DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Recently, my daughter attended a sweet-16 birthday party for one of her best friends. She is a beautiful girl. When my daughter showed me pictures of her friend, I was shocked. Her face and arms were deeply tanned. I have no idea how many hours she must have spent under a tanning […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: You disappoint me beyond belief. I have sent the same letter four times and still can’t get a response. My problem is heart failure. My condition is apparently deteriorating, as my most recent echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 20. A year and a half ago, it was 30. In addition to […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I haven’t had a menstrual period for two years; I am 54. I do have hot flashes that are wiping me out. What can I do? I am afraid of estrogen because of the cancer scare, even though my doctor thinks I should take it. The flashes wake me up during the […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have had acid reflux for quite some time, and doctors have prescribed different medicines, the last being omeprazole. Medicines were not relieving the burning pain. The best advice came from an online message board that said to “sleep on your left side.” Figuring it wouldn’t hurt to try this method, I […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I got a sudden attack of dizziness that landed me in bed. I couldn’t stand. Finally, with the help of my husband, I got to the doctor, who said I had a viral infection called vestibular neuritis. I am taking medicine and am somewhat better, but the dizziness isn’t completely gone. Will […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please explain progressive supranuclear palsy. Is it hereditary? What causes it, and what are its symptoms? Can anything be done to prevent it? – C. ANSWER: Progressive supranuclear palsy stems from deterioration of brain cells in specific brain areas. Its cause has yet to be discovered. The genetic influence is currently being […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I’d greatly appreciate it if you would say something about heatstroke. I began running about six months ago, in the late fall. I would like to continue year—round, but the heat here can be unbearable in the summer. What sort of precautions can I take not to get heatstroke? — W.M. ANSWER: […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have read different articles on the benefits of coenzyme Q10. Do you have an opinion on it? One article said that statin drugs deplete it from your body. Does the body really have it? I never heard of this before. My doctor tells me it is a waste of money, but […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Ringing in the ears has me almost losing my mind. I have seen two doctors, but they had no answers for me. I have used lipoflavanoids without any relief. I live on a fixed income, so I don’t want to waste money. Some nights are really bad. Do you have any help […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 48—year—old man who was recently told that I have COPD. I was a heavy beer drinker and cigarette smoker for much of my life. I have quit both, but I have a beer belly and I get short of breath easily. Will you tell me more about COPD and […]