Living wills and advance directives for medical decisions
If you can't speak for yourself due to a health issue, living wills and other advance directives tell your caregivers and health care providers the medical care you do and do not want. Here's how to plan ahead.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Can adults develop a food allergy?
While most food allergies start in childhood, they can develop at any time of life. It isn't clear why, but some adults develop an allergy to a food they used to eat with no problem. Some people with a food allergy are at risk of a life-threatening reaction that requires emergency treatment. Learn more from Dr. James Li, a Mayo Clinic allergist-immunologist.

Are elliptical machines better than treadmills for basic aerobic workouts?
While you can get an effective aerobic workout with an elliptical machine or a treadmill, elliptical machines might offer some advantages over treadmills. Learn more from Dr. Edward Laskowski, a Mayo Clinic physical medicine specialist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Sleep-related eating disorder
Video: Measuring blood pressure using an automatic monitor
Leg swelling: When to see a doctor
Aphasia

HEALTHY RECIPES
Whole-grain banana bread
Smoked Gouda and vegetable poached egg sandwich
Grilled mango chutney
Strawberries and cream cheese crepes

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Losing weight: 5 tips that work
If you need to lose weight, take these simple steps to improve your chances of long-term success:

1. Make a commitment.
2. Find your inner motivation.
3. Set realistic goals.
4. Learn to enjoy healthier foods.
5. Get and stay active.

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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The post Housecall: The dangers of belly fat in men appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Omega-3 in fish: How eating fish helps your heart
Worried about heart disease? Try eating one to two servings of fish a week. Discover the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

Prescription weight-loss drugs
Interest in weight-loss medicines is growing as more drugs become available. Could one of them help you? Find out if you may be a candidate.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Colon cleansing: Is it helpful or harmful?
Colon cleansing is popular among some alternative medicine practitioners who claim it has health benefits. Get the facts first.

Body fat analyzers: How accurate are they?
Body fat can be measured with hand-held body fat analyzers, but accuracy varies.

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PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Living wills and advance directives for medical decisions
Slide show: Age-related vision problems
Denial: When it helps, when it hurts
Animal bites: First aid

HEALTHY RECIPES
Grilled chicken salad with olives and oranges
Jamaican barbecued pork
Apple-fennel slaw
Fruit with balsamic vinegar syrup 

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Time your lotions right
Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream to help trap water in the surface cells.

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: Farmers market — A healthy way to buy local
Shopping at a farmers market is a good way support your local economy, go green and refresh your healthy eating habits.

The post Monday’s Housecall appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

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Miss the full show on I Heart Radio?
Click the link to listen: Medical edge Radio Full Show 12-1-12 mp3 - 44min

During the show we also discussed:
Bright Eyes for the Holidays 12-1-12 and Thyroid Supplements 12-1-12.

You can listen to the program live on I Heart Radio through our flagship station, KROC AM.

The post Advance Directives appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.