I am losing hair. Do I need to start using Rograine or is it a temporary result of:

• A new diet started in last month eating 2/3 fruits and vegetables for every 1/3 protein and grain
• Dental work in last month - crown followed by root canal - many x-rays
• Menopause - I stopped over 10 years ago.

What should I do?

Contaminated food and water is the leading source of illness and diarrhea that occurs during travel. Fortunately, there are some choices you can make to reduce your chance of becoming ill. So before venturing out on day trips away from your cruise ship, here are some suggestions. Food selection Before disembarking on your day trip, ask the ship’s concierge or tour director for recommendation for well-established, reliable dining locations. International hotels and better restaurants that…

All bike riders should wear bicycle helmets. Each year in the United States, about 800 bicyclists are killed and another 500,000 end up in hospital emergency rooms. About two-thirds of the deaths and one-third of the injuries involve the head and face. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury to bicyclists by as much as 85 percent. What safety information should I look for when purchasing a helmet? Look for the Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC) sticker inside the helmet.…

My husband recently had a vasectomy. How do we know if the procedure worked?

I am worried. I have weighed the exact same (from 209-216) for over 10 years. I am 5’10" and understand I am obese. The problem I have is I have dropped 4 dress sizes in the last two years, but lost no weight with out any improvement in the amount of exercise or a better diet. I am wearing clothes that I have had for ten years that are loose on me now that were tight on me. I do not understand what is going on. I have been told that as women age they expand around the hips and stomach but that is where my clothes are the most loose. No other part of my body seems bigger as nothing is tight now where it was not before. I am 35 years old and have never had kids. I just married and am looking to have a child in the next few years. I want to be healthy when we start to try. Any ideas on what I should ask my doctor about?

I sleep on my right shoulder and for the past few months I have been feeling pain from the elbow to my thumb. Lately the pain has spread to my other 3 fingers(index, middle and the ring finger). I have tried not to sleep on my side but it also hurts during the day time when I am doing something with my arm bent, like brushing my teeth or holding a book. I feel pain and numbness of the hand (fingers). The doctor told me to take Ibuprofen but my questions is, will this pain and numbness go away by taking the Ibuprofen?

I am 40 and have shaved my pubic hair completely off for at least 10 years. Some people tell me it is fine, some say it is better than long hair and some people tell me it is bad for me. I like it because it feels better and cleaner. Can you please tell me if there is a problem with me doing this?

I have been with Weight Watchers since January of 2010 to the present and have been with Curves since May 2011. I am 5’1"

I currently weigh 149 pounds. My goal weight is 132 pounds. I started WW at 154 pounds...in April 2011 138 pounds...lost 16 pounds in 14 months. I have been going through perimenopause. Since April a constant weight gain to my current 149 pounds. Two weeks ago I lost 4 pounds!!! After having a period for three weeks of spotting, light flow, heavy flow, light flow, spotting, then finally stopping. Then the next week I gained 3 pounds back! I have been going to Curves twice a week. With a hectic schedule I am lucky to be able to get there at all! I enjoyed the last article from Speaking of Women’s Health and noticed it is sponsored through Cleveland Clinic.

I felt comfort in the article and that we could have contact with you as a resource. I am grateful to the Cleveland Clinic for the care and concern that you have given to my daughter and her husband on behalf of their son~our sweet grandson. Our grandson is being followed by the pediatric neurology physicians. Thank You so much.

I hope that you might be able sort out my weight gain~menopause issues. I am discontinuing WW and I have been so far enjoying Curves.

Thank You in advance for your time,

Lewisa

What is the best or most viable source for those of us in our eighties and more, to lose a few pounds sensibly?

Sunscreen is the easiest way to protect yourself from the sun’s dangerous rays. However, application isn’t just rubbing it on when you’re at the beach. There is a lot for you to learn about sunscreen and which is best for each time you are out in the sun. How Should Sunscreens Be Applied? Sunscreens are very effective when used properly. Follow these guidelines to give yourself the most protection: Apply the sunscreen at least 20 to 30 minutes before you go outdoors, whenever you will be…

Your skin is how you present yourself to the world. It is important to keep this first impression healthy not only to look at, but for our long-term well being. The skin on our face can be challenged throughout our lives, from the first acne of our teenage years to the wrinkling of our later years. Facial Skin Care for Acne-Prone Skin If you are prone to acne, choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne. These products often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help to clear…

How to Take a Baby's Temperature If your baby’s skin feels warm, you should take baby’s temperature to check if he or she has a fever. The safest and most comfortable method of taking your baby’s temperature is by placing a thermometer under baby’s arm. It is not safe to put a thermometer in your baby’s mouth, and a thermometer placed in the rectum can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. To take baby’s temperature under the arm, place the thermometer high up in the baby’s armpit. Be…

When outdoors, keep your baby’s skin covered or keep the baby out of direct sunlight. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months. Unless advised by your healthcare provider, do not use lotions, oils or powders, as they can cause irritation. Common Newborn Skin Conditions Several skin conditions can affect your newborn. Most do not need treatment and will heal themselves in less than a few weeks. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of certain skin conditions by reading the…

Diapering Clean the diaper area with every diaper change. Wash it well with soap and water after each bowel movement. Baby wipes may be used if baby’s skin is not sensitive to them. Do not use powder or cornstarch on diaper area, as these can breed bacteria. Changing and keeping your baby girl or boy clean can be an overwhelming task. Use the guidelines listed below when changing your newborn’s diaper. GirlsDuring diaper changes, gently separate the labia and wash the area with water.…

Ask your doctor what his or her policy is regarding keeping your discussion and treatment confidential. You have the right to privacy regarding sexually transmitted diseases and contraception. If your life (or someone else's) is at risk, the doctor may be required to disclose private information to keep you safe; he or she will tell you prior to this disclosure, in almost all cases (with exceptions such as if you were unconscious). Billing may or may not be confidential. So please ask your…

There are two components of a sports physical: the medical history and the physical exam. The history is an important tool in identifying conditions that might affect an individual's ability to participate and/or perform in sports. History Examination Issues addressed during the history portion of the physical include: Allergies Episodes of dizziness or collapse during activity Family history of serious illnesses History of asthma History of excessive weight loss or gain; can…

As much as we wish to protect our children forever, sometimes they will face difficult life choices. During their teen years, they may be tempted to use drugs, tobacco or alcohol. Some teenagers may become depressed for a variety of reasons. These problems can seem severe and parents need to be there to help them navigate through the tough times. Tobacco, Drugs and Alcohol Guidelines Drug abuse is a serious problem that can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences. Research suggests that…

As your child grows into a teenager, he or she may be tempted to make more mature decisions— especially as other teenagers engage in risky behaviors. Tattoos, piercings and sex are all important topics that should be discussed thoroughly with your teen. Some teenagers may be ready for these big experiences, and some may not. Tattoos and Piercings Teens of every generation have their fads. Most teenage fads are harmless and eventually fade away without permanent damage. Unfortunately, some of…

It is not uncommon for your baby to experience sleeping issues. However it is important for you, as the parent, to be able to recognize when problematic sleeping behaviors are causing other heath issues, or are a clue to another, deeper health issue. Learn more by viewing the information listed below. When Should I Seek a Doctor’s Help? Sometimes, problems with your child’s sleeping can occur. These behaviors can be similar to normal sleep behaviors at first glance. However, by watching your…

Scoliosis has many different symptoms that, when caught early, can be treated effectively. Explore the information below to learn more about the warning signs of the disease and how scoliosis can be managed and treated. Scoliosis Symptoms Q: My 14-year-old daughter seems to lean to one side, and her shoulders are uneven. What might be causing this? A: Your daughter should see a physician to be evaluated for possible scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. You mention two of the signs of…