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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
Catherine A. Madison, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I've been noticing slight tremors, some speech difficulties and stiffness in my 72-year-old dad. Could these symptoms be related to Parkinson's disease? How is it diagnosed?
The most common signs of Parkinson's Disease include tremor, slowed movements (perhaps observed as stiffness), and unstable gait. So this is possible with your father. Speech difficulty, however, is less common... continue reading about I've been noticing slight tremors, some speech difficulties and stiffness in my 72-year-old dad. Could these symptoms be related to Parkinson's disease? How is it diagnosed?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I am trying to prevent osteoporosis. What supplements and foods are best?
There's a lot we can do to help prevent osteoporosis, a "weakening" of the bones that can happen over time as we age (osteoporosis literally means "porous bones"). Both exercise and calcium intake can help keep... continue reading about I am trying to prevent osteoporosis. What supplements and foods are best?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are the differences between spring and fall allergies in Northern California? Are there different triggers?
The mechanism for spring and fall allergy is the same but the triggers are different. Spring allergy in Northern California is mainly caused by tree and grass pollen. (Read our article on Central Valley Allerg... continue reading about What are the differences between spring and fall allergies in Northern California? Are there different triggers?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I chose not to circumcise my son. Now the AAP issued a policy statement that actively endorses circumcision. While my son is only two years old, I worry that I made the wrong decision. Should I have him circumcised now?
As it stands now, the AAP does not actively endorse routine circumcision, but is leaning more in favor of recommending circumcision to expectant parents of boys. Current evidence suggests the medical benefits t... continue reading about I chose not to circumcise my son. Now the AAP issued a policy statement that actively endorses circumcision. While my son is only two years old, I worry that I made the wrong decision. Should I have him circumcised now?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How would I know if I have a dust mite allergy? Sometimes when I'm cleaning the house my eyes start to itch, I sneeze, and my asthma kicks in. How would this type of allergic reaction differ from a plant allergy? Is there anything I can do about it?
Dust mite allergy is diagnosed by obtaining a positive history (yours sounds suspicious) and having a positive allergy test (skin or blood) to dust mite. Pollen (plant) allergy would have similar symptoms but w... continue reading about How would I know if I have a dust mite allergy? Sometimes when I'm cleaning the house my eyes start to itch, I sneeze, and my asthma kicks in. How would this type of allergic reaction differ from a plant allergy? Is there anything I can do about it?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've always been very regular, but now in menopause I'm constipated. I eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, drink a lot of water. I'm normal weight and I exercise. I eat prunes and take Benefiber, but I still have small movements with lots of gas.
Constipation is a condition (not a disease) where a person passes small amounts of hard, dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week. The person may also have a feeling of incomplete elimination of stool. ... continue reading about I've always been very regular, but now in menopause I'm constipated. I eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, drink a lot of water. I'm normal weight and I exercise. I eat prunes and take Benefiber, but I still have small movements with lots of gas.
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I'm a 55 year old woman. Is non-fat milk or 1 or 2 percent milk better for me?
I would suggest non-fat milk if you are not trying to gain weight and you are drinking milk as a good source of protein and calcium. All three varieties have the same amount of calcium and protein per serving. ... continue reading about I'm a 55 year old woman. Is non-fat milk or 1 or 2 percent milk better for me?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What should I do if I am gaining too much weight during my pregnancy?
Preventing excessive weight gain during your pregnancy will help minimize delivery risks and protect your health. To keep within your recommended weight gain:Eliminate sugars and sweets, which provide lots of c... continue reading about What should I do if I am gaining too much weight during my pregnancy?
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