In this issue: Learn transgender facts, ease back pain at night, try smooth tai chi moves and more

HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 18, Issue 75 | September 18, 2017   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Transgender facts Want to better understand what it means to be transgender? Here's a primer on the basics, as well as the definitions of common terms used to describe gender identity.     Shingles   If you're older than age 50, your chance of developing shingles increases. This viral infection causes a painful rash, but a vaccine helps lower your risk.           EXPERT ANSWERS   Pet allergy: Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds? If you're allergic to dogs, yet still want a furry friend, here's what you should know. Early HIV symptoms: What are they? The first signs of HIV usually occur within a month or two after infection and are often like a bad case of the flu. Find out more. Lupus: How does it affect the kidneys? It's hard to predict what type of kidney problems lupus may cause.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Senior health: How to prevent and detect malnutrition Video: Tai chi Head lice: Lifestyle and home remedies Slide show: Sleeping positions that reduce back pain     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 BMI calculator     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   Balsamic roast chicken Honey sage carrots Quinoa cakes   HEALTH TIP   Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls Have you ever tripped on stairs? Slipped on a rug? You may have felt silly, but you shouldn't take falls lightly. Here are tips to fall-proof your home: 1. Keep electrical cords out of walking paths. 2. Securely fasten carpets, rugs and carpet runners to the floor. 3. Keep walkways and stairways free of clutter. 4. Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and shower.   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 does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy    |    Opportunities     Your support changes lives Create hope and healing with a gift to Mayo Clinic for patient care, medical education and research. 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 Discover your Network   Watch on YouTube Patient Stories View More Newsletters       © 2017 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.