DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 82-year-old woman in good health, and I don’t take any medications. My first five colonoscopies were five years apart from each other because polyps were found each time, all of which ended up testing negative for cancer. My most recent colonoscopy (at age 81) was negative for polyps, so […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My wife’s best friend (age 58) has always been a fitness and nutrition buff, but she suddenly lost the ability to move her right leg. She was admitted to the hospital and, after extensive tests, was diagnosed with a spinal cord stroke. Basically, aside from urinary and bowel function, she is paralyzed […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m increasingly seeing reports of celebrities like Oprah Winfrey using weight-loss drugs with apparent success. I’m wondering if these drugs are suitable for someone like me, who isn’t a celebrity or obese, but could stand to lose about 20 pounds. What are the risks and benefits to using these drugs for moderate […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband had a stress test done several years ago, and at the time, it was discovered that he had a bundle branch block in his heart. No one mentioned it until recently, after he had an episode with a fast heartbeat, sweating and trouble breathing. He was taken to the emergency […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 77-year-old male who apparently suffered a case of food poisoning. I say apparently because no cause was ever discovered for the uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea that lasted for a whole day, then reoccurred briefly the following morning. A trip to the emergency room involved many tests, but nothing turned […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: How serious are palpitations? I’m a diabetic woman, age 77. I get these sensations various times throughout the day. Will I have a heart attack or stroke? — B.G. ANSWER: Palpitations are when the heart beats in a particularly forceful, irregular or rapid fashion. They are extremely common and have multiple causes. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am looking for your opinion regarding the new COVID booster. I am not opposed to vaccinations, as I have had the initial two shots and one booster. About 18 months ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and have since had my prostate removed. My current PSA readings are undetectable, for […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 79-year-old man in relatively good health. I don’t take any medications. I recently visited a cardiologist regarding some heart palpitations that I have been experiencing. After a review of my laboratory tests, history and physical exams, and my electrocardiogram (EKG), the doctor told me that everything seemed fine. A […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your recent column about the 30-year-old pregnant woman who had a “heart attack” while working out in a spin class. She fell into a coma and was found to have a “congenital heart defect.” It seems to me that she likely has myocardial bridging, a congenital condition with the heart […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have an enlarged prostate and an overactive bladder. My doctor says not to drink coffee. Can you tell me why not? — Anon. ANSWER: From the standpoint of your prostate, there is pretty good evidence that coffee tends to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but there is also weak and […]