In this issue: Cholesterol testing, low-cost ways to shape up, curbing tobacco cravings and more

Manage my newsletter.   HOUSECALL Vol. 14, Issue 53 | December 31, 2013   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Weight-loss goals: Set yourself up for success Well-planned weight-loss goals help you convert thoughts into action. Here's how to create successful weight-loss goals.     Quitting smoking: 10 ways to resist tobacco cravings   When a tobacco craving strikes, use some of these tips to resist.       EXPERT ANSWERS   Osteopathic medicine: What kind of doctor is a D.O.? You know what M.D. means, but what does D.O. mean? What are the differences between these two types of doctors? Stress and hair loss: Are they related? Find out which types of hair loss can be associated with high stress levels.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Video: LASIK eye surgery Fitness for less: Low-cost ways to shape up Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes Cholesterol test     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 tool LDL cholesterol calculator     NOW BLOGGING   Stress: Does nature or nurture dictate your path in life? Nature and nurture both influence — but don't dictate — who you are. Your choices also play a role.     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   Discover better health through better weight management With our quick start plan, The Mayo Clinic Diet is designed to help you lose 6 to 10 pounds in as little as two weeks. Then, it helps you continue to lose a pound or two each week as you follow the program until you reach your target weight and maintain that weight for life. With step-by-step guidance from Mayo experts, you'll learn to break unhealthy habits and discover a healthier, happier you! Learn more.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Fresh fruit smoothie Fish tacos with tomatillo sauce Baby beet and orange salad Spiced carrot raisin bread   HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK   Get SMART about weight loss When setting goals, think about process and outcome. Process goals are most important because changing your habits (processes) is key to success. 'Exercise regularly' is an example of a process goal, while 'lose 30 pounds' is an example of an outcome goal. Also, make sure your goals are SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-limited. An example of a SMART goal is aiming to walk for 30 minutes a day, five days a week for the next month and logging your results.   Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover even more healthy lifestyle topics at MayoClinic.com.   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.com. 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, wahdaz.5stepquitsmoking@blogger.com, for Mayo Clinic HOUSECALL.   REMOVE me from this list | Add me to this list | Customer service   ©2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.