• Cancer

    Housecall: Exercise and weight loss

a close-up of a smiling older man in a swimming pool, holding a kickboardTHIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Exercise for weight loss: Calories burned in 1 hour
Being active is important for any weight-loss or weight-maintenance program. When you're active, your body uses more energy, or calories. When you burn more calories than you consume, you lose weight. See how your favorite fitness activity rates.

Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk
You may have heard conflicting reports about cancer prevention. Sometimes, the tip recommended in one study or news report is advised against in another. However, it's well accepted that your chances of developing cancer are affected by the lifestyle choices you make. Here are seven tips that can make a big difference in your health.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Is there a link between caffeine and menopause symptoms?
If you regularly consume caffeine and you're troubled by hot flashes, you might consider cutting back or eliminating caffeine from your diet to see if that eases your symptoms. Learn more from Dr. Jacqueline Thielen, a Mayo Clinic internal medicine specialist.

Does shaved hair grow back thicker and darker?
Contrary to popular belief, shaving unwanted hair doesn't change its thickness, color or rate of growth. If you notice a sudden increase in facial or body hair, though, talk with your health care provider. This could be a medication side effect or a sign of an underlying medical condition. Learn more from Dr. Lawrence Gibson, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Laser resurfacing
Chest pain
Foot drop
Asthma: Limit attacks caused by colds or flu

HEALTHY RECIPES
Asian vegetable salad
Fresh puttanesca with brown rice
Braised kale with cherry tomatoes
Decadent chocolate cake

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Calorie count: Check your coffee cup
Coffee choices are nearly limitless. You can choose from plain, flavored, whipped, topped, iced and frozen versions. Of course, how you choose to dress up your coffee makes all the difference in calories, fat and sugar. If you're watching your weight, consider sticking to basic black. A plain cup of brewed coffee contains zero fat and only a couple of calories.

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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