In this issue: Healing power of pets, dangers of being distracted, exercise guidelines and more.

Can a furry friend be good for your health? Manage my newsletter.   HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 17, Issue 70 | August 25, 2016   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Pet therapy: Man's best friend as healer They may not have medical degrees, but furry friends may help you feel better. See how pet therapy uses animals to help people cope with health problems and other issues.     Sleep aids: Understand over-the-counter options   If getting a good night's rest remains elusive even after following the usual bedtime tips, is it time for an over-the-counter sleep aid? Here's what you need to know.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Exercise: How much do I need every day? Find out if you're fitting in as much aerobic activity and strength training as you should. I'm a vegetarian. Will my plant-based diet help me control my cholesterol? Going vegetarian may help you manage your cholesterol, but choose your foods wisely.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Rosacea Pulmonary embolism Tummy tuck Type 2 diabetes     TRUSTED HEALTH TOOLS   Use our Symptom Checker to explore possible causes of your symptoms based upon Mayo Clinic's patient care experience.   Use these simple calculators and self-assessments for personalized health tips.   Calorie calculator Mayo Clinic healthy weight pyramid     NOW BLOGGING   Going the distance: Being distracted can be hazardous to your health We live in an age of distractions and interruptions. If we're not careful, they can be a danger to us and those around us.     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   Mayo Clinic's favorite home remedies for 120 common health conditions What do you do when fighting the flu, a fever, headaches or allergies? What about burns, blisters or bruises? We've got you covered with this comprehensive guide. Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies offers simple steps to treat or relieve symptoms of more than 120 of today's common health problems right from home. Find out how.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Pickled asparagus Pickled onion salad Basil butter and sundried tomato sauce Red pepper pesto   HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK   Stop your next migraine before it starts Medication is a proven way to treat and prevent migraines, but medicines are only part of the story. Healthy habits can sometimes stop migraine pain before it starts: 1. Establish regular sleep hours. Take time to unwind at the end of the day. If you can't fall asleep, read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy. 2. Eat at about the same time every day. Avoid foods that seem to trigger migraines. 3. Exercise regularly. 4. Keep stress under control.   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.   Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy    |    Opportunities     Help us find the answers Support Mayo Clinic; donate now. Your support changes lives.     Connect with Mayo Clinic For more of our reliable health information and tools, visit us at MayoClinic.org. Or add us to your social network!   Like us on Facebook Follow on Twitter Follow on Pinterest   Watch on YouTube Patient Stories View More Newsletters       Thanks for joining our mailing list, mantiskhiralla@gmail.com, for Mayo Clinic HOUSECALL.   REMOVE me from this list | Add me to this list | Customer service   © 2016 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.