ABCs of UVA, UVB, SPF
Q: I read the SPF number on sunscreen products refers to only one of the two types of sunlight. Can you clarify?
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Some drugs can cause overheating
Q: You mentioned several types of medications that increase the risk of hyperthermia during hot weather. Would you provide a detailed list?
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Three levels of heat danger
Q: Your column on hot-weather dangers mentioned heat exhaustion and heat stroke. How do you tell the difference?
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Hot weather brings dangers to health
Q: Would you please alert your readers to the dangers of hot weather, especially for the elderly?
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Protecting against tomato-borne illness
Q: In regard to the recent outbreak of food poisoning, I heard washing tomatoes that have salmonella on them won't get rid of the bacteria. If this is true, how can we protect ourselves?
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Beware of interactions with contraceptives
Q: I read that St. John's wort could make my birth control pill ineffective. Is this true?
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Pain relievers carry some risks
Q: Which over-the-counter pain reliever is safest: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen or ketoprofen?
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Many pills can last for a long time
Q: I came across an older prescription bottle that contains pills of the blood pressure drug I currently take. According to the date on the bottle, the pills are almost two years old. Would they still be good?
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Splitting tablets in half has some pitfalls
Q: I heard I can save money by cutting tablets of my prescription medications in half. Is this OK to do?
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Get defense ready for West Nile takedown
Q: What's the outlook for West Nile virus this season?
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People, like plants, shouldn't be overwatered
Q: I haven't felt like my usual self lately. I've been anxious and dizzy and light-headed. I also have nightmares and trouble sleeping. The doctor prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for the anxiety, but I'm still having problems. The only thing different I've been doing is drinking lots of water to cleanse my system (over 100 ounces a day). The doctor wants to try a different drug. Could I get your opinion?
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Beware of high caffeine in energy drinks
Q: My teenage son and his buddies are into energy drinks like Red Bull. How do they work and are they safe?
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Drug combination could pose dangers
Q: I am a woman, 73, with type 2 diabetes. My doctor has prescribed fenofibrate and simvastatin. Your recent column cautioned about possible muscle damage with this combination. I suffer from arthritis and have a bad back and lots of joint pain, so how am I to distinguish between the pains? I have not had the additional blood work that was ordered and have not started on the above drugs yet. I would appreciate your opinion. (I currently take metformin, metoprolol, and hydrochlorothiazide.)
