DEAR DR. ROACH: I am taking Zetia and niacin for extremely high cholesterol and triglycerides. Exactly what type of diet should I be on to lower my cholesterol and triglycerides? Many of the processed (cheese, ice cream, cookies, etc.) fat-free, cholesterol-free foods are high in sugar. Should I be on the South Beach Diet or […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 61 years old, and was anxious to get a shingles vaccine shot. I was upset to learn that, because I am allergic to neomycin, an ingredient in the vaccine, I cannot get vaccinated. I have talked to my doctor and also to a pharmacist about other options, but they don’t […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: About five years ago, I developed atrial fibrillation and received a pacemaker. I also was put on blood thinners — first warfarin, and now Pradaxa. This past year, I developed a hernia in my left groin area. I believe it has grown worse. Neither my heart specialist nor my general practitioner says […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 48-year-old, athletically fit man with excessive body hair on my back, chest and arms. I see that the younger generation of men at the gyms, pools and beaches seem to all groom (shave) their body hair for better appearance. I started trimming down but have not fully shaved. My concern […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: About seven years ago, my blood pressure was high, and I was overweight and in a stressful job. I quit the job, my blood pressure went down, and I lost over 40 pounds. I have kept the weight off all these years. I work part time, standing on my feet about 25 […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a fit 54-year-old male who bicycles a lot. My friends and I are pretty competitive when we do our rides, pushing hard and challenging each other in positive ways. I donate blood as often as I’m allowed. After donating, my legs feel more fatigued when I ride, and I’m not […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your column in May about tuberculosis. I have questions. Every time I get tested for tuberculosis, the test is positive. When I have chest X-rays, they come back clean. I was told by my doctors that somewhere I came into contact with someone who had TB. I have arthritis — […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I appreciate your columns. Recently, in a column about sleep apnea, you did not mention one thing that I have heard of that will help. I was told this by a dentist who makes mouth appliances for apnea patients: singing. I haven’t tried it; I don’t know why. Strangely, I used to […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been reading your column in the newspaper for some time now and have not seen anything regarding sciatica. I am 83 and recently began having sciatica pain down my right thigh. My doctor recommended using a hot-water bottle. Are there any painkillers I can use? Are there any other products […]