In this issue: Easy weight-loss recipes, workplace workouts, signs of thyroid problems and more

HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 19, Issue 4 | January 11, 2018   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Office exercise: Add more activity to your workday Is a desk job keeping you from exercising? From balancing on a fitness ball to adjusting your commute, rev up your routine with these tips.     Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)   Are feeling fatigued and gaining weight simply due to getting older? Or could they be subtle signs of hypothyroidism? Here's what you should know.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Petroleum jelly: Safe for a dry nose? Looking to soothe a chapped nose? Petroleum jelly is generally OK to use, but it can cause lung problems in certain cases. Paced breathing: Can it help with hot flashes? Taking slow deep breaths may reduce hot flashes and aid your health in other ways.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Weight-management recipes Abdominal aortic aneurysm Moles Complete blood count (CBC) Epilepsy     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   Discover better health through better weight management With our quick-start plan, The Mayo Clinic Diet is designed to help you lose 6 to 10 pounds in as little as two weeks. Then it helps you continue to lose a pound or two each week as you follow the program until you reach your target weight — and maintain that weight for life. With step-by-step guidance from Mayo experts, you'll learn to break unhealthy habits and discover a healthier, happier you! Learn more.     SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT   Real people. Real connections. Living with a seizure disorder is a journey. Meet others talking about epilepsy on Mayo Clinic Connect, a welcoming online community where you can ask questions, support others and learn. Start connecting today on Mayo Clinic Connect!     HEALTHY RECIPES   Artichoke dip Whole-grain banana bread Asian pork tenderloin   HEALTH TIP   Does zinc work for colds? The jury is still out on that question because many zinc studies, both those that found zinc beneficial and those that didn't, were flawed. In studies with positive results, zinc lozenges or syrup appeared to shorten a cold by one day and seemed most effective when taken within 24 hours of the start of symptoms. Taking zinc lozenges with food may reduce side effects, such as a bad taste and nausea. Steer clear of zinc nasal spray, however, which may permanently damage your sense of smell.   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     © 2018 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.