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Man With Very Low Kidney Function Chooses To Avoid Dialysis
DEAR DR. ROACH: A loved one of mine has had kidney problems for his whole life. He's now on the transplant list, and his kidney function is very low. But he continues to avoid dialysis, saying that he's not ready for it. Surprisingly, his heart health, cholesterol and blood pressure are always great when tested. He sometimes has swelling if he...Read more
Patient With Family History Of Lymphoma Questions Drug For RA
DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm 72 years old, and I have been prescribed azathioprine for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I have only mild discomfort in my hands and wrist, which came on suddenly. While researching this medicine, I saw that the extended use of it increases the risk of lymphoma. My brother has been treated for lymphoma for 12 years, and my sister...Read more
Introducing More Fiber Into The Diet To Help With Diverticulosis
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 75 and have not been able to eat beef or dairy products since my mid-20s. A colonoscopy revealed that I have diverticulosis, but I am generally not bothered if I stay away from all products that come from cows.
My doctor suggested adding more fiber to my diet. I already eat a diet of salads, fresh vegetables, fish, ...Read more
The keto diet: short-term benefits, long-term risks
The keto diet garnered 25.4 million unique Google searches in 2020. And while it's lost a bit of its trendiness since then, it's estimated that 13 million Americans still spend a couple of billion dollars annually on "keto foods."
Are they getting the weight loss and health benefits they think they are? Well, that depends if you look at the ...Read more
Driven to Distraction -- and Then Off the Road
Once, when automobile dashboards were festooned with knobs and dials, it was relatively easy and safe to "feel" your way to the right control without taking your eyes off the road. Dashboard touch screens have changed that -- and it's not a pretty picture.
In a study using vehicle simulators, participant "drivers" were tasked with navigating ...Read more
Clarifying The Urolift System For Men With Enlarged Prostates
DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm 79, and for several years, I have been taking finasteride and tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia. (In the past, I underwent a TURP procedure, which I will never go through again.) As we know, within time, these medications will affect your sexual drive and erectile function.
My urologist wants to perform a new ...Read more
The high cost of obesity
By 2035, it's estimated that if nothing changes in our approach to public health and in how individuals take care of themselves, there will be 126 million Americans who have obesity, totaling almost 47% of the adult population. You know the price you pay for carrying around excess body weight, visceral fat and inflammation, a seriously increased...Read more
Are you making glaucoma worse as you sleep?
Glaucoma happens when a fluid called aqueous humor builds up in your eye, increasing pressure on the optic nerve and damaging it. Around 4.2 million people in the U.S. have the condition, although not all have been diagnosed. And glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in folks ages 60 and older.
Usually, glaucoma progresses slowly. You might ...Read more
Man Declines Antibiotic Medication In Fear Of A C. Diff Recurrence
DEAR DR. ROACH: About one year ago, I had Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) that was treated with 125 mg of vancomycin for about four weeks. I had none of the usual risk factors, and the cause was never determined. I am 78 years old and in fair health.
Recently, my family doctor diagnosed me with prostatitis after ruling out a urinary tract ...Read more
Start feeling your oats
Three simple facts: 1. Around 71 million Americans have high LDL cholesterol. 2. Elevated levels of lousy LDL cholesterol fuel coronary heart disease, which leads to around 371,000 deaths annually. 3. Americans get far too little fiber in their diet -- but if they just added one-third of an ounce of fiber a day to their diet, they could lower ...Read more
Trigeminal Neuralgia Causes Shock Pains In Woman's Lower Jaw
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 73-year-old female who is in above average health. I have recently been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia after many trips to the dentist and finding out that my pain wasn't dental-related. I experienced electrical shock pains in my lower left jaw when I talked, when I ate, and sometimes when I brushed my teeth.
I am ...Read more
On Nutrition: The skinny on fat
This is the first celebration of Heart Month (it comes every February) since the release of the updated dietary guidelines for Americans. If you missed the news on these new recommendations, they are meant to represent the most current scientific evidence on how we are to eat to avoid chronic diseases, including heart disease.
While no one ...Read more
Carpal Versus Cubital
When your hand starts to tingle or go numb, it's common to blame carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. CPS can be triggered by repetitive wrist tasks, pregnancy, obesity or underlying conditions like diabetes. It affects 1%-5% of the general population. Treatments range from splinting and ...Read more
Why Your Gym Plans Don't Work Out
University of Michigan researchers have an idea why so many people who make ambitious plans and goals regarding physical fitness ultimately give up on them -- more specifically, why planned daily exercise doesn't happen.
Blame it on an all-or-nothing mindset, said behavioral scientist Michelle Segar, who, with colleagues, just published data on...Read more
On Nutrition: Reader comments
In a recent column, I described myself as a “nutrition nerd” regarding my fascination with the human body’s ability to process food into substances we need to maintain health.
Outlining how food is digested, I wrote: “As food nears the stomach, it arrives at a security gate called the esophageal sphincter that opens just long enough for...Read more
Finding Balance Within: Homeopathy for Anxiety-related Emotional Trauma
Living with anxiety can be challenging, especially when accompanied by emotional trauma. While professional help is vital in managing anxiety, homeopathy can provide support in addressing the emotional wounds associated with this condition. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of homeopathy in healing anxiety-related ...Read more
Healing from Within: Homeopathy for Depression-related Emotional Trauma
Emotional trauma can have a profound impact on our well-being, particularly when it comes to conditions like depression. While seeking professional help is essential for managing depression, homeopathy can play a supportive role in addressing the emotional trauma associated with this condition. In this article, we will explore the potential ...Read more
Where There's Smoke, It's Dire
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, responsible for one in five deaths in the U.S. annually. A longtime smoking habit is estimated to reduce average life expectancy by at least 10 years.
But smoking costs more than lives. WalletHub, a personal finance company, recently released a report on the economic costs of smoking: more ...Read more
Soothing Relief: Homeopathy for Radiation Burns
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancer, but it can sometimes lead to skin issues, such as radiation burns. These burns can cause discomfort and pain. While medical interventions are crucial for managing radiation burns, homeopathy can offer supportive care to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. In this article, we will explore...Read more
Natural Relief: Homeopathy for Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, can be a source of discomfort and pain. While proper oral hygiene and care are important, homeopathy offers natural support for managing mouth ulcers and promoting healing. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of homeopathy in addressing mouth ulcers and some commonly used remedies ...Read more
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