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THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIESbar-b-que grilling meats and vegetables

Summer recipes: Celebrate the season
Enjoy the tastes of summer with seven mix-and-match menus. Try some of these no-fuss healthy recipes today.

Chronic stress puts your health at risk
Your body's stress reaction was meant to protect you. But when it's constantly on alert, your health can pay the price. Here's how.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Coconut oil for weight loss: Does it work?
Will taking coconut oil help you drop those extra pounds? Research says no — but your waist size may benefit.

Warfarin diet: What foods should I avoid?
Taking this blood-thinning medication means having to watch what you eat. Certain foods and drinks can make warfarin less effective.

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PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Robotic surgery
Tick bites: First aid
Alzheimer's genes: Are you at risk?
Hot flashes

HEALTHY RECIPES
Beet burgers
English cucumber salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Barley and roasted tomato risotto
Mixed berry pie

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Can sit-ups flatten your stomach?
Abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups and crunches, can help strengthen abdominal muscles and improve posture. But you can't spot reduce areas of excess body fat with certain exercises. So if you have excess fat in your abdomen, don't count on crunches for six-pack abs. To lose weight and body fat, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn by adjusting your diet and exercise habits.

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: Which fish to pick — farmed or wild?
Eating more fish may be a healthy option, but knowing which to choose can be confusing. Get the facts on wild-caught and farm-raised fish.