DEAR DR. ROACH: With all the different medications available for high blood pressure, what factors determine the medicine a doctor will prescribe? — J.E.P. ANSWER: The first consideration is whether the person has any other medical conditions that would make a particular medication more advantageous. Someone with diabetes and protein in the urine would benefit […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: After reading several of your columns, where readers asked if they are too old for some activity, I wanted to make older adults aware of their untapped reservoir of energy and ability. I notice that most tend to be hesitant to try various activities thinking they are probably too old to attempt […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My father is 91 years old, and I am concerned that his elevated blood pressure isn’t being properly addressed. Recently, it seems to run in the mid-170s to mid-80s (176/86). He has a number of health issues, such as a kidney stent every three months, diabetic neuropathy and a transient ischemic attack. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 57 and finally divorced my cheating husband a year ago. Now that I am interested in dating again, I went for a consultation and exam with my gynecologist, complete with STD testing. I am in excellent health and all tests were negative except the one I feared: herpes, both oral […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: At what age do you recommend the shingles vaccine? I’m 56 and my doc is recommending it, but I’ve heard that people frequently have negative side effects. I’m doing everything I can to stay well and out of the doctor’s office during coronavirus. Would you recommend I wait until next year, when […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: If women are prescribed a hormone replacement for hot flashes, do the hot flashes return once the medicine is discontinued. If you take hormone replacement therapy, are you just delaying the symptoms for a while and will have to deal with hot flashes either way? — C.H. ANSWER: Hot flashes are a […]

DR. ROACH WRITES: Every year around this time I write a column on the different flu vaccines that are available. Before doing so this year, I want to implore readers to get their flu vaccine. If you have never gotten one, now is the time. If you had a bad reaction 20 years ago, give […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been diagnosed with frozen shoulder after an X-ray by an orthopedic doctor. He sent me to physical therapy, but this is the slowest recovery and the most agonizing pain. No over-the-counter products help, and I do not want surgery. He offered a shot for the pain. I declined. I could […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: In September 2017, my son, then 17, was rushed to a nearby children’s hospital and ultimately diagnosed with myocarditis, but did not have a biopsy. He was given an infusion of immune globulin that left him quite ill for about 10 hours. Upon discharge the pediatric cardiologist reassured us that my son […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I hear about insulin resistance all the time. What is it and how do you prevent it? — M.E. ANSWER: Insulin lowers blood sugar levels by moving the sugar into the cells that need it. Without insulin, cells starve for energy despite very high amounts of sugar in the blood. A small […]