 if you’ve had toms, such as hot flashes. Surgical the best decision for all women because a prophylactic oophorectomy. menopause also the ovaries aren’t just reproductive organs Deciding whether to use hormone ther- increases the risk of that become unnecessary after your child- apy or have a prophylactic oophorectomy serious long-term bearing years. The hormones that ovaries can depend on many factors — including health conse- produce — including estrogen, progester- your family history, results of any genetic quences, especially when it occurs one and testosterone — are also important tests and other existing medical conditions. before age 45. to the health and functioning of many In the end, it’s important to consider all the other organs and parts of your body. I advantages and disadvantages involved. I

M AYO C LINIC W OMEN’ S H EALTHS OURCE 6 J UNE 2011 A Bicycle Built for You Getting a Handle on Your Options Cycling can provide an excellent cardio- tion to tackle steep hills and rugged dirt vascular workout, whether you’re new to trails. Flat, wide handlebars provide the sport or training for a triathlon. Even good control. These bikes aren’t as well a casual ride with your grandchildren or suited for riding on pavement. in your favorite park can help you stay • Hybrid bikes. Hybrids combine the light- fit and enjoy the outdoors. weight frame and narrow seat of a road If your bike is more than 10 years old, bike with the more upright riding posi- you might want to consider getting a tion and horizontal handlebars of a new one. A more modern bike is likely mountain bike. Medium-size tires allow Fitness Counts to perform better than the old one rust- you to ride on pavement, rough roads ing in your garage. You also have more and bike paths. styles to select from. In fact, the hardest part of buying a bike might be choosing • Comfort bikes. With an upright riding position, high handlebars and wide, one from among the many options. cushy seats, these bikes are designed Choosing a bike for leisurely rides on pavement or Finding the right bike depends smooth dirt. Wider tires give you some on how you plan to use it. Where cushion over bumps. Comfort bikes will you typically ride — on paved can be harder to pedal up hills. roads, bike paths, or over rocks and • Recumbent bikes. They allow you to sit bumps? Up and down hills, or mostly back with your feet out in front of you on flat ground? How far will you go, while you ride. This type of bike can and how fast? Choose the style of bike be a good choice for people with Recumbent bike that best suits your goals: or back problems or older people. • Road bikes. Built to go fast for long Within each category, you’ll find bikes distances on smooth pavement, these at a wide range of prices, depending on bikes have narrow tires, a lightweight the quality of the parts. Comfort bikes frame, a narrow seat, and curved or tend to be the least expensive, starting at drop handlebars that allow you to vary $200 to $300, while road bikes can range your posture during rides. from $700 to $4,000 or more. • Mountain bikes. A shock-absorbing front Buying a bike fork and fat, knobby tires give you trac- Here are tips for successful bike shopping: Helmet Do’s and Don’ts • Find a good bike shop. It can be tough to judge a bicycle’s quality or fit if you A bicycle helmet can help prevent a life-threatening head buy it online or unassembled. . Follow these tips for selecting and using a helmet: • Take a few bikes out for a test ride. • Make sure the helmet is safe. Look for a seal of approval from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). • Work with the retailer to get the right size and fit. The length of your inseam • Make sure it’s snug. You shouldn’t be able to move the hel- determines the frame size you need. met more than one inch in any direction, front to back or side When your is on the pedal at the to side. The sizing pads can help make the fit more secure. lowest point, your leg should be nearly • Wear it flat on the of your head. Make sure it covers the straight. If you don’t want to sit this top of your without tilting forward or backward, high, ask about a “crank forward” and the straps form a V shape under each . To keep the design that allows you to put your helmet flat on your head, tighten the strap. feet on the ground. • Replace it after an accident. Even if the helmet doesn’t appear • Try models designed specifically for damaged, it may not be able to withstand the force of women. These bikes may have a closer another blow. I reach to the handlebars, flared seats and narrower handlebars. I

M AYO C LINIC W OMEN’ S H EALTHS OURCE 7 J UNE 2011 Clinical Trial Eligibility volunteers through local media. These How can I find out if I’m eligible postings usually include a general Q for a clinical trial? description of who would qualify. Your health care provider may have infor- Researchers need volunteers for mation about trials. Or you can search A research studies (trials) designed to on your own. (See Finding a Trial.) answer specific health questions, such as Be sure to print the summary of any how well a new drug works compared trial that interests you. If you’re eligible with existing treatments or if a new for one, contact the trial team directly screening approach is safe and effective. using the information provided on the Each clinical trial has its own guide- summary. I lines for who can participate, based on One on factors such as age, gender and smok- Cinnamon for Diabetes? ing status. Some studies are limited Is it true that cinnamon can lower my to healthy people, while others enroll Q blood sugar levels if I have diabetes? people with a particular disease who haven’t started treatment or for whom Since ancient times, people have standard treatment has failed. A turned to cinnamon to treat dia- Although no single list of all clinical betes. And some modern research has trials exists, some studies advertise for suggested that the spice might mimic the effects of insulin and reduce blood Finding a Trial sugar (glucose) levels. But studies test- ing the effectiveness of cinnamon for ClinicalTrials.gov treating diabetes have shown mixed www.clinicaltrials.gov results. In one trial, 500-milligram cap- Database of more than 100,000 studies throughout the U.S. sules of cinnamon taken twice a day and around the world for a wide range of diseases for 90 days improved hemoglobin A1C levels — a reflection of average blood Mayo Clinic sugar level for the past two to three http://clinicaltrials.mayo.edu months — in people with poorly con- Database of studies taking place at Mayo Clinic in trolled type 2 diabetes. Another study, Minnesota, Florida and Arizona involving older women with type 2 diabetes, found no effect from cinnamon. National Cancer Institute While cinnamon may be helpful as a www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials supplement to regular treatment if you 1-800-422-6237 have type 2 diabetes, in itself the spice Comprehensive database of cancer clinical trials in the U.S. isn’t likely to make a significant differ- ence. Diabetes management requires a National Institute of Mental Health lifelong commitment to blood sugar www.nimh.nih.gov/trials/index.shtml monitoring, healthy eating, regular Studies involving mental health I physical activity and, for many women, medications or insulin therapy. I

Purpose Customer Services Editorial Correspondence MAYO, MAYO CLINIC WOMEN’S To provide reliable, timely and easy- To inquire about your Let us know what you think. Send HEALTHSOURCE, the Mayo triple- Next Issue to-understand medical and lifestyle subscription, call: general feedback or specific ques- shield logo and “TOOLS FOR information women can use to lead 800-876-8633 tions for “One on One” to: HEALTHIER LIVES” are all marks healthier lives. 903-636-9029 (International) Mayo Clinic of Mayo Foundation for Medical Countdown to Women’s HealthSource Education and Research. Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource Write: 200 First St. SW Good Health supplements the advice of your P.O. Box 9302 Rochester, MN 55905 Mailing Lists personal physician, whom you Big Sandy, TX 75755-9302 Email: [email protected] We regularly make the Mayo Clinic should consult for personal health Or visit us online: Women’s HealthSource mailing list Know Your Numbers problems. www.HealthSource.MayoClinic.com available to carefully selected com- We do not endorse any company We regret that we can’t publish panies and organizations. If you Cultivating or product. an answer to each question don’t wish to receive these mailings, submitted to “One on One” or please write to the address listed Subscription Prices Contentment For information about Mayo Clinic respond to inquiries regarding under Customer Services and $29.55 (United States) services, you may call any of our diagnosis and treatment of enclose your mailing label. three facilities: Rochester, Minn., $45.00 (Canada) personal health conditions. Arthritis 507-284-2511; Jacksonville, Fla., $55.00 (International) 904-953-2000; Scottsdale/Phoenix, © 2011 Mayo Foundation for Ariz., 480-301-8000 or visit Printed in the USA Medical Education and www.MayoClinic.org. Research. All rights reserved. MC2493-0611 410611 www.HealthSource.MayoClinic.com 8