Eye Diseases and Disorders Common in Aging Adults Even though eye problems can affect people of any age, some are increasingly likely to strike those of advanced age. These problems can be much more serious. Some examples of eye diseases and disorders common in aging adults: Cataracts Cataracts are cloudy areas that cover part of or the entire lens that keep light from easily passing through the lens to the back of the eye. Cataracts often form slowly, causing no pain, redness or tearing…

Eye Problems There are several eye problems that are more common as people age, but they still can affect anyone during their life. There are some simple measures that people of any age can take to help ease their comfort and see well. Eye problems that can occur during any age are: Presbyopia Presbyopia is the loss of ability to see close objects or small print, and is often corrected with reading glasses. Floaters Floaters are tiny spots or specks that float across the field of…

What to Expect at An Eye Appointment If you currently wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you to your appointment. Depending on the size and type of the office, you will more than likely be greeted by a receptionist or an optician. They will then take your name and ask you to fill out a sheet of information about your medical and eye health history. Once your paperwork has been completed, you will be shown to the examining room where the doctor will perform tests of your vision…

My sister just had a pap smear and the results showed cervical dysplasia. What exactly is this and could she be at risk for cancer?

Most Common Types of Breast Cancer Like most cancers, breast cancer exists in different forms. The most common types of breast cancer include: Infiltrating (invasive) ductal carcinoma This cancer starts in the milk ducts of the breast. It then breaks through the wall of the duct and invades the surrounding tissue in the breast. This is the most common form of breast cancer, accounting for 80% of cases. Ductal carcinoma in situ is ductal carcinoma in its earliest stage (stage 0) In situ…

Before my period begins, I experience digestion issues, including gas and diarrhea. How can I prevent or minimize these issues?

Can you please explain how carbohydrates affect our weight and how to figure out how many carbs you should have in your daily diet?

I am 55, post-menopausal and have been on the lowest dose of Vivelle-dot patch for 18 months. My skin is quite thin, most notably on the inner thighs, which appears striated and is tender and is prone to pimples. Would a higher dosage patch encourage the skin to thicken?

How much is too much B-12? Does taking B-12 pills help one have more energy?

What are the most common causes for a swollen cervix without other symptoms?

I am 71 and beginning to have some pain in my hips. I exercise three hours a week and walk 1/2 mile each day. Is it better to push through the pain or better to lay off for a day?

I would like to know what Paget’s Disease is and what the symptoms are.

Is there a cure for LPR (Laryngopharyngeal) reflux? I am not a medication person and do not want to take Zantac forever.

I am an Estring (Estradiol Vaginal Ring) user. I have great difficulty removing it myself. Will it make a difference if I wait until my regular exam to have it removed? It will be 3 weeks later than the 3 month time period? I suppose the medication will be depleted by then. But is it that critical?

I am almost 65 and have stopped taking hormone replacement therapy after 20 years. I am sleepless and suffering from hot flashes. What can I take to lessen these effects?

Recent blood work revealed that my HDL is low. My new primary care physician seemed unconcerned. What can I do to raise my HDL level? My long time physician recently retired and scheduled blood work for me every three months. My new primary care physician is scheduling only every six months or 12 months. I am 80-years-old and get fairly good reports although my triglycerides and cholesterol are slightly elevated. Should I be concerned about this?

I have been taking birth control for a few months now. I accidentally dropped one down the sink so I took the next day one instead. Then that week I started my period even though I was still on the blue pills. I was reading that if you forget to take them the right way to throw out the current pack and start a new one, but I am still bleeding (not as heavy) but still enough to have to wear a pad or tampon.

Is this still normal since it has only been 3 months since I started taking birth control again (I am 42)?

I’ve been on the Atkins diet for about 3 months and have reached a plateau, how can I get past this stage and lose the remaining pounds?

I thought I had a urinary tract infection about three weeks ago and went on an antibiotic (Cipro). I am not feeling better and was told to go on Macrobid. It helped for awhile, however, the pressure, slight burning and frequency to urinate has returned. I was given Premarin and have used this for four nights, but I’m still not feeling better.

I did see a Urologist and all of the cultures have been negative. Any thoughts?

In 1989 I had breast cancer, my hair came out and never fully came back to it’s original fullness. As of now I wear wigs. Is there anything else that I could do as far as vitamins or diet are concerned? I had chemo, went through a period of menopause for a year, but, I had no other problems. I am healthy.