In this issue: 5 steps for fitness, healthy aging tips, swollen lymph nodes, spider veins and more.

Do you know what's considered normal as you age? Manage my newsletter.   HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic named America's #1 Best Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Vol. 15, Issue 94 | December 29, 2014   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Aging: What to expect Aging isn't glamorous, but you're not necessarily at the mercy of Mother Nature. See how healthy lifestyle choices can influence the way you age.     Fitness program: 5 steps to get started   The new year is days away, so it's a great time to start thinking about an exercise plan for 2015. Here are five steps to get you on the right track.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Spider veins: How are they removed? Options are available to remove this mild form of varicose veins — thin red lines that appear on your legs and feet. Flu shot: Will it prevent the stomach flu? The flu shot protects against influenza, which is different from the stomach flu (gastroenteritis).   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... How meat and poultry fit in your healthy diet Menopause Massage: Get in touch with its many benefits Swollen lymph nodes     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   Stress: Three game-changing tips for the new year Improve your odds of achieving your resolutions with these self-care tips.     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   #1 New York Times Bestseller! Welcome to The Mayo Clinic Diet! Bogus Mayo Clinic diets have been circulating for decades, but their popularity told us that people are craving a diet based on Mayo's research and clinical experience. In working with our patients, we've identified the leading habits of people who maintain a healthy weight and the habits of those who don't. We've used this research to develop a plan for weight loss and, ultimately, better health. Plus, we've made it an easy step-by-step program because what works is keeping it simple! Learn more.     HEALTHY RECIPES   New York strip steak with whiskey-mushroom sauce Roasted potatoes with garlic and herbs Brussels sprouts with shallots and lemon Cheesecake   HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK   Laugh more, stress less Humor can help reduce stress by providing a positive way of looking at problems. Humor can also help you perceive what's ridiculous or absurd in a situation. To promote humor in your life, follow these steps: 1. Be open to humor. Give yourself permission to laugh, even during tough times. 2. Surround yourself with humor. Try hanging cartoons in your workstation. 3. Seek out humor. Look for humor in everyday situations. Or watch a favorite comedy DVD. 4. Share your humor. Tell a funny true story to a coworker or friend.   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     Give to Mayo Clinic A gift to research at Mayo Clinic is a gift of life. Donate now.     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, dr.samah.saied.ahmed@gmail.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.