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    Housecall: 7 benefits of regular exercise

a smiling young family holding hands and ice skating at an indoor rinkTHIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
7 benefits of regular exercise
Exercise and physical activity are a great way to have fun. Regular exercise also may help you sleep better, prevent heart disease and maintain a healthy weight. And it may put the spark back into your sex life. How many more reasons do you need to get moving?

Counting calories: Get back to weight-loss basics
Despite all the diet strategies and fad diet promises out there, weight management still comes down to the number of calories you take in versus the number of calories your body uses. Replacing high-calorie foods with lower-calorie alternatives and reducing your portion sizes can help you cut calories and manage your weight. For a successful and sustainable weight management plan, though, you also need to increase your physical activity. Combining regular activity and healthy eating will help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Here's what you need to know.

EXPERT ANSWERS
How does trauma affect memory?
During a sexual assault or other traumatic event, the victim typically focuses on the main terrifying or traumatizing event — the central details, that can remain vivid in memory. Other less important details, called "peripheral details," may not be as well retained in memory. Learn more from Dr. Craig Sawchuk, a Mayo Clinic psychologist.

Is petroleum jelly safe for a dry nose?
Petroleum jelly is generally safe to use. Rarely, however, inhaling fat-based substances, such as petroleum jelly or mineral oil, for prolonged periods can cause lung problems. Learn more from Dr. Lawrence Gibson, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist, about safely soothing a chapped nose.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Traumatic brain injury
Peripheral artery disease
Bags under eyes
ACL reconstruction

HEALTHY RECIPES
Cranberry orange glaze
Apple corn muffins
Pepper sauce
Low-sodium chicken stock

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
How well do you wash your hands?
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. But do you wash properly? Remember to follow these steps:

  1. Wet your hands with warm or cold water, and apply soap.
  2. Rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds.
  3. Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
  4. Rinse well.
  5. Dry your hands with a clean towel.

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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