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    Housecall: What do you do if your ‘happy holidays’ aren’t so happy?

a young man sitting at a laptop, with his hand to his forehead, looking tired, stressed, with twinkling lights in the backgroundTHIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Stress, depression and the holidays: 10 tips for coping
The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests: stress and depression. The holidays present a dizzying array of demands. When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past. Here are 10 practical ways to find peace and joy.

Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet
Dietary fiber, which is found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, is known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation. But foods containing fiber can provide other health benefits, as well, such as maintaining a healthy weight, and lowering your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. Find out your daily recommended fiber intake and how to make sure you're getting enough in your diet.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Can mononucleosis recur?
Mononucleosis is an infection most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Most people who have mononucleosis will have it only once. Rarely, however, symptoms may recur months or even years later. Learn more from Dr. James Steckelberg, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist.

Are lung nodules cancerous?
Lung nodules are small masses of tissue in the lung that appear as round, white shadows on a chest X-ray or CT scan. Lung nodules are common. Most are noncancerous and do not require treatment. In some cases, though, your health care provider may recommend annual chest imaging to see if a lung nodule grows or changes over time. Learn more from Dr. Eric Olson, a Mayo Clinic pulmonologist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Athlete's foot
Blocked tear duct
Slideshow: Portion control for weight loss

HEALTHY RECIPES
Buttermilk waffles
Apple cinnamon muffins
Veggie egg bake
Cinnamon French toast

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Long-term care for aging parents: Talk now
If you're considering long-term care options for an aging parent or other loved one, start the discussions early. If you wait too long, an illness or injury may force a hasty decision that everyone may regret later. Start by helping your loved one compare various facilities, including services, prices and payment options. Chat about preferences and concerns. If your loved one doesn't respond well to your efforts to talk about long-term care, don't give up. Consider involving a trusted clergy member, health care provider or attorney.

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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