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    Housecall: Is your work-life balance out of balance?

a businessman tired and resting on his desk with a pile of work (THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Work-life balance: Tips to reclaim control
There was a time when the boundaries between work and home were fairly clear. Today, work is likely to invade your personal life, and maintaining work-life balance can be a challenge. When your work life and personal life are out of balance, your stress level is likely to soar. Learn more about the consequences of poor work-life balance and strategies you can use to bring your life back into harmony.

Weight loss: Choosing a diet that's right for you
When it comes to weight loss, there's no shortage of advice. Magazines, books and websites promise weight loss by eliminating fat or carbohydrates, or eating superfoods or special supplements. With so many conflicting options, how do you know which approach might work for you? Here are some suggestions for choosing a weight-loss program.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Can sleep deprivation cause high blood pressure?
People who sleep five hours or less a night may be at higher risk of developing high blood pressure or worsening already high blood pressure. There's also an increased risk of high blood pressure for people who sleep between five and six hours a night. Learn more from Dr. Sheldon Sheps, an emeritus Mayo Clinic hypertension and peripheral vascular diseases specialist.

What are probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the "good" bacteria in the body. Prebiotics are foods that act as food for those "good" bacteria and improve the balance of these microorganisms. How can you include probiotics and prebiotics in your diet? Learn more from Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
How much water should you drink every day?
Treating cellulite
CPAP machines: Tips for avoiding 10 common problems
Sun allergy

HEALTHY RECIPES
Watermelon-cranberry agua fresca
Chicken salad with pineapple and balsamic vinaigrette
Eggplant with toasted spices
Minty-lime iced tea

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Snoring solution: Sleep on your side
Sleep on your side to help prevent snoring. Lying on your back allows your tongue to fall backward into your throat, which narrows your airway and partially obstructs airflow. To stay off your back while you sleep, try sewing a tennis ball in the back of your pajama top. This uncomfortable trick will remind you to roll over.

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

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