• Housecall: Dealing with arthritis pain

a happy, smiling three generations - grandmother, mother and baby - outdoors on a sunny autumn day

THIS WEEK'S TOP TOPICS
Arthritis pain: Do's and don'ts
Arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. Arthritis pain can interfere with your daily activities and enjoyment of life. You can find plenty of advice about easing the pain of arthritis with exercise, medication and stress reduction, but how do you know what will work for you? Here are some tips on exercise and other common concerns when coping with arthritis symptoms and arthritis pain.

Flood safety: Check food and medicines
After a flood or water damage to your home during severe weather, be cautious about handling food and medications that were exposed to unsafe water. They may be contaminated with toxins or germs that can cause illnesses. Learn more from Dr. James Steckelberg, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist.

EXPERT ANSWERS
What is high-fructose corn syrup?
High-fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener in sodas and fruit-flavored drinks. As use of high-fructose corn syrup has increased, so have levels of obesity and related health problems. While it's chemically similar to table sugar, there is controversy about whether the body handles high-fructose corn syrup differently than table sugar. Learn more from Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist.

When do early HIV symptoms appear?
Early HIV symptoms usually occur within a couple of weeks to a month or two after infection. These early HIV symptoms, called "acute retroviral syndrome" or "primary HIV infection," usually disappear within a week to a month, and often are mistaken for another viral infection or a bad case of the flu. During this period, anyone with the virus is very infectious. Persistent or more severe symptoms of HIV infection may not appear for several years after the initial infection. Learn more from Dr. James Steckelberg, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Video: 'Triceps Extension With Weight Machine'
Plantar warts
Canalith repositioning procedure
Kratom: Unsafe and ineffective

HEALTHY RECIPES
Polenta with roasted Mediterranean vegetables
Grouper with tomato-olive sauce
Stuffed quinoa peppers

Apricot and almond crisp

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Depression: Diagnosis is key
It's normal to feel sad or upset occasionally, or to be unhappy with situations in your life. But with depression, these feelings linger for weeks, months or even years. If you think you may be depressed, seek medical help as soon as possible. Depression usually doesn't get better on its own, but depression is treatable. Remember, help is available.

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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