• Housecall: Ready to Change Your Habits?

image of fruits, vegetables and hand weights representing healthy lifestyle
THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Weight loss: Ready to change your habits?
Losing weight takes more than wishful thinking. You'll need to make some lifestyle changes. Answer these questions to see if you're ready.

Smoking cessation: Creating a quit-smoking plan
Resolved to quit smoking in 2016? Increase your chances of stopping for good by planning ahead. Here's how to cope with possible hurdles.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Metabolism boost for weight loss?
Products abound that promise to rev up your metabolism, but can they help you shed that extra weight?

Is there a connection between rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups and stress?
How can you help keep RA pain, stiffness and fatigue at bay? Aim for less stress. Here's how.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ...
Human growth hormone (HGH): Does it slow aging?
Coping with chronic hives
Video: Biceps curl with dumbbell
Swollen lymph nodes

HEALTHY RECIPES
Iced latte
Quiche
Raspberry chocolate scones
Buttermilk waffles

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Time to cut back on caffeine?
That morning cup of coffee or early afternoon soda is probably OK. But more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, or more than about four cups of coffee, can cause restlessness, anxiety, headaches and other problems. Know how much caffeine is in your diet. You may be getting more than you think. To cut back, replace caffeinated drinks with decaf ones.

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.

NOW BLOGGING
Nutrition-wise: New food safety rules
The FDA released groundbreaking safety rules to help prevent food contamination. What will this mean for you as a consumer?

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