I am always bugging my kids to protect themselves from the sun. They both have red hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. I have them wear sunscreen all summer that I put on in the morning. I recently heard that the sun also can affect the eyes. Is that true, and what is the best way to protect their eyes?
It is true. Chronic damage from the sun can effect the eyes, just as it does the skin. The most common problem associated with this is cataracts, but some other problems, such as macular degeneration may also be more common
Youth Throwing Injuries
by Dean Heller MD July 12th, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
My son is 14 and has been playing baseball for almost 10 years already. He plays multiple positions, but loves pitching. Unfortunately, he has been having shoulder and elbow pain this year intermittently as he has been pitching more. He is a young boy, and I don't want him to be injured. I ask the coaches, but they just ask him if he feels well enough to pitch; he always says yes. Is this dangerous, what should I do?
You didn't say if you are the mother or father, but we are going out on a limb and going to
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You didn't say if you are the mother or father, but we are going out on a limb and going to
Weight and Preterm Delivery
by Dean Heller MD July 5th, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
My 23 year old daughter just told me she is pregnant. She is not married (that is a separate issue), but I am most concerned that she is very overweight. She is 5 foot 1 inch, and I am guessing that she weighs about 200 pounds. That can not be healthy. I have asked her to start exercising and to diet, but she does not listen to me. Is there some information I can send her to convince her to be healthier?
You are correct; that is not healthy. It is not healthy without pregnancy to be that overweight, as
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You are correct; that is not healthy. It is not healthy without pregnancy to be that overweight, as
What is a Heart Attack?
by Dean Heller MD June 28th, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
My husband went to the hospital with chest pain last night, and they performed an urgent balloon and stent on him. They said he had a heart attack. I know you hear about people having heart attacks all of the time, but I realized I don't even know what that means.
A heart attack occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart, called the coronary arteries, abruptly close and don't supply adequate blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. The heart muscle then becomes damaged. This usually occurs when a cholesterol plaque in the artery ruptures and a
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A heart attack occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart, called the coronary arteries, abruptly close and don't supply adequate blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. The heart muscle then becomes damaged. This usually occurs when a cholesterol plaque in the artery ruptures and a
Gluten and Children
by Dean Heller MD June 21st, 2013 | Ask the Doctor
My son, who is 11, has chronic asthma, frequent ear infections, and is always missing school. He also complains of belly aches frequently. His doctor thinks he is allergic to gluten. He gave me some handouts on what foods to avoid, and he thinks this will help his asthma and the ear infections. Is that even possible, or is this doctor full of it, and should I find a new one?
You are obviously very concerned about your son, and I am sure your doctor is as well. He could very well be right about this. Although you will have
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You are obviously very concerned about your son, and I am sure your doctor is as well. He could very well be right about this. Although you will have