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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
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
Awhile ago my husband complained of a pounding heart. He said it felt like it was thumping against his chest. Tests showed that he was fine and it was probably caused by stress. How can we tell the difference between severe anxiety and a heart attack?
It is often very difficult to differentiate the symptoms of a heart attack from other causes. Even in the Emergency Department, with access to X-rays, EKG's, and fancy lab work, we sometimes cannot be 100 perce... continue reading about Awhile ago my husband complained of a pounding heart. He said it felt like it was thumping against his chest. Tests showed that he was fine and it was probably caused by stress. How can we tell the difference between severe anxiety and a heart attack?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?
First of all, you are not alone. Millions of women experience pain during intercourse, but most are too shy or embarrassed to bring it up. I congratulate you for raising the question! Intercourse is a wonderful... continue reading about I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I found alot of black mold in my home. What are symptoms that mold is affecting me?
Black mold can look menacing, but generally is benign. The primary symptoms that could occur would be from inhaling mold, including nasal stuffiness, nasal mucus drainage, cough, and occasionally shortness of b... continue reading about I found alot of black mold in my home. What are symptoms that mold is affecting me?
James D. Kelly, M.D.
Novato Community Hospital
I sit hunched up at a computer all day, and my shoulders and elbows are really starting to ache. Is there anything I can do, other than just taking a break, to help prevent this pain?
This type of pain is usually caused by repetitive use, so called repetitive stress. We don't have a physiologic explanation for it. The location of pain is usually normal on imaging studies. The pain is related... continue reading about I sit hunched up at a computer all day, and my shoulders and elbows are really starting to ache. Is there anything I can do, other than just taking a break, to help prevent this pain?
Joyce Giammattei, DrPH,RD, CDE
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
Is there anything that can be done to lower my fasting blood sugar? I can control my postprandial blood sugar by limiting carbs during a meal, but my fasting blood sugar has been rising over the last year and it seems to be beyond my control.
Blood sugar levels tend to rise in the morning for some people with diabetes. This is in response to the natural hormonal changes occurring in the early morning hours.In addition, the liver releases glucose dur... continue reading about Is there anything that can be done to lower my fasting blood sugar? I can control my postprandial blood sugar by limiting carbs during a meal, but my fasting blood sugar has been rising over the last year and it seems to be beyond my control.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
It's hard for me to follow a conversation when two or more people talk at once. I'm a 48-year-old woman who has had no hearing problems in the past. Should I be concerned?
Hearing loss is often the main culprit with concerns about communication difficulties. Communication is the ability to hear, listen and respond to others appropriately. In order to hear, the auditory system (ou... continue reading about It's hard for me to follow a conversation when two or more people talk at once. I'm a 48-year-old woman who has had no hearing problems in the past. Should I be concerned?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I recently was diagnosed with Graves's disease. I also have gluten intolerance and have been eating some gluten foods. Do you think that my diet contributed to hyperthyroidism?
I do not think that your diet contributed to your condition of hyperthyroidism. There is no relation between the two conditions that I am aware of. Graves disease is an immune system disorder that results in th... continue reading about I recently was diagnosed with Graves's disease. I also have gluten intolerance and have been eating some gluten foods. Do you think that my diet contributed to hyperthyroidism?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
Eden Medical Center
I have a yellow discoloration on most of my toenails. I've tried a few over-the-counter creams, but they did not work. Any suggestions? What is your opinion of laser treatments for this problem?
Assuming that your toenails have a fungal infection, you have several options:Topical treatmentOral medication treatmentLaser treatmentCombination of the above treatmentsEach has its pros and cons. Topical medi... continue reading about I have a yellow discoloration on most of my toenails. I've tried a few over-the-counter creams, but they did not work. Any suggestions? What is your opinion of laser treatments for this problem?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm female (36) with a Mirena IUD. I have lower abdominal pains that feel like my uterus is being squeezed. It's worse after my period or intense orgasms. My IUD was checked and it's in the correct place.
Although the Mirena IUD is an excellent method for contraception, control of menstrual bleeding, and cramping with periods, in some women it is not well tolerated. Since you have quite clearly identified your p... continue reading about I'm female (36) with a Mirena IUD. I have lower abdominal pains that feel like my uterus is being squeezed. It's worse after my period or intense orgasms. My IUD was checked and it's in the correct place.
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