In this issue: Cold weather safety tips, Mayo Clinic Diet details, lifespan of flu germs and more

HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 19, Issue 1 | January 1, 2018   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     The Mayo Clinic Diet: A weight-loss program for life The Mayo Clinic Diet aims to do more than help you lose weight. It teaches you a healthy way of eating that you can enjoy for a lifetime.     Hypothermia   With the frigid temperatures across the country, a simple walk outside can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Get the facts about hypothermia and how to help prevent this drop in body temperature.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Flu germs: How long can they live outside the body? Flu germs are more resilient than you may think. Learn how to protect yourself. Early hepatitis C infection: How often does it become chronic? It's possible to have acute hepatitis C without it progressing to the chronic stage of infection. Discover how frequently this happens. Hormone replacement therapy: Can it cause vaginal bleeding? Some forms of menopause hormone therapy may cause monthly bleeding. Here's what you should know.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Hemoglobin test Sleep terrors (night terrors) Peripheral artery disease (PAD) Emphysema     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.   BMI calculator Mayo Clinic healthy weight pyramid     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   NEW! Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies, second edition What do you do when fighting the flu, a fever, a headache or allergies? What about burns, blisters or bruises? We've got you covered with this comprehensive guide. This newly updated book offers simple steps to treat or relieve symptoms of more than 100 common health problems, right from home. Find out how.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Easy pizza for two Baked ziti with vegetables Blackened sole   HEALTH TIP   Feeling faint? What to do If the blood supply to your brain is inadequate, even momentarily, you may feel faint. You may even lose consciousness for a short time. If you feel faint, lie down or sit down. If you're sitting down, place your head between your knees. Don't stand up again too quickly. Sometimes fainting has no medical significance. In other cases, fainting can be caused by a serious underlying condition. Discuss it with your doctor.   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     © 2018 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.