Skip to content

Ask the Doctors

Ageism is prevalent in medical care

Dear Doctors: Your column regarding an older man’s doctor who denied him a PSA test struck a nerve. He was just told no without an explanation. As I get older, I find that my doctors don’t listen to me. Can you please talk about ageism in medical care? Are there strategies for patients to overcome…

Read More

Scent therapies may help in preservation of memory

Dear Doctors: My husband and I just hit 65 and are interested in information about preserving memory. I just read about a study that says using your sense of smell more often can be helpful. Do you have any information about that study? The details have been pretty vague. Dear Reader: You’re referring to the…

Read More

Feelings of isolation post-stroke can cause depression

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.…

Read More

Mind diet created to help protect cognitive health

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…

Read More

Best defense against COVID-19 is vaccine

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…

Read More

Good sleep hygiene key in sleeping on plane

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…

Read More

Insomnia may be an early risk factor for irregular heart rhythm

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…

Read More

PSA test guidelines have changed over the years

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:…

Read More

Risk of placenta accreta requires specialized care

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…

Read More