Ask the Doctors
Ask the Doctors by Eve Glazier, M.D. & Elizabeth Ko, M.D.
New XBB.1.5 COVID-19 variant spreading rapidly through U.S. Dear Doctors: I live in Boston, and the news here seems to be fixated on a brand-new COVID-19 variant. Omicron was all everyone talked about for a long time. Does this mean the new variant we are hearing about is worse? What are we supposed to do…
Read MoreOwning companion animals helps with cognition in older adults
Dear Doctors: I have shared my home with pets my whole life. I am now a 76-year-old widow, and my menagerie is down to two small dogs. I just saw on the news that pets keep you mentally sharp. Is that true? I’d like to be able to reassure my sons that my furry companions…
Read MoreFreezing eggs one way to preserve fertility after cancer
Dear Doctors: My sister was diagnosed with cancer, and her doctors say she should consider freezing her eggs. It’s not definite that the treatment will affect her ability to get pregnant, but it’s a real possibility. I don’t know how freezing one’s eggs works. Can you explain? Is it expensive? Dear Reader: Unfortunately, it’s true…
Read MoreStudy links stress to onset of IBS
Dear Doctors: I had just started a new job when the pandemic happened. On top of the lockdowns and home-schooling our kids, I was diagnosed with IBS. My husband read there’s research that it’s caused by stress, and that makes a lot of sense to me. Can you please talk about that research? Dear Reader:…
Read MoreDifferent ages get different flu shots
Dear Doctors: I went to our local pharmacy to get a flu shot for myself and also for my dad. It turns out that because he is 68 years old, he didn’t get the same vaccine as me. They gave him something called “fluad quadrivalent.” How is that different from the regular flu vaccine? Why…
Read MoreAsk the Doctors by Eve Glazier, M.D. & Elizabeth Ko, M.D.
Older adults at risk of Vitamin D deficiency Dear Doctors: I have read that older adults may not get enough vitamin D in winter. My father-in-law is 73 years old. He’s from Florida, but he’s spending a year with us here in Maine. He can’t be outdoors all the time like he is at home. How important is…
Read MoreLong COVID remains a mystery to providers and patients
Dear Doctors: I had COVID-19, and now I’ve got long COVID. I have neuropathy and brain fog, and when I try to exercise, I get exhausted right away. My doctor said it just takes a while to get back on your feet, like after you’ve had the flu, but this feels different. What is the…
Read MoreWhen he stopped breathing, his dog called out for help
Diane Daniel American Heart Association News On a Friday morning in late February, Ken Walsh and his wife, Nicole, sat on their couch in East Brunswick, New Jersey, having coffee and talking about weekend plans. Their dog, Indiana, a 6-month-old Australian Shepherd mix, sat on the floor at Ken’s feet. She was a happy, friendly…
Read MoreRare autoimmune disorder targets skin in aging populations
Dear Doctors: I am 75 years old, and two years ago, I was diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid. I understand this is an autoimmune problem. I also understand that this is more common in older people. I would like to know more about it. I have been prescribed minocycline, which has been helping. Dear Reader: You…
Read MoreNot getting a flu shot is a health risk
Dear Doctors: I’ve been reading that it’s a pretty bad flu season this year, and I’m starting to get worried about getting sick. I haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, but I think it might be too late. Is it still worthwhile to get the vaccine? Is this year’s vaccine effective? Dear Reader: Thank you…
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