In this issue: 7 safe driving tips, Mediterranean diet recipes, nasal spray addiction and more.

Drive more safely with these handy suggestions. Manage my newsletter.   HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic ranked #1 in more specialties than any other hospital in the nation Vol. 16, Issue 83 | October 19, 2015   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Older drivers: 7 tips for driver safety As you get older, turning your head to look for traffic or braking may become more challenging. Try these tips to stay safe behind the wheel.     MRSA infection   This infection is caused by a type of staph bacteria that's become resistant to many antibiotics. Besides washing your hands, how else can you protect yourself?           EXPERT ANSWERS   Alkaline water: Better than plain water? Health claims about alkaline water and its high pH level abound, but tap water is usually best. Nasal spray addiction: Is it real? What some call nasal spray addiction is actually rebound congestion. Learn how to prevent it.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Video: Vertigo Down syndrome Mediterranean diet recipes Slide show: Back exercises in 15 minutes a day     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 Heart disease risk calculator     NOW BLOGGING   Pumpkin trivia - 10 facts about this fall favorite The arrival of harvest season brings to mind carving pumpkins and baking pumpkin pies. While you're designing jack-o'-lanterns or digging into your favorite pumpkin recipe, entertain family and friends with these pumpkin facts.     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   Improve your hearing and balance Hearing loss limits communication with those around you, affecting your personal relationships along with your ability to fully participate in social activities. Our ear specialists at Mayo Clinic have compiled their research and expertise to put the latest information at your fingertips in this book — Mayo Clinic on Better Hearing and Balance. Learn more and improve your hearing and balance today!     Hundreds of slimming recipes! The Mayo Clinic Diet is designed to help you lose 6 to 10 lbs. in 2 weeks with recipes and meal plans.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Sichuan broccoli and cauliflower Pork medallions with five-spice powder Chicken salad with Thai flavors Spicy Oriental snow peas   HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK   Statins: Should you be on one? Statins are drugs used to lower cholesterol. The decision to start a statin drug depends on how high your cholesterol is and whether you have or are at risk of heart disease. For instance, are you overweight? Do you have high blood pressure? Do you have a family history of cardiovascular disease? Do you smoke? Do you have diabetes? Your doctor will help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking statins, as well as explain other steps you can take to cut your risk of heart disease.   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   © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.