DEAR DR. ROACH: My wife (age 59) has very poor leg strength. This has been the case for a number of years now, and her deceased mother had similar problems. Walking up a flight of stairs, especially if they are somewhat steep, can be a real challenge for her. She is not overweight and is, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve been having constipation issues and allergic reactions to some food for so long. When I do research on these issues, I look for natural ways to heal my body. But one of the most debated topics I see is on psyllium husk and whether you are able to take it daily […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: In a recent column, you noted that “atorvastatin can increase blood sugar.” Is this true of all statins? If not, are there statins that are better or safer for someone with diabetes in the family? — M.C.W. ANSWER: Yes, it is true that all statins may increase blood sugar. Higher dosage and […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a healthy 75-year-old male. I’m a bit frustrated after seeing my regular doctor for a checkup and receiving a call from his medical assistant that he is suggesting a low-fat, low-carb diet. I asked for more specific diet suggestions, as I admit I am nutritionally ignorant (my late wife always bought […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband and I are confused about the guidelines concerning when older men should be screened for osteoporosis. All the information seems to suggest that it is only needed for men over 70 who have had a fracture. In my husband’s case, he was only told to get a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 64-year-old man who had an ultrasound six months ago that revealed a 1.9-cm echogenic nodule in the right lobe of my liver. The radiologist felt it was a hemangioma. I recently had another ultrasound to determine if the nodule had changed, and thankfully, it has remained the same. A […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have lymphedema, which isn’t curable. I use a compression device on a daily basis, and it does help. I take nifedipine and lisinopril for my blood pressure. I am 70 years old and did not have lymphedema until two years ago. Are there any recommendations for this problem? — F.S. ANSWER: […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 74-year-old woman who loves to read the newspaper every morning. I have a problem that’s not serious, but annoying. My eyes tear up frequently during this time, causing me to wipe them. After my reading time, the problem stops. I see my ophthalmologist every year and have my vision […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My brother was just diagnosed with a rare form of prostate cancer, called small cell. What I’ve read doesn’t sound encouraging. Are there any new treatments? — Anon. ANSWER: Most prostate cancers start from cells that form part of the prostate gland, whose primary job is to secrete prostatic fluid. One of […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: During my recent visit with my optometrist, a retinal embolus (a Hollenhorst plaque) was discovered in my right eye. It was stated that this embolus could possibly dislodge, travel to my brain and cause a stroke. A carotid ultrasound didn’t show a problem with the blood flow there. Now I am waiting […]