DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: This is the second time I have had plantar fasciitis. The first time was more than five years ago. A doctor outlined a program for me, but I have forgotten the details. Will you give me a refresher course? — L.O. ANSWER: “Plantar” is the sole of the feet. The […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: I read your column on prostate cancer. I was surprised that you did not discuss the PSA test. Was there any reason for that? My doctor has used this method many times when testing my blood. I have heard that for some this is not a very accurate test. Do […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: My wife, 77 years old, suffers from severe edema in both of her legs. She is a type 2 diabetic. During a recent hospital stay, her heart, liver and kidneys all checked out fine. She had an ultrasound performed on her legs, and had no blood clot. We have had […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: I am 71 years old and have been diagnosed with chronic heart failure. In October of last year, I had triple bypass surgery, but now I’m in good health. Some things I have read about chronic heart failure are unnerving. Will you give me your take on what lies ahead […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: I am 74 years old and recently was hospitalized with pneumonia. While there, I had X-rays and CT scans. I have never smoked, but I have been exposed to a lot of secondhand smoke. I have been diagnosed with asthma and emphysema. I would appreciate knowing the treatment for this, […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: I am a 60-year-old female. I was put on Coumadin because I have intermittent atrial fibrillation. Is it necessary to continue this drug for life? I cannot eat a healthy diet because it interferes with Coumadin. Is there another drug that controls blood clotting without the diet restrictions? — D.H. […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: My daughter has been diagnosed with Lyme disease. She has been put on antibiotics for four months. What can you tell us about this disease? — L.R. ANSWER: Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borelia burgdorferi, which is spread by the bite of the deer tick. This […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: My husband has “white-coat” hypertension in the form of highly elevated blood pressure whenever he goes to the doctor for his routine checkups. He has a blood pressure monitor at home and checks his blood pressure at least once daily. The machine was calibrated twice by the doctor and was […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: We have cottage on a lovely lake, and we spend the entire summer there. It takes my husband close to two hours to commute to his work, but he doesn’t mind. This summer, two of my children all of a sudden broke out in a terribly itchy red rash. It […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: I have always known that fish oil is beneficial for its omega-3 content. I see that krill oil is now being sold, claiming to have the same beneficial properties, but krill are high in cholesterol. How can that be beneficial? — J.B. ANSWER: The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have […]