Category: ask-the-doctor

Is the combination therapy of lisinopril and amlodipine effective in treating high blood pressure for the diabetic patient?

Can taking folic acid or other vitamin supplements increase my risk of developing prostate cancer?

What causes fluid in the abdomen? Could it be related to prior gall bladder removal?

I have been itching more over the past couple months. At first, there is no rash. But my skin does turn red in areas where I have scratched. What might be causing this?

If I am pre-diabetic, what should my target blood sugar levels be in the morning and before I go to sleep at night?

I bruise easily. Most of the time I don’t recall bumping into anything. What causes this? Should I be worried?

Lately I’ve been having a great deal of pain in my breasts. It’s not time for my period and I know I’m not pregnant. Those are the only times I have ever had pain like this before. I went for my well-woman checkup about 8 months ago and got a mammogram and ultrasound, which revealed many fibrous cysts and a calcified lymph node in my armpit. Is this a normal thing leading up to menopause? Could my pain be the cysts “flaring up?” What’s your advice?

When I shower, my skin itches, sometimes uncontrollably. I use a moisturizing lotion. I have tried a variety of soaps. I don’t think it is dry skin. Could it be nerve-related?

My cardiologist has me on a low-saturated fat diet for my high cholesterol. How does that translate into grams for my Daily Recommended value? I calculated that for a 2000-calorie diet, normal sat-fat intake is about 20g. Should I be doing 10g? Or less?

In your opinion, what are the best breakfast/protein shakes to use as a breakfast alternative? I know I should eat a healthy breakfast but I do not have the time.