My husband keeps me up at night with his loud snoring; he practically shakes the house. A friend of mine told me that her husband uses a mask at night, and this completely eliminates his snoring, and as a bonus, he is less tired and cranky during the day. Can anyone buy this mask, and what is it?
Your friend's husband likely has obstructive sleep apnea, which is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time while you are sleeping. It interrupts sleep, and causes people to be tired during the day. People
Yoga for a Sore Back
by Dean Heller MD January 4th, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
I have chronic back pain. I do some strengthening exercises, and I try to keep my weight down, but I have to take motrin every day for back pain. A few days a week I have to take a stronger pain medication to decrease the amount of pain that I have. I would love to get off of these medications if possible; is there anything else that you can recommend?
It sounds like you are doing the right things to help your back pain. Sometimes people do need the stronger medications to relieve back pain, especially if there is a real
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It sounds like you are doing the right things to help your back pain. Sometimes people do need the stronger medications to relieve back pain, especially if there is a real
Winter Workout Foods
by Dean Heller MD December 28th, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
I live in Rochester Minnesota, and we have already started our long winter. I usually run outside unless it is very cold. In the winter, I sweat much less than when I run in the summer. I like it, but I feel like I am not getting as good of a workout. What do you think about that?
You bring up a great issue that people should understand better. If you are doing the same workout in the winter as in the summer, you are likely getting a very similar workout. The important issue with that is you
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You bring up a great issue that people should understand better. If you are doing the same workout in the winter as in the summer, you are likely getting a very similar workout. The important issue with that is you
Holiday Heart Syndrome
by Dean Heller MD December 21st, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
I am not a regular drinker, but when I get together with my family, I like to enjoy a few drinks during the holidays. Is there any danger if I overdo it a little, since I usually don't drink?
That is a great question. There are the usual problems with drinking alcohol. Of course, you should not drive a vehicle after you are drinking, as it impairs your judgement. You may also experience a "hangover."  For this you should just make sure to hydrate well while you are drinking, as well as the next day. There are specific problems related
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That is a great question. There are the usual problems with drinking alcohol. Of course, you should not drive a vehicle after you are drinking, as it impairs your judgement. You may also experience a "hangover."  For this you should just make sure to hydrate well while you are drinking, as well as the next day. There are specific problems related