DEAR DR. ROACH: My good-hearted friend is very concerned about vaccines, particularly those given to infants. She has a long list of about 40 different vaccines that are given to infants. I know that the number of vaccines have increased since my children were babies, and both of my daughters asked their pediatricians to space […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: In all the warnings you see for prescription drugs on TV and in print, it seems like a disproportionally high number of them have some tie-in to tuberculosis. They say to get tested for it and don’t take the medicine if you’ve had it or if you know someone who had it. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 65-year-old female who does not take any medication. During my latest exam, the eye doctor said I may have a dry-eye issue and recommended using some lubricating eyedrops. I have no problem with that, but he also suggested taking a 1,000-mg omega-3 (fish oil) capsule twice a day. I […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Can taking a 325-mg aspirin daily cause a normal person to become anemic through slow internal bleeding? If so, will stopping the aspirin resolve the bleeding problem? — L.K. ANSWER: Aspirin does increase risk of bleeding, and there have been many people who have had the exact scenario you describe, with slow […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Like many men, I have been taking 81-mg aspirin for decades. I recently saw a report indicating that not only is it not helpful, but that it actually can increase the risk of internal bleeding and the likelihood of death from cancer. What is your advice on the wisdom of continuing to […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: In a recent column, you described symptoms of malabsorption as weight loss, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. My doctors have never mentioned this as a possible diagnosis. Is there anything to do for it other than avoiding high FODMAP foods (which I have been trying to do)? At times, I fear that I […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am writing to you on behalf of my cousin, an 83-year-old female, 5 feet tall, weighing 100 pounds. She takes only vitamin D. Her blood pressure, cholesterol, etc., all are within the normal ranges. However, she has osteoarthritis in her knees and lower back. Ibuprofen sometimes helps a bit, but she […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Could you please address the benefits and safety of taking an oral collagen supplement. I am confused, as there are so many collagen products on the market professing miraculous results with regard to diminishing or preventing wrinkles, strengthening the nails and hair, and helping with joint pain. I have been taking a […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m 70, Caucasian and slim. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis five years ago. Before that, I took Fosamax for five years. The only things I take are 1,000 mg calcium citrate, 3 mg boron and a multivitamin containing 2,000 IU vitamin D. An X-ray showed three compression fractured vertebra. I read that […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have allergies and am congested a lot at night. I have read about over-the-counter clips and adhesive tapes. Would they help me breathe better? Are they safe for the long term? — M.V.M. ANSWER: There are many different types of external devices that are designed to open the nasal passages during […]