In this issue: Surprising causes of bad breath, simple 5K prep tips, Alzheimer's avoidance and more

HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 19, Issue 31 | April 16, 2018   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Bad breath Store shelves are overflowing with gum, mints and mouthwashes to fight bad breath. But many of these products don't address the cause of the problem. Get to the root of halitosis.     5K run: 7-week training schedule for beginners   Did you know that you can prepare for a 5K run or walk in just two short months? Follow this simple step-by-step plan to make it to race day.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Alzheimer's prevention: Is it possible? Staying physically and mentally fit could be the key to lowering your risk for Alzheimer's. See what the research says. Long-acting beta agonists for asthma: Should I stop taking them? Understand the benefits and risks of these asthma medications. Valerian: A safe and effective herbal sleep aid? If you have insomnia and are thinking about trying a valerian supplement to catch some z's, here are some things to consider.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Morgellons disease: An unexplained skin condition Testicular cancer Muscular dystrophy Fruit recipes     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 4 simple steps to live a resilient, joy-filled life! The Mayo Clinic Handbook for Happiness is a great companion to The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living. Anchored in science and accessible to everyone, this book focuses on building resilience in the face of stress and difficulty through a simple four-step plan. Learn more.     The Mayo Clinic Diet online Food serving sizes are misleading. The Mayo Clinic Diet will help you keep portions in check while you still enjoy delicious foods.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Pineapple cream cheese pie with berries Lemon or lime glaze for chicken, fish or vegetables Ham, pineapple and asparagus crepes   HEALTH TIP   Have you done your pushups today? The pushup is a classic exercise that uses your body weight for resistance. Here's how to do it: 1. Lie facedown on the floor with your elbows bent and your palms next to your shoulders. 2. Keeping your back straight, push up with your arms until your arms are extended. 3. Lower your body until your chin touches the floor.   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.