In this issue: Atkins Diet claims, pumpkin power, flu facts, sitting disease, telehealth and more.

Does the Atkins Diet live up to its hype? Manage my newsletter.   HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic named America's #1 Best Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Vol. 15, Issue 77 | October 30, 2014   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Atkins Diet: What's behind the claims? Get the details on this popular low-carbohydrate eating plan, including potential weight loss, health benefits and risks.     Strength training: Get stronger, leaner, healthier   Want to reduce body fat, increase lean muscle mass and burn calories more efficiently? Strength training to the rescue!           EXPERT ANSWERS   Pumpkin: Is canned better than fresh? Pumpkins are a nutritional powerhouse, whether you choose fresh or the canned variety. How many hours of sleep are enough? The amount of sleep you need depends on various factors — especially your age. Here are some guidelines.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Influenza (flu) Hearing aids: How to choose the right one Telehealth: When technology meets health care Talking with your child's caregivers and teachers about food allergies     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.   Calorie calculator BMI calculator     NOW BLOGGING   Nutrition-wise: Do you have 'sitting disease'? The number of hours you spend sitting each day can affect how long you live as well as your quality of life.     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Vision Discover how you can preserve your vision and prevent age-related vision loss.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Linguine with mushrooms Artichokes alla Romana Beet walnut salad Poached pears   HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK   Brush up on how to brush your teeth You brush your teeth every day, but are you doing it properly? Here's how to brush: Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and brush with short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the back and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums. Or use an electric toothbrush. Either way, brush your teeth at least twice a day: in the morning and before you go to bed.   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 is a not-for-profit organization. Proceeds from website advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any non-Mayo products and services. 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 Follow on Pinterest   Watch on YouTube Patient Stories View More Newsletters       Thanks for joining our mailing list, sononui.cancer@blogger.com, for Mayo Clinic HOUSECALL.   REMOVE me from this list | Add me to this list | Customer service   © 2014 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.