• Monday’s Housecall

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THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza
The flu can make you miserable and keep you home from work or school. Getting a flu shot is good insurance.

Influenza (flu)
Initially, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. But colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly.

EXPERT ANSWERS
What's the difference between H1N1 flu and influenza A?
H1N1 flu is a subcategory of influenza A.

Do toning shoes really work?
Despite the hype, toning shoes aren't a substitute for good old exercise.

HEALTHY RECIPES
Baked salmon with Southeast Asian marinade
Chinese noodles with spring vegetablesLaboratory petridish with human hand and testtubes
Tofu hoisin with baby bok choy
Gingery chicken noodle soup

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
What's your antibiotics IQ?
To fight the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections, everyone needs to be smart about using antibiotics. Keep these tips in mind: 1. Antibiotics are effective only for bacterial infections. They don't work for viral illnesses, such as the common cold. 2. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Don't stop treatment early, even if you start feeling better. 3. Never take antibiotics that were prescribed for someone else.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Precocious puberty
Fitness training: Elements of a well-rounded routine
Quitting smoking: 10 ways to resist tobacco cravings
Meatless meals: The benefits of eating less meat

NOW BLOGGING
Nutrition-wise: Heavy coffee consumption — risky in younger adults?
If you regularly drink coffee, you may want to take note of a recent report on heavy coffee consumption and risk of early death.