In this issue: Moisturizers for softer skin, blood transfusion facts, workplace stretches and more

HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 18, Issue 87 | October 30, 2017   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Moisturizers: Options for softer skin Fall's cooler temperatures and lower humidity may be drying out your skin. Here's how to find the best moisturizer for you.     Blood transfusion   Tomorrow's Halloween, and vampires aren't the only ones who need blood. Get the facts about transfusions and how these potentially life-saving procedures can help you after surgery or an injury.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Alzheimer's: Can a head injury increase my risk? Find out if getting a head wound now can make you more likely to develop dementia later in life. Cabbage soup diet: Can it help with weight loss? Fans of this fad diet say that it helps you lose a few pounds quickly, but before you go all in, learn its pros and cons.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Video: Standing stretches for the workplace Cochlear implants Herbal supplements and heart medicines may not mix Essential tremor Listeria infection     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   A new perspective on Alzheimer's Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer's Disease is based on the patient care experience and research at Mayo Clinic. The book brings you the latest, most effective treatment approaches we know and is a must-read for every caregiver. Learn more!     SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT   EAT WELL, LIVE WELL with Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Join experts from Mayo Clinic for an enriching culinary weekend. You will learn the most current dietary recommendations, and discover which foods to choose and which ones to avoid. What better way to prepare as we head into the holiday season — all while you indulge in the five-star luxury of the Mandarin Oriental in Washington, D.C. Learn more!     HEALTHY RECIPES   Tomato basil pesto sauce Alfredo sauce Sherried mushroom sauce   HEALTH TIP   Tooth flossing 101 Flossing is the most effective way to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Break off about 18 inches (46 centimeters) of dental floss. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger on one hand, and the rest around the middle finger on the other hand. Grip the floss between your thumbs and forefingers. Guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion. When the floss reaches your gumline, curve it against one tooth. Use the floss to rub the side of the tooth in an up-and-down motion. Unwind fresh floss for your next tooth.   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 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.