In this issue: Flu-focused doctor visits, puffy hands and exercise, snow blower safety tips and more

HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 19, Issue 5 | January 15, 2018   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Flu symptoms: Should I see my doctor? The influenza virus has been busy this season. Across the country, people are coming down with the flu. Many are riding out the illness, but others should visit their physician.     Counting calories: Get back to weight-loss basics   If you're determined to get a handle on your weight this year, know that calories play a big role. Try these healthy food swaps and smart portion size tips.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Sleep aids: Can antihistamines help me rest? Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so should you turn to them for some quality sleep? Find out. Hand swelling during exercise: A concern? Having puffy hands while working out is rarely serious enough to disrupt your routine. Here's how to be more comfortable. Mindfulness practice: Can it reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis? Stress may worsen symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Learn whether a mind-body therapy can help you cope.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Video: Injury season for snow blowers Complete blood count (CBC) Pelvic exam Complementary and alternative medicine claims     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! Guide to Integrative Medicine This newly released book, the Mayo Clinic Guide to Integrative Medicine, gives you evidence-based insight into many of the most popular alternative treatments and how they can be paired with the best of conventional medicine to boost your health and wellness. Learn more.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Chickpea polenta with olives Cracked wheat chili Yellow lentils with spinach and ginger   HEALTH TIP   Snoring solution: Sleep on your side Sleep on your side to help prevent snoring. Lying on your back allows your tongue to fall backward into your throat, which narrows your airway and partially obstructs airflow. To stay off your back, try sewing a tennis ball to the back of your pajama top. Feeling the ball at night will remind you to roll over.   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.