In this issue: Take a 2-week sugar challenge, fade age spots, measure your waist size and more

HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 19, Issue 23 | March 19, 2018   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Sugar challenge: Cut the sweetness for 2 weeks Can you give up added sugar and artificial sweeteners for a time? Try giving your palate a cleanse with this two-week test.     Age spots (liver spots)   Sun exposure is primarily to blame for these small dark areas on your face, hands, shoulders and arms. Is it possible to lighten or remove the spots? See which treatments may work.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Waist size may be a predictor of life expectancy What is your waistline telling you? Get a measuring tape and find out if your girth is associated with shorter longevity. Non-mesh sling: A treatment for stress urinary incontinence? If you leak urine when you lift heavy items, cough, sneeze or run, a surgical option may help you find relief.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Nicotine dependence Ramsay Hunt syndrome Compulsive gambling Poisoning: First aid Chronic sinusitis     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   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.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Brussels sprouts with shallots and lemon Grilled chicken breasts with roasted yellow tomato sauce Roasted red snapper   HEALTH TIP   Step it up with an activity tracker For about $10 to $50, you can buy a basic pedometer and begin counting your steps. An activity tracker may cost two to three times that amount. To get started, wear your activity tracker throughout the day for about a week. Add up the total number of steps and divide by seven. This is your baseline. From there, you can start setting short-term goals, such as adding 1,000 steps a day. A long-term goal may be walking 10,000 steps a day.   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     Did you know? Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution dedicated to patient care, education and medical research. Proceeds from advertising and the sale of Mayo Clinic books and newsletters support Mayo Clinic's mission. Share our passion for science and health. Please consider a gift to Mayo Clinic. Click here to donate.     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.