In this issue: Blood pressure numbers explained, Alzheimer's and exercise, split nail tips and more

HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 19, Issue 12 | February 8, 2018   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Blood pressure chart: What your reading means Here's how to figure out if your blood pressure is at a healthy level or if you need to take some steps to improve your numbers.     Weight loss: Feel full on fewer calories   Healthy eating plans such as the Mayo Clinic Diet use the concept of energy density to help you lose weight and keep it off. Learn which foods are filling, yet low in calories.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Alzheimer's disease: Can exercise prevent memory loss? Regular workouts may be a good way to help prevent Alzheimer's and keep your thinking skills sharp. Split fingernails: Can you prevent them? To stop your nails from splitting, treat them gently. Consider these simple nail care tips.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Dry mouth Congenital heart disease in adults Tapeworm infection Facial fillers for wrinkles Video: Need to relax? Take a break for meditation     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   Reduce the impact of stress on your health Have you ever driven several miles without noticing anything on the road or read a page in a book without registering any of it? Do the day's worries and disappointments crowd your mind as you're trying to fall asleep at night? The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living provides practical skills to help you find joy, peace and contentment in your life. Learn more.     The Mayo Clinic Diet online Designed to help you lose 6 to 10 pounds in two weeks! Start with a personalized diet profile now.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Tuna pita pockets Chicken and coleslaw wrap Smoked gouda and vegetable poached egg sandwich   HEALTH TIP   Do you drink enough water? Don't use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink. By the time you become thirsty, you may already be slightly dehydrated. To ward off dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. If you're generally healthy, consider drinking a glass of water with each meal and between each meal, as well as before, during and after exercise. Check with your doctor if you are an older adult and take a diuretic for high blood pressure before increasing your water intake. You may be at risk of having too little sodium in your blood (hyponatremia).   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.