Since having a carcinoma removed, I’ve gotten a full-body examination by a dermatologist every six months. I recently went to a new dermatologist, who just took a quick look at my back, arms, and legs. I wonder what the standard is for a full-body exam.
A review of the major health news of the year, including: the ongoing debate over blood sugar level in type 2 diabetics, a new source of stem cells, genetic testing marketed to the general public, a new type of CT scanning, and health care reform.
First it was Vioxx and now Avandia. Why can’t doctors and the government screen out unsafe medicines?
I’ve had an ER-positive breast cancer tumor removed. Now I am getting ready for follow-up therapy. I’ve heard that the aromatase inhibitors are better than tamoxifen. What is your opinion?
A prescription fish oil product is intended to be used in combination with a special diet for people with very high triglyceride levels.
Vitamin D is crucial to bone growth, but studies are finding that it may help protect against other diseases such as diabetes and colon cancer. Most adults do not get enough vitamin D, but a daily multivitamin and limited sun exposure can help.
People who undergo cataract surgery now have different types of replacement lenses to choose from, including ones that can change focus with the eye’s muscles, but these are much more expensive than standard lenses.
Once soy was believed to have many health benefits, but studies found that it was not the wonder food some claimed. But other research finds that soy can in fact be beneficial, particularly in place of red meat.
Used by athletes to build muscle, human growth hormone may in fact make muscles bigger, but not necessarily stronger. HGH is also marketed as an anti-aging treatment, but there are no data about possible side effects from long-term use.
Earwax helps keep the ear canal clean, but if it dries out it can clump together and cause a blockage. A few drops of water held in the ear canal for a minute or so will usually dislodge the wax.