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You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is probiotics in all yogurts? . i'm just wondering since yogurts have "live active cultures". and there's a new market for "probiotic" items. do all yogurts have these "probiotics" in them? | probiotics are live microorganisms that preliminary research suggests might have a useful effect on your health. your body’s digestive system already contains hundreds of different types of bacteria beneficial and necessary for the digestion process. probiotics are specific bacteria that are thought to help regulate th... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | should i continue exercise if i have a cold or bronchitis? . i developed sinus pressure and chest congestion. i continued my running. when my symptoms didn't improve after 3 weeks i went to a doctor who gave me a steroid and an antibiotic but said it was okay to keep running. i recovered mostly though i still felt the ... | deciding to exercise while you’re sick can depend a lot on your illness and your symptoms. to be honest the answer to your question often depends on who you’re asking since there really doesn’t seem to be a clear consensus or agreement. i personally feel more often than not that it’s best to take time to rest and recov... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | why do i yawn after 30-40 minutes of exercising? | it doesn’t seem like anyone really knows exactly why some people yawn during or after exercise but there are some theories. one thought is that you may be trying to get more oxygen. think about what a yawn actually is; a long deep breath of air. this deep breath may serve as a means to get more oxygen into your body wh... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what's best of day to check your blood pressure. my pressure changes all the time when i check it at different times. i'm 74 and a active person. thomas | keep in mind that your blood pressure can vary naturally throughout the course of a day. exercise or physical activity has a tendency to raise blood pressure so refrain from taking a reading afterwards. stress can influence blood pressure too. in fact white coat hypertension is a phenomenon where the anxiety of visitin... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what should i do if i need more help to quit smoking? | there are many great resources available if you are looking to quit smoking. here's just a few of them: • webmd’s smoking cessation health center – lots of good information tools and resources to help you quit smoking. <link> • a list of other websites organizations and quitlines available to help with smoking cessatio... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | if your doctor refuses to test you for something you think you have should you switch doctors? . i've been reading about my symptoms on the internet and i'm pretty sure i may have adult sids but my doctor refuses to run tests for it. how can i make him run the tests without making him mad? i want to do it tactfully. i ... | you should always have the final say with what goes on with your health and your body. if you believe you have a health condition you did a good thing to express your concerns with your doctor. unfortunately your doctor doesn’t seem to be legitimizing or validating your concerns. your doctor may have good reason howeve... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | if i have my undiagnosed hypertension diagnosed it will become a preexisting condition. why should i have it diagnosed? . in late 20s always around 160-170 lbs at 5'11. semi-active. havent had a checkup in over 10 years. hypertension has lessened some of what i could do but otherwise i've lived with it just fine. plus ... | i think this represents a very dangerous way of thinking. some of hypertension’s negative effects on the body if left untreated include stroke aneurysm heart attack congestive heart failure coronary artery disease nerve damage eye problems kidney damage or damage to your arteries (just to name a few). is it really wort... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | does 2 or 2 1/2 glasses of wine a day caues high blood preasure? | although consuming a moderate amount of alcohol can have some potential health benefits drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. a moderate amount of alcohol consumption per day is considered 2 servings for men (under 65 years old) and 1 serving for women and men over 65 years old. a serving is consider... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how can i encourage my family to eat fruit? | if you put beautiful apples out in plain sight people will eat them. one well-known hotel chain found this to be true. my daughter and i stayed at the marriott in long beach calif. every day the hotel has a basket filled with red apples and another filled with green apples on their front desk. it’s a visual cue to eat ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can taking protein supplements (to increase muscle mass) increase blood pressure? . i am a health coach at an organization that deals with worksite wellness. some participants who work out and take protein supplements creatine for example sometimes have a higher blood pressure. can taking these supplements increase blo... | it’s difficult to determine causation/correlation in this instance. some studies have shown that there may be a correlation between creatine and high blood pressure but there may not be enough evidence yet to support causation. a function of creatine is that it can withhold water in your muscles; and having more water ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | quit smoking 8 days ago how long before the nicotine is out of my system. i am also taking chantix i have been taking it for seventeen day s now and feeling very good. | nicotine levels in your body will drop significantly between 8 to 12 hours after your last cigarette. your body won’t be completely nicotine-free until 24 to 72 hours afterwards however. do an internet search for “smoking cessation timeline” if you’re curious about some of the other benefits that you’ll notice by becom... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | why does fiber makes me constipated? . i drink plenty of fluids and only started because i am over 50 and md suggested because of one internal hemorrhoid and one diverticulitis . i have always had the opposite. loose stools since a kid specially under stress lol. i have never had to use a laxative in my life. so whats ... | fiber is typically beneficial in alleviating constipation but too much without enough water can actually cause constipation. keep in mind that there are two types of fiber soluble and insoluble. soluble fiber slows digestion and helps you absorb nutrients from food where insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool helping ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what can i do if my adhd medication is unavailable for refill? | when someone has adhd it can take several weeks and sometimes even months for a physician to determine the correct type (class) of medication dose and treatment schedule to effectively reduce that patient’s adhd symptoms while at the same time limiting potential side effects. if you can’t get your medication there are ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | my weight has hit a plateau. what do i do? | there are several reasons why your weight can hit a plateau including: losing weight too quickly. when this happens your metabolism (the rate at which your body burns calories) can slow down because your body senses it is starving. rapid or large amounts of weight loss can slow your metabolism by as much as 40% in six ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what are some easy excersises to do at work? . i work in a call center. i am in desperate need for some light activity through out the day. i try to get out and walk on my breaks but is there anything i can do at my desk to not only keep me active but to keep me awake as well? | sitting all day at a sedentary desk job can increase your risk for heart attack or stroke and can increase your risk of developing many other different health conditions. therefore it’s important to incorporate as much physical activity as possible throughout the day. first discuss your concerns with your employer to s... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how do i know how much weight to lift? | when you first begin a strength training routine it’s always best that you start out with a much lower weight than you think necessary and progress until you reach an appropriate level. most people aim for 8-12 or 12-15 repetitions per set but don’t just stop your set because you reached some arbitrary number. it’s imp... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how important is it to maintain proper form when weight lifting? | most people agree that "proper form" during lifting is important but data to prove that proper form will prevent injuries or improve performance does not exist. in the american college of sports medicine position statement "progression models in resistance training for healthy adults " it is written "it is important to... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | im 314lbs and trying to lose weight. i cant excercise 2 min before im gasping for air. how can i get a work out in? | first congratulations on taking this important first step in reducing your weight to a healthy level! i salute you. second be sure you've received the ok from your health care provider to undertake a diet and exercise program. if your doctor has cleared you to exercise then your shortness of breath may be normal simply... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | when i’m ready to increase the amount of weight i’m lifting how much more weight should i add? | how much weight you should increase by can depend on the particular exercise or the muscles involved. nonetheless the best course of action would be to increase the weight slowly and gradually. this may involve some trial and error but keep in mind that in some cases you can increase by 2. 5 - 5 pound increments. besid... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is it best to exercise first and then eat a full meal or eat a full meal first? | there's no "best" way to do it. generally if you get hungry during or after exercise or you feel your energy is running low during the workout then have a snack 30 minutes before the workout. carbs and protein like in an energy bar are good. if you feel okay during the workout not eating then it's okay. some people can... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | will running help me lose weight? | running certainly does burn lots of calories and if you're running regularly you might decide not to eat as much figuring why do it if you're putting all that energy into running. but even if you ran a marathon every day you wouldn't lose weight unless you consumed fewer calories than you burned. the bottom line to los... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i'm dieting to lose weight. should i worry about falling short on key nutrients? | when you reduce your calories to lose weight you run the risk of falling short on key nutrients. that's why choosing nutrient-rich foods is particularly important when you're dieting. fortunately some of the foods richest in nutrition -- fruits vegetables and whole grains -- also happen to be low in fat and calories. t... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | my granddaughter has to have a gluton free diet what can i feed her? . she has stomach pain alot and she has a cousin (her aunts child) that is allergic to gluten so they want to put her my granddaughter on a gluten free diet to see if this helps her. i need to know what i can and cant feed her and what i can substitut... | gluten is a protein found in wheat and grain products. people on a gluten-free diet often avoid wheat rye and barley; though there is also debate on whether to avoid oats as well. a gluten-free diet allows for fresh fruits vegetables meat/poultry/fish and many dairy products. unprocessed beans and nuts are also accepta... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is fast food really getting healthier? | my bottom line is "buyer beware. " i think that it's good the companies are at least offering better options relatively speaking. i'd buy something there if i had no other choice. and if you have to eat there remember it's like walking into a mine field. stay focused and don't be tempted by their typical high-fat high-... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | does it matter what time of day a person works out to promote the most weight loss? . i usually work out 30 min. before breakfast but wonder if i should do this before dinner since that is my largest meal to help rev up my metabolism to better promote weight loss. i don't see much weight loss now with my current regime... | there doesn’t seem to be a definitive answer in regards to what time of day will provide the most weight loss benefit from exercise. for you the best time of day is going to be whatever helps you in establishing a consistent routine. it helps to make exercise as convenient and enjoyable as possible for yourself so that... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | husband's acl and meniscus in right knee are tore. i need some ab exercises he can do without moving his legs please. he is in the military and will have to continue doing pt which includes sit-ups pushups and running after the surgery and recovery. he needs some exercises he can do before and after the surgery to keep... | the first thing to do is to make sure that your husband has medical clearance for exercise before initiating a program after surgery or during his recovery. your husband’s doctor or physical therapist should be able to provide example exercises but ace fitness also has a pretty comprehensive exercise library with a wid... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | my nephew has adhd. his mother feeds him junk food on visits and it makes him hyper. can he use a blood glucose meter? | how would a glucose meter help your nephew? i suggest that it would be better for your brother to discuss the connection of what he eats and how it affects his behavior with your nephew. he could then politely refuse what his mother offers or suggest that he would like something else to eat. if this doesn't work it wil... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what are a few common mistakes parents make in dealing with a colicky or fussy baby? | i don’t know that i see many parents making mistakes but i like to let parents know it’s completely normal to feel helpless and frustrated and at your wits' end when a baby keeps crying. when you feel like that it may be time to call for help and hand the baby over to grandparents or friends. and it’s ok after awhile t... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what do i do if my baby cries so hard he seems to stop breathing? | crying is not dangerous to your baby. it’s not going to cause brain damage and they’re not going to stop breathing. there is however something called breath-holding spells where a baby may cry so hard that they stop breathing for a moment or two and then start breathing again. if this happens you do want to see your pe... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | when should i let my baby "cry it out"? | it depends on the age of the baby you’re talking about. in the first two or three months of life you just can’t spoil infants so by all means pick them up walk with them calm them down. after that you do want to let them start learning how to soothe themselves. if you know they’re not wet they’re not hungry and nothing... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what should i do when my baby starts teething and cries a lot? | a teething baby often likes to suck chew and gnaw on things. teething rings can help or often i’ll have parents get a washcloth wet then twist it or roll it up and put it in the freezer or fridge and once it’s cold let the baby chew on that. or you can try freezing a mini-bagel and let them chew on it -- but depending ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what colic remedies work? | of course every baby is different but there are several things parents can try to soothe a colicky baby: for younger infants a good tight swaddle often helps. being swaddled makes them feel secure and can calm them. babies also tend to like loud repetitive sounds like radio static or the sound of washing machines so if... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i’m recently diagnosed with add. my doctor prescribed straterra but i see it’s used for adhd. is this right for me? | strattera can be used for both add and adhd. the mostimportant aspect of treatment during a medication trial is to set targetsymptoms and to see if the medication chosen reduces those symptoms withminimal side effects. if you are concerned you should go back to your prescribingphysician and inquire as to why she chose ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | after every meal i get a really uncomfortable bloated feeling gasy and feeling extremely tired. what may cause this? . i took a pregnancy test and am not pregnant. . i thought it was a lactose intolerance but have found that isn't it after doing a lactose free diet. | when you look at your dietary intake be conscious of both quantity and quality of the foods that you eat. my initial thoughts are that your feelings of being uncomfortable and bloated might be because you’re eating too fast or too much at one time. the first thing i would suggest that you try is to cut back on how much... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i have type ii diabetes. what is the best form of exercise for my condition? . i take metformin twice a day and insulin in the evening. i would like a recommendation on a good exercise program especially since i have a busy and sometimes inconsistant schedule. | most helpful answer the easy answer would be any exercise. find an activity that you like. it can be as simple as walking (aerobic) or even taking up a sport like tennis. the best exercise program is really one that you will do on a regular consistent basis at least three or more times per week. find a partner - it is ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what are some healthy and satisfying snacks for the 7:30-8pm munchies that wont wreck my diet? . i'm a very picky eater. while i'm working to make myself eat them i'm not a big fan of most vegetables. i have tried a variety of things that have been suggested to me such as downing a couple glasses of water low/reduced f... | all of your choices are good ones. have you tried trail mix eg almonds dried fruit walnuts. nuts are full of nutrients but have protein as well so that just a few can be 'filling'. also a fiber based cereal with low fat milk is a snack that i often have when i have the munchies. here's a great article <link> also remem... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | im 29 295 lbs working out 5 days a week. what calorie intake should i be at to lose weight? . i started working out and eating better about 3 months ago when i was 315lbs. but for the last three weeks i havent lost any weight at all. i work out 5 days a week now. eliptical some days with row and running. then weight tr... | it’s estimated that 3 500 calories is the theoretical amount necessary to lose 1 pound of fat. to put this in perspective you will need to create a deficit of 500 calories per day to lose 1 pound per week (again theoretically). this deficit can come from either eating less expending calories through exercise or a combi... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how long does it take for food to pass through the stomach and small intestine to the large intestine? | the transit time is quite variable in all people. there are no set times. food can remain in the stomach for two hours or so then progressively travel into the intestinal tract where it may process for several hours. or days. in babies the transit time is surprisingly rapid. babies often poop while you are feeding them... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what does it mean if a food product is labeled “light ” “low ” “reduced ” or “fat-free? ” | the fda sets rules for what food manufacturers can call "light " "low " "reduced " "free " and other food terms. here's the low-down on these terms: "healthy" food must be low in fat with limited cholesterol and sodium. anything labeled "free" must only contain tiny amounts of the ingredient in each serving. for exampl... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | does aerobic exercise interfere with muscle gains from weightlifting? | your body prefers not to use amino acids the building blocks of muscle as an energy source unless it has to because it’s simply not the most efficient way for your body to get the energy it needs. your body will typically use the more efficient means of attaining energy first. weight lifting and aerobic exercise can co... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what are the advantages of strength training for weight loss? | strength training is another form of exercise that helps you burn calories to lose weight. strength training also has the added benefit of helping you preserve muscle as well. if you lose weight while only doing cardiovascular exercise some of the weight loss may come from muscle as well as body fat. we want to preserv... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | should i hold off on weight training until i lose weight? | absolutely not. lifting weights will not only help you lose weight but maintain the loss. here's why: muscle keeps your metabolism revved up burning calories fat and glucose (sugar). when you lose weight up to 25% of the loss may come from muscle resulting in a slower metabolism. weight lifting will help preserve or re... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how do i become a better runner as someone with moderate experience running? | don’t get stuck constantly doing the same thing. challenge your current routine by experimenting with different types of runs. for example incorporate long runs to build endurance intervals to increase speed or hills to increase strength. you might find that experimenting with these different types of runs can add to t... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is it better to apply heat or cold to sore muscles after stenuous exercise? | most helpful answer everything i have read says cold. if there is tissue damage the cold constricts blood flow which reduces spread of cellular components which can cause rupture of nearby cells making the injury worse and longer to heal. heat is not usually applied to an injury until 72 hours have passed. this is to i... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how long does colic last? | colic typically starts when a baby is about 3 weeks old and usually ends at about 3 months so babies do typically outgrow it. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | does using an elliptical machine at the gym burn more calories than running on the street or bike riding? | running will burn more calories than the elliptical although it's pretty close (about 100 calories per hour difference). some of the difference is due to the pounding of running and the fact that you propel your body through the air so that both feet are off the ground simultaneously. this kind of movement takes lots o... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what is colic? | colic is when a baby for no apparent reason is really fussy and cries for hours at a time often at the same time every day. some parents call it their baby’s witching hour because they just don’t know why their baby cries at this time. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what is the difference between night terrors and nightmares? | night terrors and nightmares are very different. night terrors usually occur in the first third of the night. the typical scenario is a child wakes up a few hours after going to sleep acting like she is possessed. she may scream shake point at things and call out "no! no! i can't! " she may not be comforted by you and ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how can i encourage my children to brush their teeth? | until your child can shower and wash her own hair she still needs help with her oral hygiene. to prevent brushing battles here are some age-appropriate tips i've learned from patients parents and my own two boys. toddler: make tooth brushing a game. sing a silly song. get 3 toothbrushes so your toddler can hold one in ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | when should my child's sickness keep her home and when can i send her to school? | generally speaking she can be around other kids once her fever has been gone for 24 hours and she is feeling better. if your child has been placed on an antibiotic for any reason she should receive the medication for at least 24 hours before being around other children. if you kept your child home every time he had the... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i have a hard time fighting my urge to snack at night. what is a good late-night snack to help kill my hunger? | first consider whether or not you're eating enough for dinner. what time do you eat dinner in relation to when you go to sleep? your urge to snack at night may be because you are still hungry from not eating enough for dinner. revisit how much you are consuming for dinner and make sure it’s a balanced meal including le... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what if i don’t have time to exercise 60 minutes a day? | the 60-minute suggestion is based on the national academy of science's recommendation for people who are trying to prevent weight gain or keep themselves from regaining after weight loss -- not for people who are trying to increase or maintain their cardio-respiratory fitness or health. there's plenty of research to sh... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | where do i start if i have never exercised? | if you're new to exercise or have struggled with it in the past talk with your doctor about your exercise plans. after that start by incorporating more activity into your daily life. for instance: if you always take the elevator try the stairs. if you try to park next to the door of wherever you're going park farther a... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how can i gain weight? | eat more! that’s what nearly all weight gain strategies come down to although it’s not always quite that simple. people with certain health conditions are at risk for poor nutrition: celiac disease inflammatory bowel disease cystic fibrosis cancer chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd) human immunodeficiency viru... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what kind of snacks would you recommend for people who are diabetic? | a diet to help control diabetes is often individually prescribed -- based on body weight and lifestyle -- to help keep blood sugar levels in control. the best snacks for diabetics will contain some protein and some fiber to help slow down food absorption and therefore help control blood sugar levels and prevent spiking... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what kind of snacks could help speed up my metabolism? | none. the only way to speed up your metabolism is through exercise specifically muscle-training exercises to increase lean muscle mass which burns more calories than body fat. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what kinds of vegetables are good for heart health? | just about all vegetables help support a healthy cardiovascular system. veggies which contain deep dark pigments -- winter squash dark leafy greens broccoli kale tomatoes red peppers and carrots -- are good sources for antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin a and vitamin c and folate. these nutrients help protect the bo... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i need a list of foods that would be helpful with lowering my triglycerides and cholesterol. any suggestions? | a healthy diet that follows the myplate. gov guidelines is a good start. fill half of your plate with fruit and vegetable servings one quarter with a serving of whole grains such as brown rice or whole grain bread and the other quarter with a serving of lean proteins such as chicken breast fish turkey or sirloin steak.... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | are all pastas high in cholesterol? | pastas are generally made from wheat and do not contain any cholesterol. some pastas are made with eggs and therefore contain a small amount of cholesterol. choose whole grain pastas. enjoy them with a variety of vegetables and avoid sauces made with cheese or cream. toss in a little olive oil fresh tomatoes fresh basi... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | we eat vegetables after cooking them in oil. is this good for your heart or should we consume only raw veggies? | cooking oil can actually help some of the vitamins in vegetables be better absorbed by the body. fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin a e and k are found in many vegetables. make sure to choose healthy oils such as canola or olive oil to get the heart-healthy benefits of monounsaturated fats. use oils sparingly when co... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | could eating red yeast rice every day help to lower my cholesterol? | it depends on what else you are eating. adding one healthy food to an otherwise lousy diet won't help in the long run. oatmeal helps lower cholesterol but it won't help if you’re sprinkling it on top of prime rib. if red yeast rice is your choice for a grain you are adding more fiber to your diet which could help lower... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what should i eat in order to have a normal lipid profile? | visit your health care provider to get your numbers for the good cholesterol (hdl) and the bad (ldl). keeping track of these numbers is important for managing risk factors for heart disease. if your physician tells you that your ldl is too high there are several dietary changes you can make to lower that number. you ma... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how can the salt content in my husband's diet affect his blood pressure and cholesterol levels? | the sodium in sodium chloride (salt) can have an effect on your blood pressure. this is why health care providers advise people with high blood pressure to reduce their salt intake. the american heart association recommends sodium intake of less than 1500 milligrams per day. look for the sodium content on the nutrition... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | does it matter if i drink something or eat something as a snack? | yes it matters. beverages that contain protein are more filling over the long run such as fat-free milk. and studies have shown that a piece of whole fruit is more satisfying than drinking fruit juice. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what are triglycerides in your body? | triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood that your body uses for energy. while you need some triglycerides for good health high triglyceride levels are not healthy. a fasting blood test can be used to measure your triglyceride levels. you can make diet and lifestyle changes to help lower your triglyceride le... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is maintaining a vegan diet healthier for your heart? | vegan diets -- which exclude dairy foods meats fish and eggs -- are low in cholesterol and saturated fats. this helps reduce a person's risk for heart disease. because they are predominantly made up of plant foods vegan diets are also higher in dietary fiber which can also help reduce your risk of heart disease. but be... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | should people with serious heart problems avoid fast food all together? | just because a food is "fast" doesn’t mean it's automatically unhealthy. many quick-service restaurants today offer whole wheat buns grilled chicken cuts salads and reduced-fat dressings on their menus. when eating out avoid fried items and sugary soft drinks. ask for more lettuce tomatoes onions or whatever kinds of v... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how rapidly can you lose weight and still be considered healthy? | it's generally recommended that losing no more than 2 pounds a week is a safe and effective way to lose weight and keep it off. it may not sound like much but 2 pounds a week for 5 weeks is 10 pounds! often when beginning a weight loss and exercise program you can lose more weight during the first week -- especially if... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what is salmonella and how can i prevent getting it? | salmonella (specifically salmonella enteritidis) is the most common form of bacterial food poisoning. within 12 hours to three days after an exposure people develop nasty diarrhea vomiting fever and stomach cramps. unlike the watery diarrhea one typically sees with a stomach virus salmonella usually causes diarrhea mix... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what are your top ten parenting tips? | 1. be a good role model. if you want your child to eat healthfully exercise regularly and limit time in front of the tv or computer… start by doing these things yourself. 2. do a preconception visit. pre-pregnancy health affects your pregnancy and your growing baby. see your health practitioner before you are pregnant.... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how can i prevent salmonella in my kitchen -- and my life? | eggs have been making the news lately with three major nationwide recalls due to potential contamination with the bacteria salmonella. the recalls involve eggs from wright county and hillandale farms in iowa. but what’s the big cluck about it? well if you handle these eggs or eat them partially cooked (a. k. a. poached... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | as school begins how can i help my child succeed? | self-discipline: have a conversation about personal responsibility. as a parent it’s our inclination to rescue our kids… which sometimes means making a special trip up to school to drop off the homework that got left on the kitchen table. but school gives children an opportunity to practice their life skills in a safe ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how can i make sure my child eats a healthy lunch at school? | school lunch programs are designed to provide nutritious lunches right? in theory that’s true. in reality it just doesn’t happen. having my own two kids attend public schools i have seen the menus and eaten at the school cafeterias. i’m sorry but i would really like to see the nutrition facts for the salisbury steak or... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how can you tell a child has strep? | when your child has a sore throat it’s important to find out if it’s strep throat or not. ever wonder why? strep (officially called group a streptococcus) is a bacterial infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics. and all the other sore throats caused by the virus of the week just need time and tlc to resolve.... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | are mosquito bites dangerous? | for the most part no. but it is possible to get west nile virus infection from a mosquito bite. the majority of the time the local allergic reaction they cause are more of an itchy nuisance than a health hazard. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | do mosquitoes like some people more than others? | yes. mosquitoes are attracted to things that put out heat. so watch out if you are hot and sweaty. they also prefer people who exhale more carbon dioxide with each breath. pregnant women are particularly attractive because by definition they are always hot and breathing a bit heavier than their non-pregnant state. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | when does a cut need stitches? | do you know what to do next time your child gets a nasty cut or scrape? (and yes it will happen to you! ) rule #1: stitches need to be placed within 12 hours of the injury. otherwise closing the wound increases the risk of infection. so you’ve got to decide before the office opens the next morning. rule #2: if you cann... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | does my child have adhd? | does your child have trouble sitting still? does he or she have trouble focusing and completing a task? you may be wondering if your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd). for starters a diagnosis of adhd is based on a combination of inattentive impulsive and hyperactive behaviors that are inappropr... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | should my child's cholesterol be checked? | should every child be screened for high cholesterol? that’s an issue currently up for debate. the current recommendations from the american academy of pediatrics say no. as it stands right now there are only certain children who are screened. those include: * children who have a parent or grandparent diagnosed with hea... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | should i try to prevent my child from getting bitten by mosquitoes? | yes. besides the potential for west nile virus kids have less patience and are less likely to resist the urge to scratch the heck out of insect bites. it’s possible to open the skin by scratching leaving the area susceptible to bacterial infection. and again there’s that nuisance thing — 20 bug bites can make it hard f... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can adults get croup? | the smaller your airway is to begin with the smaller it will be when it is swollen from a viral croup infection. your airway gets larger as you age. kids under age three are the most affected. and adults (yes like you) are the least affected. so a baby might have trouble catching his breath with croup and an adult migh... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how can i make a food allergic friend feel comfortable eating at our home? | prepare foods from scratch so you can guarantee it is okay or purchase prepared foods that list the allergy facts on the label. the good news: with increased demand even traditional grocery store chains stock cake mixes to make a tasty gluten and dairy free birthday cake! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what foods have the highest levels of pesticides? | here is a list of the "dirty dozen " according to the environmental working group: peaches strawberries apples nectarines pears cherries red raspberries imported grapes spinach celery potatoes sweet bell peppers |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | if a child is peanut-allergic can he have other nuts? | yes. . peanuts are not really nuts. they are legumes. they grow in the soil. treenuts like walnuts pecans or cashews grow in trees -- hence the name. peanuts and treenuts are completely different types of allergies. but there are some food allergies that do go hand in hand. for instance a person who is allergic to cash... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | if a child is allergic to milk can he have lactose-free milk or lactaid? | no. . people are allergic to the cow's milk protein. lactose is the sugar found in milk so lactose-free cow's milk still contains cow's milk protein. some people have an intolerance to the milk sugar (lactose) which can cause gas and bloating. but a "lactose intolerance" does not cause lip swelling hives eczema or any ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is it safe to use an insect repellent on myself and my child? | yes. pregnancy: if you are pregnant the epa deems the most popular active ingredients (deet picaridin oil of lemon eucalyptus) safe during pregnancy. there is no increased risk of birth defects preterm labor or growth restriction. newborns: picaridin-based products are safe for newborns. even better buy some insect net... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | will buying exclusively organic produce protect your child from pesticides? | unfortunately no. it will reduce exposures but not eliminate them. pesticide residue remains in the soil for decades. but if you opt for buying organic it makes sense to spend your food dollars on organic produce instead of traditional produce that has the highest level of pesticides |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | why do new dads get depressed? | you’d think any new parent would be elated to hold a precious newborn in their arms. although guys can’t blame it on their hormones sleep deprivation has a major impact on someone’s view of life. spend two (or more) months with three-hour stretches of sleep and see how you feel! some dads also get stressed about 50/50 ... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what are some ways i can cut back on my family's salt intake? | 1. taking the time to cook your family’s meals is probably the most important step to cutting back on the salt. processed and prepared foods usually contain substantially more salt than you’d ever add to your home prepared meals. 2. buy fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. if you buy canned look for “no salt added” o... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what are the best types of tools you would recommend i have to make sure my portion sizes are correct? | i recommend starting with a small kitchen scale in order to get more familiar with what certain sizes of food look like. for instance 1 serving of lean meat should be about the size of a deck of cards and you should be able to hold it in the palm of your hand. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how many ear infections are too many? | here's what i suggest: four infections in peak cold and flu season (winter=october through april). three infections in non-peak season (summer). three months of persistent residual fluid behind the eardrum. three back-to-back courses of antibiotics for the same ear infection. if your child fits into one of these catego... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what can i do to stay satiated longer? | the most important thing you can do to stay fuller longer is to include a good source of protein in all your snacks and meals. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what kind of fast-food options do you think are the healthiest [. ] for the middle of a busy day? | just because food is "fast" doesn't make it unhealthy. many sandwich shops offer whole-grain breads and rolls and you can build your own sandwich with plenty of vegetables and lean meats -- turkey chicken and roast beef for example. enjoy your sandwiches with mustards that are calorie free. go easy on the mayo or other... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how can i know if my diet is healthy enough to provide me with all the nutrients i need for my busy weekdays? | the usda's myplate is a great place to start. the site provides straightforward tips on eating a balanced diet that provides all of the nutrients you need. the idea is to create a meal plate that consists of 1/2 fruits and/or vegetables of various colors 1/4 lean protein and 1/4 grains (at least half of your grains sho... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can i really lower my risk of diabetes with exercise and a healthy diet? | if your family members have type 2 diabetes which used to be called adult-onset diabetes there is a lot you can do to lower your risk. the most important thing is to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. stay active to help keep your weight under control and be careful not to consume more calories than y... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | am i short-changing myself by exercising early in the morning before i've eaten anything? | you need some fuel to get you going and help you feel good about your workout. so if you grab a banana a whole-grain english muffin or a carton of low-fat yogurt on your way to the gym you will likely have a far more enjoyable workout be able to work harder and be less hungry when you're finished. if you do not eat som... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what is in buttery-tasting pan sprays that make them taste like butter but without all the fat? | because you only spray on a thin layer cooking sprays are great for sautéing vegetables and lean meats with a small amount of oil. if you check the ingredients label you will see the primary ingredient is vegetable oil. while some are flavored to taste like butter others are flavored to taste like olive oil and may eve... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | in addition to changing my exercise routine what kind of diet should i maintain to get a slimmer physique? | i say focus on the total calories in your diet and the company they keep! limit foods that are high in sugar saturated fat and salt (sodium) such as frozen desserts frozen pizzas pre-packaged entrees chips cookies bottled salad dressings pre-seasoned boxed rice or pasta mixes. go for meals with a foundation of fresh fr... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | could a gluten-free diet be supportive enough to fuel my 40 minutes five-days-a-week swimming routine? | many gluten-free foods are good fuel choices for exercise. fruits vegetables beans lean protein and low-fat dairy foods (milk yogurts and cheeses) are all naturally gluten-free as are rice potatoes sweet potatoes and corn. you might want to try gluten-free products such as brown rice pasta or oatmeal that is made in gl... |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what is your professional opinion on meal supplement bars? | i don't like the idea of "meal replacement" because i think you should eat an actual meal not a bar. but many meal replacement bars are really good choices for taming hunger and giving you the energy you need as a snack. always check the calorie content on the nutrition facts label. a good calorie count for a snack is ... |
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