DEAR DR. DONOHUE: On my last three annual physicals, my doctor ordered vitamin D levels. The first two were normal. This year, my level was 27 ng/ml (normal is greater than 30). She wanted me to take a 50,000-IU capsule of vitamin D for 12 weeks. I refused. I take a daily vitamin D containing […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Why does the medical profession tell us that folks over 70 do not need a pneumonia shot in the fall when they get their flu shots? Why do some say you should get the shot every year, while others say every other year, and some say every five years? Please clear up. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My question is about probiotics. I heard that it is good to take them when you’re on antibiotics, to replace antibodies that the antibiotics destroy. Then I heard it is good to take them all the time. Please inform me and other readers if we should be taking probiotics. — P.L. ANSWER: […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I need your help, fast. I have pain in my heel cord, and sometimes it makes a creaking sound. My brother had a similar thing about five years ago, and his heel cord ruptured. He was laid up for quite a long time. I don’t want that to happen to me. The […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I would like to know more about orthostatic hypotension. I am a 67-year-old man and have problems with my balance, especially on standing. My cardiologist tested my blood pressure while sitting and then while standing. As a result, he took me off two medicines. There have been no substantial changes in my […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have a friend who hasn’t smoked in a very long time. He stopped successfully when he finally began to use nicotine gum. He’s still using it. What’s going to happen to him because he has chewed this gum for so long? — Anon. ANSWER: On the bright side, your friend has […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My husband is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds. He is a competitive distance runner. He loves Kool-Aid and calculates that he drinks in a year 150 pounds of sugar in Kool-Aid alone. A friend told him if he continues this habit, he might develop diabetes. Can a skinny, […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have just been diagnosed with a second basal cell cancer on my forehead. I haven’t seen this discussed in your column. I wonder if you will tell me about basal cell cancers. Is there a way to avoid them? I am treating mine twice a day. I wash it twice a […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Recently you wrote about a study that demonstrated possible brain damage from hits to the head that did not cause a concussion. I have grandchildren who play soccer. They don’t wear helmets, although they sometimes head the ball. I am concerned about brain damage. My son is a soccer coach and says […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please inform us on the danger and symptoms of MRSA. I heard it could be found in the nostrils. I have a blister in my nostril. My doctor ignored it. How is MRSA contracted? How dangerous is it? What does it look like? — A.P. ANSWER: MRSA (pronounced MUR-suh) is the staph […]