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    Housecall: 10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication

two smiling men standing together on a beach, one holding a football in one hand with the other arm around his friend's shouldersTHIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication 
Lifestyle plays an important role in your high blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you might avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication. From moving more and watching your waistline to reducing stress and finding the support you need, here are 10 lifestyle strategies that can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Weight loss: Ready to change your habits? 
Are you motivated to lose weight? Is your goal realistic? Your weight-loss success depends largely on your readiness to take on the challenge. Knowing that you need to make changes in your life and actually doing it are two different things. Answer these questions to see if you're ready to start a weight-loss plan. Learn what steps to take if you aren't quite there.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Is there a medication for longer, thicker eyelashes? 
Bimatoprost, a medication marketed under the brand name Latisse, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat inadequate eyelashes. Regular application of Latisse along the lash line of the upper eyelid gradually encourages growth of longer, thicker and darker eyelashes. But there can be side effects. Learn more from Dr. Alaina Softing Hataye, a Mayo Clinic optometrist.

Can people with atrial fibrillation participate in physical activity?
Regular physical activity is an important way to live a healthy life. Exercise can help you feel better and decrease symptoms of heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. Getting active also can help prevent other heart diseases or strokes. However, there is conflicting research regarding the effects of vigorous physical activity in people with atrial fibrillation. Learn more from Dr. Rekha Mankad, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist.

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HEALTHY RECIPES
Whole-wheat blueberry pancakes
Pasta with spinach, garbanzos and raisins
Quinoa risotto with arugula and Parmesan
Savory buckwheat pilaf with toasted spices

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Mold on your cheddar? Don't despair
If you spot mold on a wedge of hard cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, you may be able to salvage the cheese. Cut away the moldy part and at least 1 inch of the surrounding cheese, keeping the knife out of the mold. Moldy shredded or crumbled cheese can't be saved, however, and should be discarded.

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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