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?

In general, heart palpitations are not a serious problem as long as the heart is healthy. Being in good physical shape and staying active are good signs that the heart is indeed healthy. There are times, howeve... continue reading  about  Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?

The “sac that surrounds the heart” is called the pericardium. The pericardium is a fibroelastic sac that contains 15 to 50 cc of fluid and surrounds and protects the heart. Pericarditis, or an infla... continue reading  about  How does the sac that surrounds the heart become infected?

The most common cause of sudden cardiac death is ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Ventricular tachyarrhythmia is a very rapid and unstable rhythm that originates from the lower chambers of the heart, or the ventric... continue reading  about  What is sudden cardiac death and who is at most risk? Are there any signs or symptoms?

You are wise to be concerned about your cholesterol numbers. This constellation of lipid results commonly occurs with diabetes or in people with a tendency toward diabetes (insulin resistance). It is associated... continue reading  about  I have high cholesterol, low HDL, high LDL and high triglycerides. I cannot take statins. What is the best course of action for me?

The postpartum (after birth) period, sometimes called the fourth trimester, is the time your body recovers from pregnancy, labor and delivery. It typically lasts six to eight weeks but can last longer.“Th... continue reading  about  What is postpartum care and why is it important?

There are always things that the doctor and patient can do to improve symptoms when one has a coronary blockage, or a narrowed artery to the heart. I can't emphasize enough the importance of both the health car... continue reading  about  If you have been diagnosed with a coronary blockage, what treatment options are available?

Today's breast implants are made from a variety of state-of-the-art materials including saline, silicone gel, and highly cohesive silicone gel. All of the breast implants currently approved by the FDA are consi... continue reading  about  I recently read about the new "gummy bear" breast implants. I understand that it's a more cohesive gel, but does this make it a better choice than the regular saline or silicone types? Are there any side effects and how long do these last?

Often young college students come home from school overworked and overtired. You might consider sending your student to see his primary care physician for a check up. The physician will probably start by gettin... continue reading  about  Why would a young adult male, 19 years old and physically fit, have decreased energy levels? He never feels well rested and when he awakens, has a hard time becoming alert. What lab work should he have done? What are other areas do we need to look at?