Genetic testing can be a double-edged sword
[My last column was on medical genealogy. This is a follow-up on genetic testing.] Many of the causes of our illnesses are inherited from our ancestors. Almost a third of known diseases have genetic...
View ArticleNails can give important clues to overall health
Q. I was at a party recently when a nurse told a friend of mine to see a doctor because his nails were kind of white. He went to the doctor and found out he has a liver problem. Were the two events...
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Visual trouble can lead to hallucinations
Q. Since my eyes started to go, I’ve been hallucinating and I’m afraid to tell anyone about it. Any ideas? Hallucinations can be a symptom of a variety of problems, both physical and mental. They can...
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Hypothermia can have a number of causes
Q. I retired and moved from northern Minnesota to Florida. I was wondering if there is any way someone in the Sunshine State can get hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when your body doesn’t maintain a...
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Thyroid problems are common in older adults
Q. As an authentic geezer, I’ve had so many medical tests that I think I’ve seen more acronyms than were around during the New Deal. Recently, a friend of mine suggested that I get a TSH test for my...
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Gynecomastia is embarrassing for men
Q. My breasts have become large and I’m embarrassed. What can I do? This question came from a man in his 60s. Breast enlargement in males is common. So is the embarrassment. About 30 percent of older...
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There are a variety of ways to avoid scams
Q. I was told that a copper bracelet can help relieve arthritis pain? True? I’ve also heard that you can get relief by rubbing WD-40 on painful joints. I’m not being facetious; there are people who...
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There are many ways to treat malfunctioning valves
Q. I have a leaky heart valve that may need surgery down the road. Can you tell me about heart-valve surgery in one of your columns? First, let’s explain briefly how the heart works. There are four...
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One has to be careful about giving medical advice
Q. I’ve been having a lot of gas recently. In addition, I’ve been getting sores in my mouth. Any ideas about what’s causing this? I receive many questions from readers looking for help in diagnosing...
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Washing your hands can help stop spreading infections
Q. I’ve been told that hand washing is a highly effective way to prevent the spread of infections. But what is the best way to wash your hands? Hand washing is the best and simplest way to prevent...
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Hernias usually get bigger if not repaired
Q. I think I have a small hernia in my groin that’s probably going to need surgery. How soon should I get this thing taken care of? First, if you suspect you have a hernia, get it checked by a doctor...
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What is it about ‘grumpy old men?’
Q. Some friends and I (all in our 60s) have discovered similar traits in our husbands of late. There’s a general grumpiness and lack of grooming. We’ve been told that, as men age, their frontal lobes...
View ArticleStudy the options of hip resurfacing vs. replacement
Q. I’m 67 years old and my hip is in bad shape. I’ve heard there’s a way to fix your hip without replacing it. What is it? There is a surgical alternative to total hip replacement. It’s called hip...
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