In this issue: Winter fitness tips, Mediterranean diet, gift ideas, appetizer recipes and more.

Look to the Mediterranean for a healthier heart. Manage my newsletter.   HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic named America's #1 Best Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Vol. 15, Issue 88 | December 8, 2014   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Mediterranean diet: A heart-healthy eating plan Following the Mediterranean diet may reduce your risk of heart disease — and help you live longer, too. See which foods are included.     Winter fitness: Safety tips for exercising outdoors   Winter doesn't have to put your fitness routine on hold. Stay safe and warm with these cold-weather exercise tips.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Why isn't there a hepatitis C vaccine? Hepatitis C vaccine development is far from straightforward, but experimental vaccines show promise. Are there any effective alternative treatments for food allergies? Nutrition and some herbal supplements may play a role in controlling food allergies.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Spirituality and stress relief: Make the connection Prescription drug abuse Appetizer recipes Bronchitis     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 Calorie calculator     NOW BLOGGING   Nutrition-wise: Healthy gift ideas for the holidays Gift ideas in short supply? Inspire someone to eat healthier or exercise more with these suggestions.     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   Reliable information for a healthier life Great news! Start a healthier you with a trial issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. As an added bonus, we'll send you a complimentary special report on arthritis. Get started now!     Mayo Clinic Going Gluten-Free Making a lifestyle change isn't easy. This new book offers the science-based guidance you need if you have considered going gluten-free. Get tips and advice from Mayo Clinic gastroenterologists and experts to help you through the journey.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Orange rosemary roasted chicken Creamed swiss chard Spicy red cabbage Pumpkin-hazelnut tea cake   HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK   Chicken soup: Can it cure a cold? There's no cure for the common cold. But if you're sick, chicken soup may help you feel better. Researchers say that chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory and temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose. This relieves congestion and limits the amount of time viruses are in contact with the lining of your nose. Plus, soup and other liquids help loosen congestion and prevent dehydration.   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     Create hope and healing Create hope and healing with a gift to Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization, and every dollar of your gift goes to funding the lifesaving research, outstanding patient care and critical medical education our patients and their families will be counting on this year. Please consider making a gift today.     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.