In this issue: Sunburn first aid, weight-loss readiness, exercises for lower cholesterol and more.

How likely are you to develop kidney stones? Manage my newsletter.   HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic named America's #1 Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Vol. 16, Issue 47 | June 11, 2015   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Kidney stones These small, hard deposits that form inside your kidneys can be painful. See if your weight, diet or even the climate you live in puts you at risk.     Weight loss: Ready to change your habits?   Is it finally time to drop those unwanted pounds? Answer these questions to see if you're ready to start a weight-loss plan.           EXPERT ANSWERS   How much exercise do I need to help control my cholesterol? Regular physical activity can help lower "bad" cholesterol and raise "good" cholesterol. See how often you should get moving. Shingles vaccine: Can I transmit the vaccine virus to others? The shingles vaccine uses the live varicella-zoster (chickenpox) virus, but it won't make you able to infect other people.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Breast lump: Early evaluation is essential Sunburn: First aid Proton therapy Swollen knee     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 Calorie calculator     NOW BLOGGING   Stress: Drinking from the fire hose How do you cope with the incessant stream of information coming at you each and every day?     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   Complete approach to good health With this easy-to-follow guide, discover what to do at home for more than 120 of today's most common health problems. Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies provides useful facts and practical tips for staying healthy — even a list of medicine cabinet staples to always have on hand so that you're prepared for an accident or illness. You'll find this book an excellent resource that you and your family will use time and time again. Order your copy today!     HEALTHY RECIPES   Halibut with tomato basil salsa Pickled onion salad Hurricane punch Seasonal fruit palette   HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK   Free weights or machines: Which are better? Free weights are versatile and inexpensive. They also simulate real-life lifting situations and promote whole-body stabilization. Likewise, machine weights can be effective weight training tools, as long as you use machines that adjust to your body dimensions and allow full range of motion of your joints. What is the bottom line? Choose a weight training system that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle. And whatever type of resistance you choose, remember that proper technique is more important than the specific type of equipment.   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   © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.