Depression, like many chronic illnesses (such as diabetes or heart disease), tends to run in families. For most diseases with a heritable component, having a close family member with the illness does not necess... continue reading  about  My mother suffered from depression. Should I be worried that I, too, will develop depression as I age?

This is a common concern for many patients taking pain medications. Yes, there is a difference between addiction and physical dependence.There are several terms that are important to understand related to takin... continue reading  about  I've been taking vicodin for a number of years because of chronic back pain. My concern is that I've become dependent on them. Is there a difference between physical dependence and addiction?

Sweetened beverages range from carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks to vitamin and other sweetened waters and energy drinks. Here are some facts about sweetened beverages:People who drink sodas, juices and... continue reading  about  Is drinking too much soda harmful? And how much is too much?

It is most likely a ganglion cyst, which is a benign, fluid-filled sac that extends from the wrist joint. They tend to wax and wane in size and if it is large enough, they can be drained. Back in the wild west ... continue reading  about  I have had a lump on my left wrist for over a year. It was bigger at one time and now is small. Sometimes in protrudes through the skin. Should I be worried about this? It doesn't hurt.

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.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is defined as follows: Normal blood pressure: Pre-high blood pressure: 120-139mmHg/80-89mmHgStage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159mmHg/90-99mmHgStage 2 high blood pressure: >... continue reading  about  I have borderline high blood pressure. How much, and how quickly, does diet affect blood pressure? Would having two slices of bacon raise my blood pressure that day?

Good question. The terms tubal ligation, tubes tied, tubal sterilization, and female sterilization can all be used interchangeably to describe the same process. In the U.S., up to one third of women use sterili... continue reading  about  How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?

Insomnia sometimes can result from an overactive thyroid, sleep apnea, or an enlarged prostate, in addition to stress and anxiety. Make sure that you have been checked for an overactive thyroid, enlarged prosta... continue reading  about  Since my 20s I've had insomnia. Now in my 40s, the insomnia has been unremitting. When I do sleep, I often wake up drenched. OTC sleep aids and herbal remedies don't help. I exercise and eat a healthy diet. What else should I consider?

It sounds like your husband has been through a lot in the last year. There are several layers to your question and to your concerns.Generally, patients need to avoid salt if they have congestive heart failure o... continue reading  about  My husband had triple bypass surgery last August and in December, a defibrillator was implanted. He's having problems gaining weight. They said that he can eat anything as long as he limits salt. Can he eat high-fat meals?