INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If the aneurysm is small, has not ruptured, and is not rapidly growing, your doctor may opt to monitor it instead of operating. Monitoring is a more conservative process that will include regular appointments and imaging tests to make sure your aneurysm isn't growing. You will generally have an ultrasound performed to monitor your aneurysm. If your doctor needs more information than an ultrasound can provide, they may also request x-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. Several lifestyle factors can contribute to the risk of your aneurysm rupturing. To keep your aortic aneurysm from growing, try to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle by exercise regularly, maintain a healthy, balanced diet, and limit your smoking and drinking. Any form of moderately intense cardiovascular exercise done for at least 30 minutes 4-5 times a week can help. Look for an exercise you enjoy. Try taking some group fitness classes like dance or cycling at your local gym to help you find new and fun ways to get active. A balanced diet should be based on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Generally, an adult should aim for a calorie breakdown of around 45-65% complex carbs, 20-35% fat, and 10-35% protein. If an aortic aneurysm ruptures, it will be fatal unless it's treated by a medical professional. This is serious and can seem scary, so if you experience any symptoms of a ruptured aortic aneurysm, go to the emergency room as soon as possible. They will be able to help you. These symptoms may include: Sudden, intense pain in your abdomen or back A tearing sensation in your chest or abdomen Clamminess or sweating Nausea and vomiting Low blood pressure Rapid pulse If your aortic aneurysm ruptures or starts growing rapidly, it will require surgery. The type of surgery you need will depend on if you have an abdominal or a thoracic aneurysm. For abdominal aneurysms above the kidneys, open repair is the only option. In open repair surgery, the doctor will cut into the abdomen and replace a damaged abdominal vessel with a graft. For an abdominal aneurysm below the kidneys or a thoracic aneurysm, your surgeon may opt either open repair or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). EVAR places a stent-graft in the artery and guides to to the aneurysm.

SUMMARY: Ask your doctor about medical monitoring for unruptured aneurysms. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to stop the aneurysm from rupturing. See a doctor if you have any symptoms of rupturing. Prepare for surgery if the aneurysm ruptures or is growing.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Fluid retention in the legs is very common among the elderly and inactive because when you sit still for long periods of time, you accumulate fluid in your legs. If you work at a desk or sit for extended lengths of time, take a break every 1-2 hours to get up and move around for several minutes. Minimize the amount of time you sit or stand in one place. If you are suffering from fluid retention, walking or exercising in smaller amounts two or more times per day may help you lose fluid faster than a single workout. Exercise your legs when you're on a flight. Get up and walk up and down the aisles, or do calf raises at your seat. Your body is likely to retain fluid on the journey; however, you can reduce water weight by moving as frequently as possible. Exercise can help you to lose water weight quickly, as long as you work up a good sweat. Jog, use the elliptical, ride a bike, dance work out to get your heart rate up for at least half an hour daily, if possible. Consult your doctor before starting a new rigorous workout plan. Always stay hydrated when exercising! You want to lose extra water from sweating, but not cause yourself harm from dehydration. Take a water break at least every 20 minutes. Be aware that when you first start a new workout program, you might actually gain weight temporarily from storing water in your muscles. That's why exercising regularly is helpful. Absolutely do not starve yourself this can make water retention worse! You don't necessarily need to hit the gym to be active. Make it a point to get out and about every day. Grocery shop at your local outdoor market instead of a supermarket, and take your time walking around. Carry your own bags in a store rather than using a shopping cart. Make it a point to be physical while accomplishing your daily tasks. Make boring household cleaning an enjoyable workout by putting on some music and picking up the pace. Dance your way through daily chores for a fun and productive workout. Make yourself work harder to get around. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk or ride a bike whenever possible, rather than driving. Park as far away from your destination as you can, and walk the rest of the way. Small efforts at being active and in motion can help you drop the water weight you might develop when sitting for long periods of time.

SUMMARY: Move around frequently throughout the day. Break a sweat for 30 minutes a day. Run errands to stay on the move. Walk, ride, and take the stairs.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you are planning a dinner party, you should consider pairing your food and wine. This means selecting certain dishes that will compliment the wine. There are several types of food that pair wonderfully with Merlot, notably beef. Start researching food and wine pairings. Read some cooking magazines and scroll through websites that offer a variety of recipes. Search for recipes that highlight beef. You can use it as an appetizer or main dish. Cocktail meatballs would be a good choice for a starter. If you want to impress your guests, there are several flavorful beef dishes you could choose as an entree. Consider serving a grilled steak with a blue cheese butter. If you don't want to serve beef, chicken would make a lovely main dish. Try a classic roast chicken. Take into account what type of event you are planning. For example, maybe you are just inviting guests for hors d'oeuvres. If so, consider a selection of cheeses. A wine and cheese party can be a simple and elegant event. Cheese and wine naturally complement each other. Consider offering a hard, aged Cheddar with your Merlot. You should include one soft cheese in your selection. Camembert goes nicely with Merlot. You can add a variety of other cheeses to pair with your wine. Try a Gruyere or Pecorino Toscano. There are many benefits that come from thoughtfully pairing food and wine. If done properly, you will be able to draw out unnoticed flavors in both your dinner and your Merlot. You want to balance flavors and textures so that they complement one another. Typically, wines pair well with foods from the same region. For example, if you are serving a French Merlot, consider cooking some French dishes. Pay attention to each of your courses, including the starter. You could begin with a traditional Caesar salad. The flavors in the dressing will complement the Merlot. Certain foods are difficult to successfully pair with wines. Avoid tomatoes, vinaigrettes, and artichokes.

SUMMARY:
Serve beef with Merlot. Choose complimentary cheeses. Plan a balanced menu.