DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Can I lose weight by exercising without dieting? I’m told I can’t. I’ve never been successful at dieting. I lose some weight, but as soon as I stop, the weight comes back — often more than I lost. I want to try the exercise bit this time around. My exercise is walking. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Our daughter just turned 31. She eats healthy, goes to the gym and exercises daily. She eats no red meat, never smoked and doesn’t drink. When she was 16, we discovered she had high blood pressure when she had a physical for driving. The family doctor checked her often and found nothing. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My co-worker, 52, has felt bad for about a year. He comes to work but takes off after half a day. Today he fell from his chair with a loud “boom.” He had a seizure and was foaming from the mouth. By the time the ambulance arrived, he was coherent but didn’t […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My daughter is 32 and just contracted mono. A few years ago, she had shingles. I know why this is happening. She is not taking care of herself, not eating right and is on the go all the time. It would be helpful if you could explain what conditions might ensue as […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you write about anemia? I am anemic. I started having terrible pains in my arms and legs. I read that anemia starts drawing from your muscles. I’ve been on iron and am feeling better. — P.R. ANSWER: The definition of anemia is too few red blood cells, the cells that cart […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please give me information on the long-term complications for operations on an enlarged prostate gland using the PlasmaButton versus laser surgery. How do I find a urologist with the most experience and the best success rate in my area? — K.K. ANSWER: It’s hard to keep track of new techniques for treating […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have been walking on concrete sidewalks for exercise for about 10 years. I walk two miles in 35 minutes, three times per week. Lately my shins hurt when I walk. What could cause this? — W.G. ANSWER: The reflex answer to your question is shinsplints. That, however, is a meaningless diagnosis. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am writing this letter for my neighbor. She feels lightheaded, and her eyes water all day. She feels pressure in her neck and feels as though she’s drunk. Her doctor has diagnosed it as TMJ. What can be done for it? — F.W. ANSWER: “TMJ” stands for “temporomandibular joint,” the jaw […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Last summer I was diagnosed with temporal arteritis. I was treated with prednisone, which stopped the temporal arteritis. I had many side effects from prednisone and am being treated for them. I developed diabetes and glaucoma. My dose of prednisone has been cut down. My doctor continues to gradually lower the dose […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I had my first DEXA scan for osteoporosis in 2006. It indicated osteopenia. Just last month, I had a second scan that now indicates osteoporosis. The nurse practitioner suggested the following options: 1) estrogen/progesterone replacement; 2) Fosamax; 3) Evista; 4) DHEA (male hormone). My general practitioner suggests Fosamax. My concern with all […]