Q:  My doctor said I should quit smoking before he performs my surgery. Why is this so important?

A:  It is widely known that there are general health risks associated with smoking, but research has shown that smokers are more likely to suffer surgical complications than nonsmokers. These complications include lung problems like pneumonia, and surgical...

Q: I've heart that exercising in the heat can be bad for my heart. Should I stop exercising during the summer?

A: The temperature has been high and many of us are enjoying outdoor activities including lawn care and exercise. As with most things in life, moderation and common sense should prevail as the temperature rises.

Our bodies have the ability to...

Q: I worry about my children playing sports and getting a concussion. How can I tell if a bump to the head is serious?

A: Concussions are a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that interferes with the normal function of the brain. The severity of a traumatic brain injury can range from "mild", with a brief change in mental status or...

Q. My father and I have diabetes. I've heard about programs where we can learn how to manage our diabetes. Will Medicare cover this for Dad? Will my insurance cover it?

A. It sounds like you have heard about Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT). These programs help patients discover how to live safely with diabetes day by day. They learn about balanced...

Q: I am an avid golfer, and recently I’ve noticed pain in my great toe joint to the degree that it’s affecting my swing. What can I do?

A: Although golf is not a rigorous sport, the physical act of repeated follow through on a golf swing can lead to a foot condition known as hallux limitus, a jamming and deterioration of the great toe joint. The movement and...

Q: I've heard that women have different symptoms and are at a higher risk of dying of a heart attack then men. What are the symptoms?

A: In the United States 1 in 4 women will die of heart disease. Coronary heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women yet women often seek medical care later than men because they do not recognize their symptoms...

Q. I'm caring for my grandmother who is diabetic and doesn't move around much. How do I prevent bed sores?

A. This can be challenging, but there are some things you can do:

Pay attention to her overall health: People with chronic wounds often have other underlying conditions such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, vascular disease or radiation...

Q. My dentist said my child will need braces before but before she can get them, her tongue thrust must be corrected. What is tongue thrust?

A. Tongue thrusting, simply defined, is the habit of placing the tongue in the wrong position during swallowing, either too far forward or to the sides. If a child over the age of four is placing her tongue too far...