In this issue: 5 steps to fitness, Alzheimer's and head injuries, going gluten-free and more.

Starting to exercise is easier than you might think. Manage my newsletter.   HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 17, Issue 78 | September 22, 2016   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Fitness program: 5 steps to get started Making exercise a part of your normal routine may seem daunting. But if you take it step-by-step, it's a lot easier to manage.     Sickle cell anemia   September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Get the facts about this inherited blood disorder and treatments that can help you cope.           EXPERT ANSWERS   White patch on skin: A cause for concern? Discover what could cause a small white patch on your skin and when to see a dermatologist. Alzheimer's: Can a head injury increase my risk? Some research shows a link between certain head injuries and Alzheimer's disease. Here's what you should know.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Bean and legume recipes Asthma in adults: Creating an asthma action plan Chronic kidney disease Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls     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   Nutrition-wise: Is gluten-free a healthy way to eat? If you don't need to avoid gluten, is it OK to follow a gluten-free diet? It depends on what you eat instead.     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   Your home reference for the most common conditions With the Mayo Clinic A to Z Health Guide you'll find everything you need to know about signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of common medical conditions. Featuring helpful illustrations and straightforward writing, this is a must-have health resource for every home. Take a closer look!     Adopt some new healthy habits for 2017 The Mayo Clinic Diet is designed to help you lose 6 to 10 lbs. in 2 weeks. You'll learn which five habits to add and which five habits to break to start losing weight.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Black bean wrap Bean salad with balsamic vinaigrette French green lentil salad Vegetable, lentil and garbanzo bean stew   HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK   Exercise: Are you working hard enough? You're aiming for moderate intensity when you exercise, but how do you know if you're achieving it? You're probably exercising at moderate intensity if you're breathing faster and you break into a light sweat after about 10 minutes of activity. If you're not sure, try the talk test: If you can carry on a conversation but you can't sing, you're probably exercising in the moderate-intensity range.   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.