DEAR DR. ROACH: I would like to know what you think about brain supplements and whether you would recommend any. My age is 84 and I am in good health, but my memory is getting bad. — B.S. ANSWER: I see advertisements daily for supplements touted to have benefits in preventing or slowing progression of […]
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Surgery for torn hip joint cartilage requires lengthy recovery
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 55-year-old woman. I recently went to see a surgeon for a torn hip labrum. I learned that labrums do not heal on their own, and injections and physical therapy can only mitigate pain. I’m leaning toward surgery, because it makes more sense to have surgery at 55 and increase my […]
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Acne is not typically itchy
DEAR DR. ROACH: How do pimples form? Why do they itch? How can I remove them? — B.B. ANSWER: Acne is caused by plugged hair follicles, which are associated with sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. These are more likely to be plugged under control of androgenic hormones; with increased oil production; in the presence of the bacteria […]
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Reader worries about his very low cholesterol level
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 67-year-old male who had a major heart attack 19 years ago. I am very active. Prior to the pandemic I was going to the gym five days a week and then came home and spent a few hours doing yardwork and gardening. I still spend two to four hours […]
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Shingles shot at 50? Yes, please!
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m writing in regard to your recent column about a 56-year-old person, recommending he or she wait till 60 for the shingles shot. In 2010 I was 56 and was told by my insurance company that they would not cover the shot till I was 60. Unfortunately, that year I suffered a […]
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Filler in meds is not the cause of reader’s symptoms
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a question about excipients, something you discussed in a recent column about thyroid medication. Twice in my life, I took Celebrex for orthopedic pain. The episodes were about five years apart. Both times, I suffered severe liver disfunction, turned yellow, lost weight and had dark urine and abnormal ALT, AST […]
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Insomnia, COVID complicate treatment of depression
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an almost 69-year-old man in generally good health. Until the pandemic, I exercised regularly, but with Pilates studios closed I have only been walking. I have always been troubled with insomnia and have tried every sleep aid — both prescription and nonprescription — to no avail. That was until my […]
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Is ‘really low’ urine pH a health hazard?
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a friend who’s 28 with “really low” urine pH (I don’t know how low). Apparently, it is due to constant dehydration and drinking coffee all day long, to the point that the doctor recommended that he drink lots of water with lemon (perhaps just to prevent dehydration and nothing else.) […]
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Osteoporosis is a common condition
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m 86, and was finally, after a few false starts, diagnosed with two compression fractured vertebrae, which were very painful. This was followed by a diagnosis of osteoporosis. The doctor who diagnosed it told me that it was a disease mainly of the northern part of the planet, affecting folks living in […]
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Deep South doctor disagrees with statin recommendation
DEAR DR. ROACH: As a family physician, I must differ with you on your advice to the 71-year-old lady whose doctor wanted to start her on a statin. Using a Mesa score and her desire not to take any medicine, you advised her to decline the statin. I am able to obtain generic Crestor with […]