• Cancer

    Housecall: Exercising for everyday life

a close-up of a smiling grandfather and granddaughter, outdoors on a sunny day, with her riding on his shoulders

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?
Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks, making it easier to perform activities such as carrying groceries or playing with your grandkids. Find out if it's right for you.

Mumps
Think mumps is a disease of the past? Think again. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45 states have reported cases of the infection this year. Learn about the symptoms, testing and more.

EXPERT ANSWERS
White whole-wheat bread: Is it nutritious?
Looking for an easy way to add more healthy grains to your diet? You may want to give white whole-wheat bread a try.

Should metal dental fillings be replaced with composite?
If your metal fillings are defective or show decay, your dentist should replace them. Find out more about dental amalgam.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Hidradenitis suppurativa: When does it appear?
Ingrown toenails: An overview
Back pain at work: Preventing pain and injury
Dessert recipes

HEALTHY RECIPES
Wild rice mushroom soup
Avocado salad with ginger-miso dressing
White sea bass with dill relish
Broccoli with garlic and lemon

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Need motivation to exercise? Try a diary
Thinking of starting a workout program in the new year? Good for you! Record your efforts to track progress toward your goals. After each workout, record the date, your activity (e.g., swimming, lifting weights, volleyball, etc.), how long you exercised, and how you felt afterward. Having a chronicle of your improvement can be a great source of motivation.

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

NOW BLOGGING
Are you a gambler? Don't risk skipping screenings

There are many reasons why you may choose to avoid being screened for cancer — and they're putting your health at risk.

Receive a free e-subscription to Housecall and other health newsletters.