In this issue: Flu shots, breast cancer prevention, unexplained weight loss, bone health and more.

Have you gotten your flu shot yet this season? Manage my newsletter.   HOUSECALL Vol. 15, Issue 72 | October 13, 2014   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza Roll up your sleeve — it's time to get a flu shot. Learn why you need to be immunized each year and if there are different forms of the vaccine.     Breast cancer prevention: How to reduce your risk   Adopting healthy habits may decrease your chance of getting breast cancer — even if you're high-risk. Here are some steps you can take.           EXPERT ANSWERS   What can I do to prevent a relapse of GPA or MPA? To reduce the risk of a GPA or MPA relapse, you may need maintenance therapy. Find out what's involved. Exercise: How much do I need every day? See how much aerobic and strength training exercise is recommended and how to get it.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Quitting smoking: 10 ways to resist tobacco cravings Meatless recipes Bone health: Tips to keep your bones healthy Unexplained weight loss     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   Nutrition-wise: Advice about feeding grandchildren — OK to speak up? Giving unsolicited advice about your grandchildren's eating habits may be unwelcome, but do find a way to discuss serious matters such as choking risks.     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions for Menopause Ease the transition of menopause with this three-step action plan.     The new Mayo Clinic Diet online Designed to help you lose 6 to 10 lbs. in 2 weeks! Start with a personalized diet profile now.     HEALTHY RECIPES   Split pea soup Apple and sweet onion marmalade Pork tenderloin with fennel sauce Roasted potatoes with garlic and herbs   HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK   Don't believe shaving myths Contrary to popular belief, shaving hair doesn't make it grow back thicker. And shaving doesn't affect how dark your hair is or how fast it grows. You can generally thank genetics and hormones for hair color, location, thickness and growth.   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.