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Featured Articles
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Sorting Out Knee Pain
When do you need help for your sudden or ongoing knee pain? Our expert sorts through the possible scenarios.
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Help for Hip Pain
Pain in the hip is all too common. Learn about some common causes and how to prevent or treat it.
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Simple Ways to Build Strong Bones
Osteoporosis can mean fractures and disability. Three steps you can take right now to strengthen your bones.
Ask an Expert
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I heard about “bulletproof coffee” – adding butter or another fat into your morning coffee. Are there really benefits?
The "bulletproof coffee" trend is a new fad, and presented as a way to gain energy, stay mentally sharp, avoid morning hunger AND lose weight. However, there is no scientific merit to the claims being made. The... continue reading about I heard about “bulletproof coffee” – adding butter or another fat into your morning coffee. Are there really benefits?
Rodman S. Rogers, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I'm going to get an organic bladder sling made of pigs skin. Are there any more risks to getting that kind instead of the mesh kind?
Both synthetic polypropylene and acellular porcine dermis (pig skin) mesh slings are considered safe and effective for the treatment of female stress incontinence. In general, I advise patients that their main ... continue reading about I'm going to get an organic bladder sling made of pigs skin. Are there any more risks to getting that kind instead of the mesh kind?
Karen Horton, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
Is a 68-year-old female a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a personal decision some women choose to make during their lifetimes. A breast augmentation will increase the size of the breasts, and may add volume that has been lost with breastfeeding... continue reading about Is a 68-year-old female a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
California Pacific Medical Center
I have an ingrown toenail that is causing pain and swelling. How should I treat this? Also, is there anything I can do to prevent the other toenails from doing the same thing?
An ingrown toenail is a very painful problem, and if you're having redness and swelling, you should see a podiatrist.The treatment will almost always involve removing the offending nail border. It's a very simp... continue reading about I have an ingrown toenail that is causing pain and swelling. How should I treat this? Also, is there anything I can do to prevent the other toenails from doing the same thing?
Catherine A. Madison, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
How do I know if I have had a stroke?
A stroke results from lack of blood flow to the brain. This means that a region of cells is not able to work properly and can generate a variety of symptoms, depending on the brain area that has been affected. ... continue reading about How do I know if I have had a stroke?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I just e-mailed my doctor about the feeling that my heart is flipping around in my chest. I feel like I have a heart problem. I had a 24-hour Holter monitor and they said it looks fine. But I think something is wrong. Should I see a cardiologist?
The feeling of your heart “flipping around” can be a little scary. However, some irregularities in the heart rhythm is the norm. Extra beats, called premature atrial or ventricular contractions, are... continue reading about I just e-mailed my doctor about the feeling that my heart is flipping around in my chest. I feel like I have a heart problem. I had a 24-hour Holter monitor and they said it looks fine. But I think something is wrong. Should I see a cardiologist?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I'm in treatment right now for periodontal disease. My dentist told me recently that gum disease can be associated with heart disease. I had never heard of this before. Is it true?
Your dentist is correct. There does seem to be an association of periodontal disease (infection and inflammation of the gums that can lead to the loss of your teeth) with heart disease and cardiac events.Both a... continue reading about I'm in treatment right now for periodontal disease. My dentist told me recently that gum disease can be associated with heart disease. I had never heard of this before. Is it true?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
Is it safe for me to use Pro-G-Yam progesterone cream for hot flashes? I have a family history of breast cancer. Is progesterone the same as estrogen?
There are hundreds of different brands and formulations of progesterone cream. It is considered a "nutraceutical" and is not controlled or regulated by the FDA. You can purchase progesterone creams through the ... continue reading about Is it safe for me to use Pro-G-Yam progesterone cream for hot flashes? I have a family history of breast cancer. Is progesterone the same as estrogen?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
My calcium level is high. What foods do I need to cut down on? What about dairy products, orange juice, fortified cereal and eggs, which I thought were good for me? I'm on Tamoxifen and have been through chemo. Does that contribute to high calcium?
The body regulates the blood calcium levels through complex mechanisms. Low calcium can be supplemented with vitamins and eating calcium-rich foods and dairy. High calcium, however is never from any specific fo... continue reading about My calcium level is high. What foods do I need to cut down on? What about dairy products, orange juice, fortified cereal and eggs, which I thought were good for me? I'm on Tamoxifen and have been through chemo. Does that contribute to high calcium?
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