Do you live with your spouse, your children, a couple of pets...and a bottle of alcohol? I don't mean the dusty bottle of gin that sits high on a shelf, or the three month old six pack of beer in the fridge, I'm talking about the bottle of alcohol that needs to be replaced each day because it's empty.
Drinking to excess. This habit affects hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people, in the United States. Because April is Alcohol Awareness month, I'm focusing my article on a discussion of alcohol and relationships.
We all know the stereotype of the
Surgery and GERD
by Dean Heller MD April 20th, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
I have had reflux for many years, and I have tried all of the medicines. I am currently taking 2 medicines for reflux, and still have to take Tums 3 or 4 times a day, what should I do?
First of all, I assume that a gastroenterologist (stomach doctor) is giving you the 2 different medications for reflux, or GERD-gastroesophageal reflux disease. He likely also performed an EGD- or an upper endoscopy, to make sure there is not a more serious problem, which would be appropriate given the severity of your symptoms. If you have failed medical therapy, with ongoing symptoms, there are more permanent procedures for
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First of all, I assume that a gastroenterologist (stomach doctor) is giving you the 2 different medications for reflux, or GERD-gastroesophageal reflux disease. He likely also performed an EGD- or an upper endoscopy, to make sure there is not a more serious problem, which would be appropriate given the severity of your symptoms. If you have failed medical therapy, with ongoing symptoms, there are more permanent procedures for
Alcohol and Mental Health
by Mackenzie M. April 19th, 2012 | Health Observance
As it is Alcohol Awareness Month, this week’s article will focus on the harmful effects that alcohol can have on an individual’s mental health. It is extremely common to hear someone say that they drink alcohol to feel happier, relieve stress or anxiety, or simply feel more confident. Although alcohol can have this effect somewhat in the short term, long-term abuse of alcohol can lead to serious mental health issues, and can actually provoke depression, anxiety, and other existing mental health issues.
Many people use alcohol to cope with the stressors of life. Since alcohol literally alters the chemistry of
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Many people use alcohol to cope with the stressors of life. Since alcohol literally alters the chemistry of
Torn Rotator Cuffs
by Dean Heller MD April 13th, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
I have been playing tennis for many years, but over the past six months, my right shoulder has begun to hurt. It happens every time I raise my arm up. I can barely put my shirts on in the morning. What do you thnk this is, and what should I do?
Shoulder injuries are very common. There are four tendons in the shoulder which form a cuff around the shoulder joint; this is called the rotator cuff. Either a fall or trauma to the arm, or more commonly a repetitive overhead motion of the arm, such as tennis in your case, can cause injury to
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Shoulder injuries are very common. There are four tendons in the shoulder which form a cuff around the shoulder joint; this is called the rotator cuff. Either a fall or trauma to the arm, or more commonly a repetitive overhead motion of the arm, such as tennis in your case, can cause injury to