DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: I purchased a large bag of green grapes. They taste great, but the bag stated that the grapes were treated with sulfur dioxide. Is this safe? Can the chemical be removed? — M.L. ANSWER: Sulfur dioxide is used as a preservative, especially in dried fruits, but also in grapes (both […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: I travel a great deal and am thus unable to read your column regularly. If you have not covered this subject, please tell your readers about trigeminal neurology. I suffered for three years with severe jaw pain before my dentist diagnosed me and sent me to a neurologist. — P.K. […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: My granddaughter has had diabetes and a fatty liver since she was young. She is 16, overweight and refuses to exercise. She has black rings around her throat. I’ve been told it’s from the diabetes not being properly controlled. Also, I’ve noticed a dark tinge to the skin around her […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: I’m curious about underactive thyroid. I came across a website that said an underactive thyroid can cause some of the problems that have plagued me for quite a few years. Some of the symptoms listed were hair loss, tiredness, inability to lose weight despite healthy diet and exercise, gravelly voice […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: Recently, blood tests revealed that I have too few red blood cells. What would cause this, and what symptoms might I expect? I am 61 years old with diabetes and high blood pressure. Please don’t tell me I have to be put down, like my neighbor’s pit bull, who had […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: What is the best way to get rid of tonsil stones, besides sticking my finger down my throat as far as I can and trying to dislodge the smelly things? More importantly, what is the way to prevent tonsil stones? I never had them until a year or so ago. […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: I am 70 years old and working as I did when I was 25. I am having trouble finding the answer to erectile dysfunction. Is there a way other than the pill to restore virility? I have tried them. — J.J. ANSWER: By “the pill,” I take it you mean […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: I have corrected my high blood pressure using medication, exercise and diet. My blood pressure is now between 105/65 and 110/70. I started medication when I had consistent readings in the high 130s and low 140s for systolic and 85 to 90 for diastolic. When considering all the warnings and […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: My dad, age 77, has just been told he has Parkinson’s disease. We, his children, aren’t sure of the implications of this for him, our mother or us. Currently, he isn’t greatly impaired. He moves more slowly, but his thinking is clear. His hands don’t shake. What can we expect? […]

DEAR DRS. DONOHUE AND ROACH: Every day, I depend on a pill to keep my blood pressure down and one to keep my cholesterol down. So what’s wrong with my depending on a pill every night to get a good night’s sleep (triazolam)? I am a male, 87 years old. — L.D. ANSWER: It sounds […]