In this issue: 7 reasons to exercise, easy ways to protect thin skin, mammogram guidelines and more

HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 18, Issue 84 | October 19, 2017   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity Working out can improve your mood, boost your energy and help you prevent heart disease. How many more reasons do you need to get moving?     Snacks: How they fit into your weight-loss plan   Eating between meals doesn't have to be a guilty pleasure. Discover creative ways to satisfy your hunger without sabotaging your diet goals.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Mammogram guidelines: What are they? When to begin mammogram screenings and how often to have them is a personal decision based on your preferences. Flu shots for kids: Does my child need a flu shot? In most cases, your child or grandchild will need the flu vaccine. Find out the latest recommendations. Thin skin? Added protection helps Fragile or thin skin is a fairly common problem, especially in older adults. What can you do to protect yourself?   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Minimally invasive surgery Stuttering Video: Pain medication safety High cholesterol     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.   Mayo Clinic healthy weight pyramid BMI calculator     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   Learn how to lose weight and stay on track Boost your chances for success and save some money with The Mayo Clinic Diet book and journal combo. Learn how to eat right and stay fit for life with information from the experts at Mayo Clinic. Record your progress with food lists, activity records and much more with a handy companion — The Mayo Clinic Diet Journal. Learn more.     Hundreds of slimming recipes! The Mayo Clinic Diet is designed to help you lose 6 to 10 pounds in two weeks. You'll learn which five habits to add and which five habits to break to start losing weight.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Lentil ragout Sweet potato gnocchi Philly steak sandwich   HEALTH TIP   Workout blahs? Don't go it alone! Sure, you can exercise on your own. But if you're not jazzed by solitary workouts, branch out. Invite a friend, neighbor or co-worker to join you. Work out with your partner or your kids. Take a class at a local fitness center. Maintain your motivation with social support.   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     Give to Mayo Clinic A gift to research at Mayo Clinic is a gift of life. Donate now.     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 Discover your Network   Watch on YouTube Patient Stories View More Newsletters     © 2017 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.