I am 17 and started having some funny symptoms, including weight loss and going to the bathroom a lot. I heard one of the Jonas brothers talking about his diabetes, and I think I may have this. Do you think I do?
You have to see a doctor as soon as possible. Your symptoms certainly could be from diabetes. Frequent urination, weight loss, increased thirst, and hunger, as well as being tired are the common symptoms of diabetes.
Expert: David Cook
To learn more about juvenile diabetes, watch this video from VideoMD.com.
Sparkler Safety
by Dean Heller MD June 30th, 2011 | Ask the Doctor
My kids all love to play with sparklers on July 4th. I have heard of people getting injured from them. Are they safe?
Almost everyone uses sparklers on July 4th; however, they are not as safe as you might suspect. The tip of the sparkler is actually very hot - almost 1,000 degrees. So it is easy for a child to be burned if you are not careful. Make sure to tell the children this information, so they can handle the sparkler appropriately. Also, with all of the recent wild fires, make sure you dispose of the sparklers in a
Read More
Almost everyone uses sparklers on July 4th; however, they are not as safe as you might suspect. The tip of the sparkler is actually very hot - almost 1,000 degrees. So it is easy for a child to be burned if you are not careful. Make sure to tell the children this information, so they can handle the sparkler appropriately. Also, with all of the recent wild fires, make sure you dispose of the sparklers in a
Aneurysm of the Aorta
by MPK June 23rd, 2011 | Ask the Doctor
My father has what they call an aneurysm of the aorta, where the walls of this major blood vessel bulge out, and apparently can rupture. Is there an alternative to surgery for this?
Great question. You are correct. This is a bulging of the wall of the aorta, which is usually weakened due to atherosclerosis, and is prone to rupture. While the treatment traditionally has been surgery, sometimes an aortic stent graft, which can be put in more non-invasively, can be helpful. In this procedure, doctors perform a stent graft, which is similar to stents that are put in the heart,
Read More
Great question. You are correct. This is a bulging of the wall of the aorta, which is usually weakened due to atherosclerosis, and is prone to rupture. While the treatment traditionally has been surgery, sometimes an aortic stent graft, which can be put in more non-invasively, can be helpful. In this procedure, doctors perform a stent graft, which is similar to stents that are put in the heart,
Remembering Medication
by Dean Heller MD June 16th, 2011 | Ask the Doctor
I get very busy in the morning at work and sometimes forget to take my medication, what should I do when this happens?
In general you should take the medication as soon as you remember, even if it later than you usually take the medication. However, if you take the medication more than once a day, and the time is getting close for your next dose, you should just wait, and take the next dose only. You should NOT double the dose at that time, this can be very dangerous.
Expert: Good Neighbor Pharmacy
To learn more about missed doses of medication,
Read More
In general you should take the medication as soon as you remember, even if it later than you usually take the medication. However, if you take the medication more than once a day, and the time is getting close for your next dose, you should just wait, and take the next dose only. You should NOT double the dose at that time, this can be very dangerous.
Expert: Good Neighbor Pharmacy
To learn more about missed doses of medication,
Preventing Heart Attacks
by Dean Heller MD June 9th, 2011 | Ask the Doctor
My brother just had a heart attack. How do I prevent getting a heart attack myself?
If your brother had a heart attack at a young age, that puts you at risk. You should:
1. Avoid smoking.
2. Lose weight so that your BMI or body mass index is less than 25.
3. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
4. Exercise.
Taking omega three fatty acids can also help. Also, see a doctor who will check your cholesterol, and consider medication if appropriate, including aspirin, and medicine to lower cholesterol.
To learn more about preventing heart attacks, watch this video from
Read More
If your brother had a heart attack at a young age, that puts you at risk. You should:
1. Avoid smoking.
2. Lose weight so that your BMI or body mass index is less than 25.
3. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
4. Exercise.
Taking omega three fatty acids can also help. Also, see a doctor who will check your cholesterol, and consider medication if appropriate, including aspirin, and medicine to lower cholesterol.
To learn more about preventing heart attacks, watch this video from