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    Housecall: How balanced is your work-life balance?

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THIS WEEK'S TOP TOPICS
Work-life balance: Tips to reclaim control 
There was a time when the boundaries between work and home were fairly clear. Today, work is likely to invade your personal life, and maintaining work-life balance can be a challenge. When your work life and personal life are out of balance, your stress level is likely to soar. But if you can learn to set limits and look after yourself, you can achieve the work-life balance that's best for you. Here are some strategies you can use to bring your life back into harmony.

Evaluating complementary and alternative medicine therapies
Complementary and alternative medicine treatments, from herbal remedies and dietary supplements to ancient healing systems and mind-body techniques, are growing in popularity. And thanks to increasing research, health care providers are better able to understand the role some of these complementary therapies can play in helping treat and prevent disease. But not all complementary and alternative medicine treatments have been studied well enough to know whether they're safe or effective. Here's what you need to know.

EXPERT ANSWERS
What are probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the "good" bacteria in the body. Prebiotics are foods that act as food for those "good" bacteria and improve the balance of these microorganisms. How can you include probiotics and prebiotics in your diet? Learn more from Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist.

Are ankle weights a good idea for fitness walking?
Although ankle weights can increase the energy you burn while walking, they may strain the ankle joints and leg muscles, which could increase your risk of injury. Learn about better ideas for adding to your walking workout from Dr. Edward Laskowski, a Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Animal bites: First aid
Sun allergy
Gout
Cellulite

HEALTHY RECIPES
Sweet carrots

Tomato-basil pizza
Summer vegetable soup
Grilled snapper curry

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Do your sunglasses get the job done?
Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement. When you're shopping for shades, skip sunglasses that don't offer details about ultraviolent (UV) radiation protection. Instead look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of both UVA and UVB rays.

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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