Summer brings warm weather, sunshine, and unfortunately – mosquitoes. Mosquito feeding activity peaks between the months of April to October. During those
My Dog Bit Me – Now What Should I Do?
My dog, who has had her shots, bit me on my toes and they are black and blue and swollen. I used peroxide on the toes, but they are still swollen. What should I
What Vaccines Do I Need When Traveling Abroad?
I am traveling to Turkey in two weeks. Do I need any particular vaccinations? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises you to get your vaccinations four
What Are Some Ways To Prevent Varicose Veins?
While we still have much to learn about varicose veins, we know they occur when blood doesn't circulate properly through the veins. The circulation problem
Are There Any Negative Side Effects From Taking Zocor?
I take 5 milligrams of Zocor a day. Are there any negative side effects from taking this medicine on a low dosage? Zocor is a prescription drug used to lower
Getting Your Belly Button Pierced – Risks And Side Effects
Could getting your belly button pierced have serious side effects? Do you know about a heart problem it could cause? Yes, body piercing can lead to a heart
Signs And Symptoms Of Food Or Toxic Poisoning?
After camping, 14 of a group of 20 became ill within a couple of days. Symptoms including a high fever, sore throat, vomiting or lethargy lasted for a few days.
Is There A Cure For Color Blindness?
I am a 33-year-old male. When I underwent a medical test one year back the eye specialist told me that I have color blindness. Is it curable with medicines or
Does Zoloft Increase Blood Cholesterol Levels?
Does the antidepressant Zoloft cause an increase in serum cholesterol levels? As of now, the effect on cholesterol is not of consequence when choosing an
Is A Base Tan Good Protection Against Skin Cancer?
I know that overexposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer. This coming summer, I will be working at a summer camp and will be outdoors for most of the day. I
Can I Become Immune To Antibiotics?
Can you really become immune to antibiotics or build a resistance to them? Are certain bacteria just stronger than antibiotics? And if so, what might a doctor
How Can I Stop Sweating So Much?
I go to the gym four to six times a week. I have about 15 pounds to lose to be at a good weight for a person who's 5 foot 11. When I work out I sweat, and I
Do Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Have Bad Side Effects?
My family doctor has been treating me for high cholesterol for about three years now. He prescribed Mevacor then switched me to Provachol and about three months
What Causes A Burning Sensation After Urination?
I have been having a burning sensation after urinating. It has been coming and going for almost three weeks now. I plan to visit a gynecologist. Please provide
What Causes Plantar Warts? What Is The Best Treatment?
Can you tell me anything about plantar warts? My kids have them on their feet. What is the best treatment? Warts on the bottom of the foot are called plantar
What Are The Health Consequences Of Eating Aluminum Foil?
I accidentally ate a piece of aluminum foil. What are the health consequences, especially with regard to Alzheimer's disease? It runs in my family, so I'm
What Could Be Causing Mild Dizziness Or Lightheadedness?
For the last three to four days, I've been experiencing mild dizziness or lightheadedness. I was wondering what may be the cause of this? I'm a 34-year-old
Concerns About Low White Blood Cells And Platelets
What do white blood cells and platelets do for the body? Why is it a concern if these are low? The four main components of blood are plasma, red blood cells,
What Can You Do To Prevent Hives?
I have hives. I get them when I am nervous or anxious. I find them very embarrassing, if I am speaking in public, and times I would rather not show my tension.
Can You Tell Me A Medicine I Can Use For Ringworm?
Can you tell me a medicine I can use for ringworm? The school nurse has identified my rash but I live along the Mexican border and it is hard to get to a "real"
How Are We Born With Our Blood Types?
I am trying to understand blood types and how we get the type of blood we have. I am confused. If a person with type-O blood can donate blood to a person with
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Liver Damage?
Several diseases can damage the liver, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. There are drugs, including some alternative medications that can harm the
Are Prescriptions Available That Can Help Me Tan?
I have very fair skin and it is hard for me to get a tan and maintain it. Are prescriptions available that can help me tan and maintain it? Medications for
What Are The Causes Of And Treatments For Kidney Stones?
Here's what the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has to say about this condition: "Kidney stones are one of the most painful
How Do You Get Shingles And Are They Contagious?
Shingles, herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. But people who have never had chickenpox do not get shingles. After you have had
What Vaccinations Do I Need For A Trip To Australia?
I am stopping in Kuala Lumpur for one day en route to Australia. What vaccinations do I need? For both destinations, you need to make sure all your existing
Rosacea Symptoms And Treatment
You may not be familiar with the name of the condition, but you probably know one of the most famous examples of rosacea -- W.C. Fields. The bulbous, reddened
Plantar Fasciitis Causes And Treatment
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick slab of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Heel pain in the morning
What Causes Frequent Nighttime Urination?
I feel almost desperate. I need to urinate just about every hour during the night. It is a "normal" amount of urine, but then in the morning I feel terribly --
How Much Vitamin B12 Should I Be Taking?
I have anemia and ataxia and want to know how much vitamin B12 I should be injecting. My doctor is having me inject only 100mcg per month. That doesn't seem
Are Antinuclear Antibody Test Results Accurate?
I have a question about some blood results called ANA. I have a very high count -- over 600 -- and the doctor sent me to a rheumatoid specialist. I have no
What Do The Blood Test Readings For The Cytomegalovirus Mean?
When checking blood for the cytomegalovirus there are two listings -- one for the IgG and one for the IgM levels. What's the difference? And what does it mean
Lower Cholesterol Levels Without The Use Of Medication
I'm a 38-year-old white male, with a total cholesterol of 247 mg/dl; my LDL cholesterol is 179, triglyceride count is 123, and cholesterol/HDL ratio is 5.7.
Bad Breath Remedies – How To Cure Halitosis
Halitosis or bad breath is an age-old problem about which the medical profession knows very little. It is not an area likely to be chosen by a physician or
What Causes Abnormal Potassium Levels?
If you have elevated potassium (K+) levels and are put onto a low potassium diet, how long would it take to see results in your lab work? A mineral crucial to
7 Tips For Staying Healthy When Flying
Air travel these days can be crowded, uncomfortable and inconvenient. By the time you reach your destination, you may be at the brink of exhaustion. After a
7 Tips To Prevent Head Lice
At times, outbreaks of head lice are so widespread in some schools and communities that there is little you can do to keep your child's head insect-free. If
What Is The Best Formula To Improve Poor Circulation?
First, you should go to the doctor for a checkup. Some of the possible causes or contributing factors to poor circulation require medical attention, such as
What Causes Brittle Fingernails?
I have always had fingernails that are brittle and weak. Now they are starting to peel. I am a vegetarian -- is there any connection between what I eat and the
What Can I Do To Regain My Sense Of Smell?
I seem to have lost my sense of smell. Is there anything to be concerned about, other than the fact that I can't smell? Is there anything that I can do to
Can I Get Mononucleosis More Than Once?
Is it possible to get mononucleosis more than once? With viral infections such as this, the answer is often "no" -- having the virus once confers immunity.
Are Tanning Beds Bad For You?
I am a 16-year-old female and I have been considering going to a tanning bed. I have heard that they are very bad for your health, but I wanted a doctor's