Ask the Doctors

Diane Daniel American Heart Association News Even as a teenager, Edson Barbosa could sometimes feel his heart beating extremely fast during rehearsals. It didn’t seem normal. But as a competitive ballet dancer in Rio de Janeiro, he wasn’t sure what normal felt like. It’s probably because I just did 17 pirouettes, he told himself. The…

Dear Doctors: My husband had a stroke at work last spring. His colleagues recognized the symptoms and called 911 right away. He spent time in the hospital and is doing physical therapy. He’s a lot better physically — but lately, he’s depressed. Why does that happen? My kids and I are so worried about him.…

Dear Doctors: My father is 76 and lives alone. Lately he’s gotten worried about dementia. I saw on the news that the MIND diet can help with that. If that’s true, I’m hoping we can use that to get him to cut down on junk food, which he loves. What else can help him stay…

Dear Doctors: My wife had COVID-19 recently. When the test came back positive, we realized we’re not sure of the current protocols for what to do when you get sick. When are you supposed to start isolating, and how long should that last? What about treatment recommendations? Dear Reader: With cooler weather and more indoor…

Dear Doctors: We are flying overseas, and although I would love to snooze through most of the 15-hour flight, I’m generally not able to sleep on a plane. Melatonin doesn’t work for me. I’ve taken Ambien in the past, but I’m concerned about the negative effects I’ve read about. Do you have any advice? Dear…

Laura Williamson American Heart Association News Younger adults diagnosed with insomnia were more likely to develop a type of irregular heartbeat – and to do so earlier – than those without a history of insomnia, according to a large study of military veterans. The findings suggest difficulty falling or staying asleep may be an early…

Dear Doctors: If my doctor won’t order a PSA or other screening test, can I pay for it myself? We are always told about the importance of early detection. So why aren’t screening tests recommended for seniors? I get a more comprehensive overview of my car’s health when I get an oil change! Dear Reader:…

Dear Doctors: Can you please talk about placenta accreta? It happened to my sister, and she had serious medical issues when she had her baby. How can you know that you have it? Does it run in families? My husband and I are ready to start our own family, but this has me scared. Dear…

Dear Doctors: I’d like information about meniscus tears. I am a 59-year-old active woman, and I just tore my meniscus in two places. I also have osteoarthritis. I’m told that surgery is no longer recommended. Is this correct? What can be done? Dear Reader: To talk about the meniscus, we should start with the knee…

Dear Doctors: I am a 57-year-old man, and ever since the pandemic started, I have had trouble getting enough sleep. I sometimes use a sleep medication, and it has been helpful. But I’ve been reading that using sleep meds can increase your risk of developing dementia. Is this true? Dear Reader: When it comes to…