My father has Parkinson's disease. I have been trying to have him eat a healthy diet and to exercise. I think it is overall just good for him given his limitations at this time. I also heard that it is helpful for the Parkinson's itself. If that is true, it would help me convince him to listen to me.
A healthy diet, high in fiber, and low in saturated fat and carbohydrates is good for general health, including heart and colon health. Exercise is also beneficial for health in general. It has beneficial effects on cholesterol, weight, diabetes, and high
Colonoscopy
by Dean Heller MD March 23rd, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
I am 55 and just saw a new primary care doctor. He seems to be very smart, but is very aggressive and wants me to get a number of tests done. I have no symptoms, and feel good, so I don't want to overdo it with tests. I don't mind the blood tests, but he also did recommend a colonoscopy. He said that everyone my age should have one. Is this guy too aggressive, or should I listen to him?
It sounds like you have a very good new doctor. A screening colonoscopy is recommended to everyone in your age group (even younger if you
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It sounds like you have a very good new doctor. A screening colonoscopy is recommended to everyone in your age group (even younger if you
Atrial Fibrillation
by Dean Heller MD March 2nd, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
A cardiologist recommended an ablation for me. I have a heart abnormality called atrial fibrillation. He says he thinks he may be able to cure this with the ablation. I don't feel too bad overall. What does ablation mean, and is that procedure worth the risk?
FIrst of all, the heart abnormality that you have, atrial fibrillation (sometimes called AFib) is a very common. It is a heart rhythm or electrical abnormality. Many people can live in atrial fibrillation, as long as they take a blood thinner to prevent stroke. But some people have symptoms from the atrial fibrillation, and for those people an ablation may be
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FIrst of all, the heart abnormality that you have, atrial fibrillation (sometimes called AFib) is a very common. It is a heart rhythm or electrical abnormality. Many people can live in atrial fibrillation, as long as they take a blood thinner to prevent stroke. But some people have symptoms from the atrial fibrillation, and for those people an ablation may be
Cardiac Rehabilitation
by Dean Heller MD February 24th, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
I am 51 and had a heart attack a month ago, and the doctors placed a stent. I feel great since that time. I am working and feel even better than I did before the heart attack. The cardiologist wants me to do cardiac rehabilitation. He says that it is helpful for patients that have had a heart attack. Is that necessary, and how will it help me?
While cardiac rehabilitation is not mandatory after a heart attack, many patients find it very helpful, and it has many benefits from a cardiovascular standpoint. It helps you get into a program which benefits your heart and your
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While cardiac rehabilitation is not mandatory after a heart attack, many patients find it very helpful, and it has many benefits from a cardiovascular standpoint. It helps you get into a program which benefits your heart and your