In this issue: Halloween tips and tricks, Twitter and medicine, weight-loss jumpstart and more.

Follow these guidelines for a safe, sweet Halloween. Manage my newsletter.   HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic ranked #1 in more specialties than any other hospital in the nation Vol. 16, Issue 86 | October 29, 2015   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Halloween safety: Tips for trick-or-treaters From decorating pumpkins and choosing costumes to inspecting candy, get ideas on how to make Halloween safe and fun.     Getting past a weight-loss plateau   If the number on your scale won't budge, don't despair. Learn how to rev up your workout, cut calories and restart your weight loss.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Does prickly pear cactus have health benefits? Prickly pear cactus can be part of a healthy diet, but benefits beyond that haven't been backed up by studies. Is having chronic hives a lifelong condition? Chronic hives are rarely permanent. When they do flare up, try these tips to keep symptoms in check.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Managing your cholesterol Epilepsy Kegel exercises: A how-to guide for women Video: Twitter and medicine     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: Healthier Halloween treats for kids of all ages Enjoy a healthier Halloween with these spooky snacks and wickedly good treats.     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   The #1 New York Times bestseller adapted for people with diabetes Adapted from the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Mayo Clinic Diabetes Diet is designed to help you start losing weight quickly with a total lifestyle approach. Mayo Clinic doctors agree that losing weight is the single most effective step you can take to manage type 2 diabetes if you have it and reduce your chances of getting it if you are at risk. Don't hesitate, order today!     SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT   Interactive webinar — adult epilepsy Join us on Nov. 2 at noon CT for a live webinar, Adult Epilepsy: Common Clinical Issues and New Therapies. Mayo Clinic neurologists will discuss medications, seizure emergencies, laser ablation and more. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Register here.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Beef stew Best honey whole-wheat bread Rotelle pasta with sun-dried tomato and black olive sauce Barbecue chicken pizza   HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK   Depression: Diagnosis is key It's normal to occasionally feel sad or upset, or to be unhappy with situations in your life. But with depression, these feelings linger for weeks, months or even years. If you think you may be depressed, seek medical help as soon as possible. Depression usually doesn't get better on its own, but depression is treatable. Remember, help is available.   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.