• Housecall: Insomnia keeping you up nights?

a man in bed in a dark room, with his eyes wide open, looking frustrated, possibly suffering from insomnia or a sleep disorder, with an alarm clock in the foreground

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Insomnia: Lifestyle and home remedies
No matter what your age, insomnia is usually treatable. Often, the key is changing your routine during the day and when you go to bed. These suggestions may help.

Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
Working out can improve your mood, boost your energy and help you prevent heart disease. How many more reasons do you need to get moving?

EXPERT ANSWERS
Mammogram guidelines: What are they?
When to begin mammogram screenings and how often to have them is a personal decision based on your preferences, medical history and individual breast cancer risk.

Heel spurs: Do they always cause pain?
It's possible to have a heel spur — a bony growth in your foot — without realizing it. Learn how they're usually discovered.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Boiling down the dietary guidelines
Stuttering
Acupuncture
High cholesterol risk factors: What you can control

HEALTHY RECIPES
Hot ham and cheese sandwiches with mushrooms
Chicken Caesar pitas
Tomato-basil sandwich
Tuna steak sandwiches

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Aging doesn't mean the end of sex
Sex may not be the same as it was in your 20s, but it still can be fulfilling. Communication is essential for maintaining a satisfying sex life. Talk with your partner about what you want from him or her. Be honest about what you're experiencing physically and emotionally. If you take medications or have health problems that affect your sex life, don't be afraid to talk with your doctor.

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
Nutrition-wise: Apples and pears

If your favorite fall recipe calls for cooked apples or pears, do you know which kinds are best to use? Keep these tips in mind.

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