Housecall: Change your eating space to change your eating habits

Housecall: Change your eating space to change your eating habits

By
Laurel Kelly

December 3, 2018

a young man alone in his work office, wearing headphones eating a slice of pizza and staring at his computer screen THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Change your eating space to change your eating habits
Healthy eating is about more than food. It's about environment, too. How and where you eat can play a big role in your weight, nutrition and overall health. Whether you're dining solo or serving the whole family, these tips for changing your eating space may change your eating habits, as well.

Seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression related to changes in seasons. For most people with seasonal affective disorder, symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping their energy and making them moody. Symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses. Treatment can include light therapy, medications and psychotherapy. Learn more about the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and whether treatment might be right for you.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Is acute bronchitis contagious?
Acute bronchitis most often is caused by a virus. Flu viruses are a common cause, but many other viruses can cause acute bronchitis, as well. Viruses that cause bronchitis spread mainly from person to person by droplets produced when an ill person coughs, sneezes or talks. They also may spread when people touch something with the virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes or nose. There are some things you can do to reduce your risk, though. Learn more from Dr. James Steckelberg, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist.

Is it safe to get a flu shot during pregnancy?
If you'll be pregnant during flu season, be sure to get a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that all women who are pregnant during flu season get a flu shot, regardless of their trimester. The vaccine protects both you and your baby. Learn more from Dr. Tatnai Burnett, a Mayo Clinic OB-GYN.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Headaches and hormones: What's the connection?
Mumps
Contact dermatitis
Infographic: Stomach cancer

HEALTHY RECIPES
Almond and apricot biscotti
French onion soup
Quinoa stuffed peppers
Chocolate pudding pies

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Stress and headaches: Stop the cycle
Stress can make your head hurt, and a headache can really stress you out. Either way, you can rein in the pain with these tips to keep stress under control:

Simplify. Ask yourself what really needs to be done and what can be dropped.
Delegate. Look over your to-do list and delegate what you can.
Laugh. Staying positive with humor is a great way to relieve stress.
Relax. When you feel your muscles begin to tense, breathe deeply. Focus on inhaling and exhaling deeply and slowly for at least 10 minutes.
Exercise. Regular exercise provides a healthy break from the stress of daily life.

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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