This question undoubtedly is asked by patients every day. Truth be told, there are preventive measures that can slow down the aging process, but sadly there is no way to completely avoid or reverse the aging pr... continue reading  about  What can be done about aging, thinning skin on the arms and legs as we get older? Is there a best ingredient in over-the-counter products? This is happening despite excellent nutrition and otherwise very good health.

Back pain can generally be divided into two categories: Acute (less than four weeks duration)Chronic (greater than four weeks duration)Acute back pain is very common and is one of the top reasons that patients ... continue reading  about  I've been suffering from lower back pain for two years. I've had an MRI, ultrasounds and x-rays, but they can't find anything wrong. However I still have constant pain. What other tests can be done to find the reason for my pain?

This is a great question! In fact, people between the ages of 18-65 can be treated with Botox. Those lines that form between the eyebrows are a result of powerful muscle contractions caused from concentration o... continue reading  about  I'm nearing 40 and noticing frown lines between my eyebrows and was wondering if there was an ideal age to begin Botox. Is there an age at which it is too late?

As men and women age, it is very clear that metabolism changes. Part of this may be due to hormonal changes, especially in women after menopause. This may be genetic or associated with a decreasing level of exe... continue reading  about  I am concerned because my blood sugar is fluctuating between 110 and 117, over 90 days. I have good eating habits and control my weight, but it's been harder after menopause. Should I be on a sugar-stabilizing medication such as Metformin?

Knee pain as you describe best fits the picture of a condition we call patellar femoral syndrome. This is a very common condition of the knee that often occurs with activity. Patellar femoral syndrome is typica... continue reading  about  I've been having knee pain when I bend it and when it's straight. It's also a little swollen above the kneecap. I'm hoping that this is just a mild sprain, but six years ago I had a blood clot in the same leg just below the knee. Should I be worried?

Current treatments for end stage arthritis (bone touching bone) are very limited to mostly surgical options, i.e. joint replacement. Currently there is no effective way of replacing the cartilage that is damage... continue reading  about  I have knee pain, which I feel all day. I'm seeing an orthopedic doctor. His conclusion is the cartilage is worn out and recommends knee replacement. I've tried injections but this did not help. Are there any alternative procedures you would recommend?

Travel advice comes up often for us in primary care medicine. Health issues can arise in many places that are very different from what we face in the USA. My advice:See your primary care doctor as they are well... continue reading  about  What kind of health precautions should be taken before traveling to South East Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam)?

It is wise to be concerned about dietary supplements, since they are not regulated by the FDA. This then allows manufacturers of these products to make claims that are not well founded in medical science or stu... continue reading  about  I've been running for a number of years. I feel like I've sort of hit a plateau in my race times and performances. I'm considering taking dietary supplements, but I'm concerned about possible side effects. Should I be?

Shin splints are very common, especially when someone has just started a new exercise program or has increased their overall workout. Shin splints are actually best thought of as stress injuries (microscopic) o... continue reading  about  I've started running to get back into shape and lose some extra pounds, but now I've got shin splints. What causes this, how can I get rid of them, and also how do I prevent them from coming back?