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    Housecall: Seasonal affective disorder

woman sitting with a light therapy lamp for SAD or depression

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Seasonal affective disorder
If the shorter days are leaving you moody and less energized, it could be seasonal affective disorder — a type of depression related to changes in seasons. Here are the facts.

Mindfulness exercises
Stressed out by the election or upcoming holidays? Mindfulness exercises, a form of meditation, can help you turn away from negative thinking. Discover the health benefits, how to practice and more.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Cellphones and cancer: What's the risk?
Many studies on cellphones and cancer have yielded conflicting results.

What are the symptoms of bladder infection in men?
Although bladder infections are more common in women, men can get them, too. Here are the signs, symptoms and more.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Runny nose
Breast cancer chemoprevention
Video: Neck stretches for the workplace
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Lifestyle and home remedies

HEALTHY RECIPES
French onion soup
Cream of chicken and wild rice chowder
Mushroom barley soup
Potato-fennel soup

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Quit smoking: Surviving quit day
Getting through your quit day can be emotionally and physically challenging, especially if tobacco cravings strike. Use these tips to help get through the day:

  1. Don't smoke ― not even one cigarette.
  2. Begin using nicotine replacement therapy if you've chosen that method.
  3. Remind yourself of reasons to quit smoking.
  4. Keep physically active.
  5. Avoid situations and people that trigger cravings.
  6. Attend a support group, counseling session or stop smoking class.
  7. Practice stress management and relaxation techniques.
  8. Keep your hands busy by texting, writing, squeezing a ball or knitting.

Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover more healthy lifestyle topics at mayoclinic.org.

NOW BLOGGING
Going the distance: Don't push yourself to the point of burnout
If you'll be taking a trip during the holidays, know that traveling can affect you physically and mentally. Keep these tips in mind to bounce back more easily.

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