| Exercise can help with progression of MCI |
Our dad is 67 years old and just got a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. His doctor told us that getting regular exercise can help. I've never heard this before. Is there a scientific basis, or is the idea just for dad to stay healthy?
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
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January 12, 2021 08:56
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| It's prudent to
separate different
vaccinations |
Hello again, dear readers, and welcome to the first winter edition of our monthly letters column. To those of you who have been sending us questions via the U.S. mail, we're happy to report that those letters have finally been retrieved. We'll begin answering soon. But first, we want to address some of the questions we're getting regarding the coronavirus vaccine.
Monday, January 11, 2021
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January 10, 2021 08:55
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| FDA approves new at-home COVID-19 test |
Dear Doctor: It seems like a coronavirus test you can do at home would be really helpful. Then people who don't have symptoms could know that they should quarantine, and maybe that would help stop the spread. Is there anything like that on the horizon?
Friday, January 8, 2021
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January 7, 2021 10:04
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| Fasted cardio is an attempt to burn stored fat |
My gym has been closed for months, so I've been doing online workouts during the pandemic. A guy in our session keeps talking about something called "fasted cardio," and how it's helping him lose fat and gain muscle. What is it? Does it really work?
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
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January 5, 2021 08:52
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| Rescuers should use compression-only CPR during pandemic |
DEAR DOCTOR: A few years ago, you had a column about why it's important to know CPR. My boyfriend took the Red Cross class, and he actually ended up helping someone once. But what about now, during the pandemic? Is it safe to give or get CPR?
Monday, January 4, 2021
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January 3, 2021 10:15
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| Winter brings seasonal affective disorder with it |
Dear Doctor: My boyfriend and I live in northern Ohio, and I think we have that thing where you get depressed from not enough light. He's kind of skeptical, but I really do think it's happening. Can you describe the symptoms? Is there anything we can do?
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
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December 29, 2020 10:23
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| Multi-generational households must remain vigilant
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Dear Doctor: Our family -- ages 66, 59, 27 and 22 -- lives in one household. We've been working from home and keeping socially distant since the start of the pandemic. Now the younger members wish to resume outside employment. How do we safely manage their return to work?
Monday, December 28, 2020
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December 27, 2020 10:30
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| A mid-afternoon nap is one of life's great pleasures |
Millions of people throughout the world take a daily nap. In many cultures the afternoon sleep break is built right into everyday life. Businesses close shop and everyone heads home for lunch and a bit of shut-eye.
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
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December 22, 2020 08:33
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| Artificial sweeteners should be an occasional part of our diet |
What are the possible health risks from artificial sweeteners? What are they, and how do we know if they're safe?
Monday, December 21, 2020
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December 20, 2020 08:55
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| You don't have to be
outside all day to reap nature's benefits |
We're all pretty stressed-out, even the kids. I keep saying that spending a Saturday in the nice park near our house could help, but my husband just laughs. Isn't there some kind of research that being outdoors is good for you?
Friday, December 18, 2020
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December 17, 2020 08:56
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| Long-haul COVID leaves sufferers struggling for months |
Is there more than one kind of COVID-19? I heard on the news about something they're calling "long COVID," and it sounds like a whole different kind of disease. How do you get it? Can it be cured?
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
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December 15, 2020 08:59
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| Readers offer useful
additions to previous columns |
Hello again, dear readers, and welcome back to our monthly letters column. Like many of you, we're adjusting to shorter days and longer nights, and we are gearing up for the challenges of winter. This makes us even more appreciative of your staying in touch.
Monday, December 14, 2020
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December 13, 2020 08:37
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| Insulin is at the heart of both types of diabetes |
DEAR DOCTORS: We keep hearing about Type 2 diabetes, and I'm embarrassed to say, I don't actually know what it is. What does it do, and how do I know if I have it?
Friday, December 11, 2020
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December 10, 2020 11:00
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| Moderate approach to weight loss is healthier |
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
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December 8, 2020 08:57
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| Transition to vegan diet should be gradual |
Our 16-year-old daughter wants to become a vegan. Her father and I think that may be a bit extreme, so we've compromised, and first she's going to try being a vegetarian. What's a good way for a growing teen to safely make the transition?
Monday, December 7, 2020
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December 6, 2020 09:19
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| Wearing a mask continues to be our best defense against COVID-19 |
Can you please explain about masks again? Why do we need them, what kind should we wear, and what is the proper way to wear them? It would really help me to explain to my friends and family so they can be safer.
Friday, December 4, 2020
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December 3, 2020 09:19
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| Hospital stays can leave elderly patients confused, disoriented |
Why do the elderly lose ground mentally when they go to the hospital? Our grandmother had emergency gall bladder surgery, and afterward she got so confused that she thought our grandfather, who passed away, was in the next room. It lasted for a few days, and it was scary.
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
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December 1, 2020 09:10
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| Block screens' blue light to get better sleep |
: Our family spends a lot of time these days on our screens. I've always had trouble sleeping (mom brain), but now my husband and our two teen boys are struggling, too. Do you think all the screen time could be why?
Monday, November 30, 2020
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November 29, 2020 08:56
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| Even while working at home, keep your body moving |
DEAR DOCTORS: I've been working from home for six months, so no more bike commutes and no office staircases. My two young kids are home, too, which means I can't do a lunchtime bike ride, or even go during a break. How bad is it that I'm sitting way more than ever?
Friday, November 27, 2020
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November 26, 2020 10:22
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| Hip fractures in elderly often lead to bad outcomes |
Our grandmother, who is 91, fell and broke her left hip. She wound up needing a partial hip replacement. I've read that hip fractures are dangerous for older adults. Can you explain why? Is she still at risk, even though the surgery went well?
Monday, November 23, 2020
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November 22, 2020 10:01
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| Internet searches for 'panic attacks' more
common during covid |
I had this scary episode happen where all of a sudden, it felt like the world wasn't real. My heart was racing and I thought I was going to pass out. The friend I was with said it was probably a panic attack. Is there any kind of treatment? I really don't want that to happen again.
Friday, November 20, 2020
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November 19, 2020 08:52
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| Toenail fungus remedies abound in letters from readers |
Hello again, dear readers, and welcome back to our monthly letters column. Once again, a column about the challenges of dealing with toenail fungus has brought a bumper crop of mail, with many of you sharing home remedies. Although the evidence for these types of natural agents remains limited, some people do find them helpful, and the approaches readers have shared here are not harmful.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
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November 17, 2020 09:03
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| Herceptin can be an effective addition to breast cancer treatment |
I've been diagnosed with breast cancer and really appreciate your recent columns on the subject. What can you tell me about Herceptin? My oncologist has suggested it for after chemotherapy is finished. What is it going to do?
Monday, November 16, 2020
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November 15, 2020 09:16
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| As pandemic wears on, take time for self-care |
Dear Doctors: I'm a mom of three great kids and have always been healthy. But after eight months of working from home, being the teacher and keeping everything going, I've started getting sick. Plus, it feels like I'm failing. Can being stressed out make you physically ill?
Friday, November 13, 2020
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November 12, 2020 12:24
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| Frailty assessment may be helpful for dad facing surgery |
Our dad is 82 years old and may need to get a pacemaker. My brother and I recently read that surgery is hard on older people, both physically and mentally. Is getting a pacemaker going to be risky? He's physically pretty weak, and we're worried the surgery will be too much for him.
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
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November 10, 2020 09:01
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| Hospital programs help patients with outward effects of cancer |
Monday, November 9, 2020
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November 8, 2020 09:22
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| COVID 'Long-haulers' feel virus's effects long after recovery |
Dear Doctors: My uncle tested positive for the coronavirus last winter and wound up in the hospital. He was lucky, and he recovered, but it is six months later and he still is not completely better. He says he's what's known as a "long-hauler." Can you please explain what that is, and why it happens?
Friday, November 6, 2020
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November 5, 2020 10:00
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| World Almanac |
Today is the 309th day of 2020 and the 44th day of autumn.
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
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November 3, 2020 09:06
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| Exploring treatments for excessive sweating |
I've read your column for years but have yet to see anything about my problem. I tend to sweat a lot, not under my arms, but in my crotch area. It's embarrassing and even causes me to get a lot of UTIs. I've tried panty liners and medicated powders, wear only cotton underwear, but nothing works. I'm so frustrated. What can I do?
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
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November 3, 2020 09:05
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| Smoke from western fires can strain lungs thousands of miles away |
We're in central Oregon, and even though the wildfires aren't right next to our town, we've had bad air quality all summer. My husband and I and our kids are feeling irritation in our lungs and sinuses, like when you're catching a cold. Can this happen even when you're not close enough to see the smoke?
Monday, November 2, 2020
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November 1, 2020 09:09
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| Studies indicate fitness trackers can predict illness |
Dear Doctors: My husband caught a cold this summer, and he swears the readings from his fitness tracker a few days before warned him that he was about to be sick. Do you think that's really possible?
Friday, October 30, 2020
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October 29, 2020 10:51
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| Exercise with Afib appears to be a good practice |
I used to be pretty active, but after a diagnosis of Afib in the spring, I've become reluctant to exercise. My wife is after me to get moving again, and my son says he just read that people with Afib live longer if they exercise. Is he right?
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
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October 27, 2020 09:03
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| Early detection is key to colon cancer survival |
My husband and I were shocked when our nephew was diagnosed with colon cancer. He's only 36 years old. Isn't that awfully young? It seems like we're hearing about a lot of younger people getting this kind of cancer. Why is this happening?
Monday, October 26, 2020
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October 25, 2020 09:00
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| Congestive heart failure: what to expect |
Our grandfather was diagnosed with congestive heart failure a few years ago. His strength and endurance have declined a lot, and now he's on oxygen. What are some of the signs that his congestive heart failure is advanced?
Friday, October 23, 2020
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October 22, 2020 08:58
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| World Almanac |
Today is the 295th day of 2020 and the 30th day of autumn.
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
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October 20, 2020 09:03
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| Treatment has changed since his last broken rib |
My husband slipped while out on his boat and cracked two ribs. He had a broken rib as a teenager (varsity football) and remembers having his chest wrapped, but that's not happening this time. Why not? He's in a lot of pain and it seems like wrapping could help.
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
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October 20, 2020 09:02
