I keep hearing on local news programs that this is going to be an early and bad flu season. What can I do to prevent getting this bad flu?
The flu is a very serious public health problem.  It usually starts in November and peaks in February of each year. The most important thing you can do for prevention is to get the FLU VACCINE. This is available in the fall every year, and you have to get it every year as the strain of flu will varies. Other preventative measures are frequent hand washing during flu season, and avoiding
Hyperhidrosis Explained
by Dean Heller MD November 30th, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
I am 20 years-old and doing great in college; however, I have a tough time meeting girls because I am so worried about a condition that I have. I have been to a dermatologist for this problem, but the treatments they have given me so far have not worked at all. What I have is a problem with excessive sweating of my hands. When I am dancing with a girl, or even around them at all, I have to hold my hands behind my back, so they don't grab them. I am so embarrassed that I have just been
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Lung Cancer Screening
by Dean Heller MD November 23rd, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
My mother came in for Thanksgiving this week. She has only been here one day, and her cough is worse than ever. She has been smoking for 40 years. She says she goes to her doctor regularly, but I am still concerned about lung cancer, because of so many years of smoking. Is there any health screening to see if she has lung cancer? This constant hacking really has me worried.
This is a great question that most doctors can not answer today. The truth is that historically there has not been a good screening test, as with most tests
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This is a great question that most doctors can not answer today. The truth is that historically there has not been a good screening test, as with most tests
How to Approach a Dog
by Dean Heller MD November 16th, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
My neighbor has six big dogs, and I have three small children under six years. The kids usually seem fairly friendly, but I am always with them when they come close to the dogs. My concern is that the dogs could mistake their playing for fighting and attack one of them. Is there something you can recommend to prevent such a problem?
That is a concern that we hear from many parents. I would first have a discussion with the owner. Make sure that none of the dogs are hunting dogs that have had some form of training that would
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That is a concern that we hear from many parents. I would first have a discussion with the owner. Make sure that none of the dogs are hunting dogs that have had some form of training that would