• Cardiovascular

    Housecall: Heat and exercise — know how to keep yourself safe

a young woman outdoors on a sunny day, drinking water and dressed for running

THIS WEEK'S TOP TOPICS
Heat and exercise: Keeping cool in hot weather 
Exercising in hot weather puts extra stress on your body. If you don't take care when exercising in the heat, you risk serious illness. Exercise, air temperature and humidity each can increase your core body temperature. If you exercise outdoors in hot weather, use these commonsense precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people. Learn more about how Crohn's disease is diagnosed and treated.

EXPERT ANSWERS
What is very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol? Is it harmful?
Very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is produced in the liver and released into the bloodstream to supply body tissues with triglycerides, a type of fat. High levels of very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol have been associated with the development of plaque deposits on artery walls, which narrow the passages and restrict blood flow. Learn more from Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist.

Are high-protein diets safe?
For most healthy people, a high-protein diet isn't harmful, particularly when followed for a short time. Such diets may help with weight loss by making you feel fuller. However, health problems may result if a high-protein diet is followed for an extended time. Learn more from Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Nosebleeds: When to see a health care provider
HIV testing
Video: 'Vertigo'
Slideshow: Poison ivy and other summer skin irritants

HEALTHY RECIPES
Avocado deviled eggs
Italian flags (tomato and mozzarella salad)
Spicy snow peas

Crispy baked chicken legs

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Feeling faint? Here's what to do
If the blood supply to your brain is inadequate, even momentarily, you may feel faint. And you may lose consciousness for a short time. If you feel faint, lie down or sit down. If you're sitting down, place your head between your knees. Don't stand up again too quickly. Sometimes fainting has no medical significance. In other cases, fainting can be caused by a serious underlying condition. Discuss it with your health care provider.

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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