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    Housecall: Naps Aren’t Just for Kids

a young man stretched out on a couch, napping

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Napping: Do's and don'ts for healthy adults
Naps aren't just for kids. Catching 40 winks may help you feel more alert and improve your mood. Here's how to make the most of your snooze.

Herbal supplements may not mix with heart medicines 
Herbal supplements are natural, so they must be safe, right? Not necessarily. Some can interact with prescription drugs — and even aspirin — to cause dangerous problems. Get the facts.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Water exercise: Does pool temperature matter? 
Should you opt for warm or cool pool water? It depends on your age and the type of exercise you're doing.

Dental floss or water pick: Which is better? 
Discover why you may not want to toss your floss in favor of a water pick for a healthy smile.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Dry eyes
Blood donation
Hyperparathyroidism
Slideshow: Guide to gourmet salt

HEALTHY RECIPES
Creole shrimp
Roasted red pepper hummus
Ham and farro salad
Portobello and blue cheese salad

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Watch what you drink when dieting
When you're dieting, pay attention to what you drink, too. For instance, although juice and milk have important nutrients, they contain a lot of calories. Drink reduced-calorie juice or dilute juice with plain or sparkling water to help lower the calorie count. To help cut calories in milk yet still get your calcium, switch to fat-free milk. Water is still the best choice when it comes to satisfying thirst, though. And if you're hungry, snack on fresh fruit, not fruit juice.

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

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Physical activity is key to healthy aging

Only a few lifestyle choices have as big an impact on your health and longevity as physical activity. So get off the couch and get moving with these tips.

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