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Ask an Expert
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter West Bay Medical Group
Are there certain exercises I can do after knee replacement to strengthen my knees to allow for climbing stairs easily?
Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the ... continue reading about Are there certain exercises I can do after knee replacement to strengthen my knees to allow for climbing stairs easily?
Karen Handy, M.P.H.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
How do I compute my basic healthy calorie intake? What are some basic facts about how many calories a person needs to burn to lose weight?
I have a formula that you can use to calculate the calories you will need for your ideal body weight. Get ready for some math! Let's start by looking at how many calories you would need per day just to maintain... continue reading about How do I compute my basic healthy calorie intake? What are some basic facts about how many calories a person needs to burn to lose weight?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Sutter Independent Physicians
What can I do about frequent urination during the night? I wake up at least once or twice to urinate.
The benefits of uninterrupted sleep cannot be overstated. When we wake frequently at night with a bladder that is giving us the "gotta go" signal, we suffer the next day. Nocturia is the term to describe the nu... continue reading about What can I do about frequent urination during the night? I wake up at least once or twice to urinate.
Mark Saleh, M.D.
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
Can Botox help reduce migraines?
Yes, Botox can help reduce migraines. The beneficial effect for migraine was first noted in patients who were treated with Botox for cosmetic purposes. This led to formal studies that showed improvement in pati... continue reading about Can Botox help reduce migraines?
Jane Varner, M.D.
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
I have recently been diagnosed with herpes simplex virus 1. Does that mean I will never be able to kiss?
Let's begin with a quick review of how our immune system works. When your body recognizes an invader, such as a virus, it quickly manufactures fighter cells — also known as antibodies — to that inva... continue reading about I have recently been diagnosed with herpes simplex virus 1. Does that mean I will never be able to kiss?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I read that taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) may increase the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Is this true for other statins? I'm a 55-year-old woman who is taking a low dose of Lipitor. My last fasting blood sugar showed that I'm at a pre-diabetes stage.
You are correct. There is concern that at least two of the statin drugs, Crestor and simvastation (Zocor), are associated with an increased risk of the development of Type 2 diabetes. A recent meta-analysis (po... continue reading about I read that taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) may increase the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Is this true for other statins? I'm a 55-year-old woman who is taking a low dose of Lipitor. My last fasting blood sugar showed that I'm at a pre-diabetes stage.
Karen Pantazis, M.D.
Sutter Amador Hospital
What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Acute pain is a pain that has a limited time frame. It usually, though not always, starts suddenly, has an identifiable cause, can be treated, and once treated, the pain subsides. In that sense, since the cause... continue reading about What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
Why might I get swelling behind my knee when I run?
Swelling is a common concern when dealing with knee pain and knee injuries. Besides the appearance of a swollen knee, many patients complain of the discomfort and lack of motion that may coincide with the knee ... continue reading about Why might I get swelling behind my knee when I run?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter West Bay Medical Group
My calcium level is high. What foods do I need to cut down on? What about dairy products, orange juice, fortified cereal and eggs, which I thought were good for me? I'm on Tamoxifen and have been through chemo. Does that contribute to high calcium?
The body regulates the blood calcium levels through complex mechanisms. Low calcium can be supplemented with vitamins and eating calcium-rich foods and dairy. High calcium, however is never from any specific fo... continue reading about My calcium level is high. What foods do I need to cut down on? What about dairy products, orange juice, fortified cereal and eggs, which I thought were good for me? I'm on Tamoxifen and have been through chemo. Does that contribute to high calcium?
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