DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve been taking calcium supplements for many years to assist in strengthening my bones. I’m 74, weigh less than 95 pounds and stand 5 feet tall. I’m on the verge of osteoporosis, and have been getting Evenity injections for almost a year. Now I’m hearing that calcium supplements may have no value. […]
Dr. Roach
Posted inDr. Roach
Ideal living will includes detailed instructions for care
DEAR DR. ROACH: At what point in COVID-19 does a person’s do not resuscitate order become an issue? When does treatment become an “exceptional or extraordinary” effort? It would seem that organ transplants, if not coma/prolonged artificial ventilation would qualify. I have never seen anything on this issue. — R.S. ANSWER: A do not resuscitate […]
advertisement
Posted inDr. Roach
Some hospitals do mandate COVID-19 vaccination for employees
DEAR DR. ROACH: Why aren’t the hospitals nationwide mandating all personnel be COVID vaccinated? I am getting conflicting information. Don’t you think the first-line people treating the ill, whether it is to check a patient in to the hospital or a nurse, should have their vaccine in order to work in the hospital? — K.W. […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Persistent aftereffects of COVID affect energy, senses and more
DEAR DR. ROACH: Could you address problems that may or may not be aftereffects of COVID-19? The problems seem to be common among people who have had COVID-19, but not acknowledged by all medical professionals. — A.C.S. ANSWER: Although the likelihood of dying from COVID-19 is “only” about 1.8% — meaning 938,000 deaths in the […]
Posted inDr. Roach
HIPAA is for insurance company, not employer or business
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am confused about how HIPAA applies to my medical information. Some people are saying they don’t have to tell people if they have been vaccinated or not or respond to an employer that is requiring the vaccine to go back to work or to businesses that may require vaccination for entry. […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Pain of shingles can linger, sometimes for months or years
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 78-year-old female, and I am in my 10th week of shingles. I have them on my left chest and back (at the bra line!) and on my upper arm. I can’t go anywhere because I can’t stand when my clothes or bra touches me. I now have severe shooting […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Where do COVID variants come from?
DEAR DR. ROACH: We know COVID-19 came from Wuhan, China. Where are the delta and other variants coming from? — D.B. ANSWER: COVID-19 was first described in Wuhan, China, although the exact mechanism of how the virus that causes COVID-19 (called SARS-CoV-2) came to infect humans is not known. Most authorities believe it evolved from […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Post-COVID natural immunity has its limits
DEAR DR. ROACH: How does one manage natural immunity to COVID-19 if one has an autoimmune disease? Does that person take vitamin D3, zinc, etc.? — J.K.S. ANSWER: “Natural immunity” refers to the protection that is conferred after a natural infection, as opposed to vaccination. Studies have shown that protection from infection following a case […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Suspicious interaction during colonoscopy should prompt report
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been having colonoscopies regularly since 1990. I was due for one last year, but postponed due to COVID-19. My previous doctor had retired, and I found another physician who I thought would be excellent. While on the bed, waiting to be moved to the procedure, the doctor came and sat […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Many older adults face balance problems
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 79 years old, male and in good shape. The only medication I take is 20 mg of Lipitor daily. Approximately five years ago, I fell off a small ladder. The fall was caused because I lost my balance. From that time on, my balance has worsened. I notice that when […]