In this issue: Weight-loss plateaus, Alzheimer's tests, whole grains, tai chi exercises and more.

Has your weight loss stalled? Restart it today. Manage my newsletter.   HOUSECALL Vol. 15, Issue 56 | August 18, 2014   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Getting past a weight-loss plateau Has the number on the scale not budged in a while? Don't fall back on bad habits. Restart your weight-loss plan with these tips.     Whole grains: Hearty options for a healthy diet   Whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. Isn't it time you added more whole grains to your diet?           EXPERT ANSWERS   Tanning: Does a base tan prevent sunburn? There's little evidence that a base tan protects against sunburn. Alzheimer's test: Detection at the earliest stages New experimental Alzheimer's tests may help find the disease earlier, but more research is needed.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Hepatitis C Vitiligo Torn meniscus Video: Tai chi     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.   LDL cholesterol calculator BMI calculator     NOW BLOGGING   Nutrition-wise: New gluten-free labeling rule now in effect New criteria mean that people with celiac disease and others wishing to limit gluten know what they're getting with packaged foods labeled "gluten-free."     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   Your guide to a lifetime of fitness and health Physical fitness isn't just about losing unwanted pounds. It's about enjoying an active lifestyle with all the health benefits that come with it. Learn how to get extra energy, achieve a healthier body, improve heart health and more with Mayo Clinic Fitness for EveryBody. Learn more.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Grilled flank steak salad with roasted corn vinaigrette Cucumber pineapple salad Curried vegetable couscous Gazpacho with garbanzo beans   HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK   Soapy debate: Antibacterial or regular? Despite its soaring popularity, antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. And using antibacterial soap may lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the product's antimicrobial agents, making it even harder to kill these germs in the future.   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     Did you know? Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution dedicated to patient care, education and medical research. Proceeds from advertising and the sale of Mayo Clinic books and newsletters support Mayo Clinic's mission. Share our passion for science and health. Please consider a gift to Mayo Clinic. Click here to donate.     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, wahdaz.5stepquitsmoking@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.