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.
Is there a prescription medication to help me stop smoking? My doctor says no.
There is growing evidence of a link between gum disease and heart disease and pneumonia. Hospital patients on ventilators seem particularly vulnerable to pneumonia infections.
The benefits of aspirin for those at risk for heart disease are clear, but for women under 65 who are not at risk, there is no benefit to a daily aspirin. There is evidence that taking aspirin regularly may reduce the risk of stroke, regardless of age.
I heard that human growth hormone can help people after surgery. Is that true?
There is still no cure for a cold, and cold medications have come under scrutiny and criticism. Some people may get better results taking separate medications for fever, cough, and congestion, rather than a combination product.
After Dr. Kenneth Arndt answered a question about toenail fungus, a number of readers sent us their favorite remedies. We asked Dr. Arndt to comment on several of them.