Expert Answers to Your Questions
Do you have a health and wellness question you need answered?
How do I differentiate influenza, or “the flu,” from a regular cold?
The cold and influenza viruses may share the following symptoms: runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; sneezing; fever; cough; headache or body aches; and fatigue. The most important differentiating factors are the timing, onset, severity and duration of these symptoms. Read more.
How can I boost my children’s immune system to ensure they stay healthy during the school year?
During the school year, children are definitely more susceptible to getting sick just because they are around so many other children. Read more.
My child won’t take his medications. What can I do to help him take them?
Children’s medications are flavored by the manufacturer, but your child may still have a strong aversion to it. Read more.
How can I tell the difference between having allergies or a cold?
Springtime is often associated with allergies, and allergies can sometimes be mistaken for a cold. Read more.
What is cholesterol? Is all cholesterol bad for me?
Cholesterol is a compound found in most body tissues, including the blood and nerves. Cholesterol and its derivatives are important parts of cell membranes in our body. Read more.
I want to quit smoking. What tools and resources are available to help me?
Congratulations on making a life-changing decision. You have taken the first step toward a healthier you! Keep in mind that quitting smoking may not be easy, but it will be well worth it in the end. There are many options to make this process more tolerable. Read more.
How can I remember to take my medication while traveling for the holidays?
I will be traveling to visit family over the holidays. How can I remember to take my medication, outside of my normal routine, and what should I do if it runs out while I’m away? Read more.
I was recently diagnosed with diabetes.What medications might my doctor prescribe me?
In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin, or the cells in your body are not reacting to the insulin as they should. Sometimes, your doctor may see if your diabetes can be controlled by diet and exercise. This is usually in cases where the blood sugar is not that elevated. If control of the disease is unattainable through diet and exercise, your physician will move on to prescription drugs. Read more.
What fresh foods are considered to have a low glycemic index?
Food with a low glycemic index, or GI, is a key part to diabetes management. Read more.
What can I do to help burn calories without following a crash diet?
Everyone's metabolism is different. Talk with your physician about what healthy options will work with your body. You can also try a few safe changes to help your body's metabolism process calories. Read more.
I’m trying to eat healthier- what quick breakfast meals do you recommend I start the day with?
Breakfast is the most important meal for the day and some breakfasts will fuel your body better than others. Read more.
I am trying to lose weight, how can I control my food portions?
If you were raised to clean your plate, you’ll have a hard time avoiding overeating. Read more.
40lbs lost on my 50lbs to lose journey. How many calories should I be eating?
40lbs lost on my 50lbs to lose journey. I am trying to figure out how many calories I should be eating. Read more.
What is shingles and am I at risk?
Shingles, a disease characterized by a painful, blistering skin rash, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox in children). Read more.
What is celiac disease?
This is a disease where patients cannot tolerate gluten. Gluten is found in a large variety of foods, including wheat and grains. Read more.
What kinds of food should I eat to keep my digestive system healthy?
In general, eat a well balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables help to maintain a healthy digestive system. Read more.
At what age should I schedule a colonoscopy?
The guidelines recommend that everyone over the age of 50 (or age 45 for African Americans) get a colonoscopy. Read more.
If a food is labeled trans-fat-free does that mean it really is trans-fat-free?
Anything with under .5 grams of trans fat can be labeled as trans-fat free. Read more.
Why is it important to take a full course of antibiotics, instead of stopping when I feel better?
You are only on day three of your antibiotic course, but you are feeling 100 percent better! So why not stop? Read more.
I’m anemic. What foods should I eat to increase my iron level?
Anemia, or iron-deficiency anemia, results from having constantly low or inadequate levels of iron in the body Read more.
I am looking into getting rhinoplasty, what do I need to know?
As the most defining feature of the face, your nose’s size and shape likely have a considerable impact on your appearance and self-confidence. Read more.
I have gained weight, feel sluggish all the time and my hair feels brittle. Could it be my thyroid?
When a patient complains of weight gain, feeling sluggish and changes in hair texture, my first step is to check her thyroid. Read more.
My child has an ear infection. Is this common in kids? What is the best course of treatment?
In order to answer this question, we must first understand what we are talking about when we refer to an “ear infection.” Read more.
I have pain in my lower back and a burning sensation when I urinate. Is this a kidney infection?
You may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Read more.
My mother died of breast cancer at 59. I am a 23 & healthy, but should I consider double mastectomy?
Having breast cancer at the age of 59 is not above the baseline for ordinary people. Read more.
Lately I have seen some strange spots in my vision, what does this mean?
Your symptoms could have a variety of causes, so you should have a complete dilated exam by an eye specialist. Read more.
How is kidney cancer diagnosed?
Kidney cancer is diagnosed typically on an x-ray when there is abnormal growth or mass detected on the kidney. Read more.
As someone with type 2 diabetes, do I turn into a type 1 diabetic when I take insulin?
No. Taking insulin does not mean that you have type 1 diabetes. Read more.
Do I need to monitor my blood sugar when I have type 2 diabetes?
You may feel fine, but that is no guarantee that your blood sugar levels are in the target range. Read more.
Will exercise help my diabetes?
Exercise is very beneficial in the management of type 2 diabetes. Read more.