• Cardiovascular

    Housecall: Influenza is here

a sick little boy lying in bed, with red cheeks and a thermometer in his mouth, hugging a teddy bearTHIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Influenza: Who is at risk?
If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, now's the time. Influenza has been spreading in the U.S., and deaths from the infection are at epidemic levels.

Pneumonia: Who is at risk?
Cases of pneumonia are spreading across the country, but vaccines are available. Have you received yours?

EXPERT ANSWERS
Blood pressure: Can it be higher in one arm?
Find out why a significant difference in blood pressure readings between arms could be a concern.

Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick?
Not getting enough shut-eye can affect your immune system, increasing your risk of getting a cold or other viral illness. Long-term lack of sleep also increases your risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart and blood vessel disease. Learn how lack of sleep can make you sick.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Corns and calluses: Lifestyle and home remedies
Acute sinusitis: Symptoms and causes
Hearing loss: Risk factors
Slideshow: 10 great health foods

HEALTHY RECIPES
New York strip steak with whiskey-mushroom sauce
Stuffed quinoa peppers
Southwestern vegan bowl
Parmesan roasted cauliflower

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Is your diet hurting your heart?
When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. If you regularly eat more calories than you burn, you may have high triglycerides. The higher your triglycerides, the higher your risk of heart disease. The solution? Healthier habits. Choose healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Scale back your portion sizes. Include physical activity in your daily routine.

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
Nutrition-wise: Is it time for an oil change?
Americans are eating more omega-6 fatty acids, and the rate of obesity is climbing. Is there a link?

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