• Health & Wellness

    Monday’s Housecall

overweight, obese man with large stomach
THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES

Belly fat in men: Why weight loss matters
For men, regardless of overall weight, having a large amount of belly fat increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and more.

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?
Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. You may find that carrying groceries or playing sports is easier and safer.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Diet soda: Is it bad for you?
Drinking a can or two of diet soda each day isn't likely to hurt you, but healthier low-calorie options abound.

Can I still be active if I have chronic hives?
Having chronic hives doesn't mean you have to give up exercising. Follow these steps to help prevent problems.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ...
Headaches: Reduce stress to prevent the pain
Screening for diabetic macular edema: How often?
Slide show: Tips for cooking fish
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

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HEALTHY RECIPES
Shrimp marinated in lime juice and Dijon mustard
Roasted red snapper
Popovers
Polenta with roasted Mediterranean vegetables

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Quit smoking: Celebrate your successes
Quitting smoking is hard, so reward yourself for your successes. Made it through the day without a cigarette? Treat yourself to something special. Made it through the week? Count how much you've saved by not buying cigarettes. Use the savings for a special treat or invest the money for the future. Reward yourself for not smoking by doing something you enjoy every day, such as spending extra time with your children or grandchildren, going to a ballgame, soaking in the tub or watching a movie. Each small success can help you reach your goal to quit smoking for good.

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

NOW BLOGGING
Apples and pears - More than out of hand
Apples and pears are tree fruit that are delicious simply eaten out of hand. However, why limit yourself to one way of enjoying them?