Expert Questions:

Published - February 18, 2002

How Can I Lower My Cholesterol?

This is a common question that I hear from my patients in my daily practice. The simple steps to control cholesterol are of course a good diet and exercise.

A good diet consists of avoiding the animal saturated fat such as, bacon, sausage, dairy products and oily food. One should eat more lean meat, poultry and lots of vegetables.

The exercise should consist of three times a week of cardiovascular exercise. The duration should be about 20 to 30 minutes.

Your doctor can test your blood for the good and bad type of cholesterol; HDL and LDL respectively. If your cholesterol does not come down despite your sincere efforts with diet and exercise, your doctor can prescribe the medication called, "statins". This will block the specific enzyme called HMG reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood and hence lowering the risk of heart disease. What's the catch? It's the cost and possible side effects.

Frank Y. An, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Family Medicine
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.

 

Published - March 4, 2002

What should I do if my teenager gets a head injury while playing sports?

It is no secret that head injuries can be disastrous. What isn't apparent is that seemingly minor injuries can have devastating results. Even a minor concussion resulting in a change in level of consciousness or just getting your, "bell rung" is enough to warrant prompt medical evaluation.

Before you move someone with a head injury you'll need to keep in mind that they can also have neck and spinal cord injuries. Typically, experienced paramedics using a backboard to stabilize the person's head and neck will perform the transfer.

Under no circumstances should an athlete with any type of head injury be allowed to return to play until a physician has evaluated them. Once you've had a concussion, another minor blow to the head can lead to severe brain swelling and irreversible damage (Second Impact Syndrome). Your doctor will recommend avoiding contact sports for a couple of weeks or longer depending on the severity of the injury.

Eduardo Añorga, MD
Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc

Published - April 22, 2002

What is heartburn caused by and is it dangerous?

The stomach is the source of acid, which helps to digest the food we eat. When there is too much secretion of an acid, the acid can travel up to the food pipe known as the esophagus. Many factors can cause increased acid secretion: they are caffeine, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol, late night snacks, obesity and spicy foods.

Because the lining of the esophagus is very sensitive to the acid, irritation and inflammation develops which can cause the symptoms of heartburn.

When there is chronic and prolonged exposure of acid to the esophagus, then the esophagus lining membrane becomes inflamed. This causes the condition known as esophagitis. This prolonged inflammation when left untreated for many years, can lead to cancer of the esophagus in some cases. So the message is, do not ignore the symptoms of heartburn. If you experience heartburn 2 - 3 times per week ------ see your doctor.

Frank Y. An, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.

Published - March 18, 2002

I SUDDENLY NOTICED COBWEBS, FLOATERS AND FLASHES OF LIGHT IN MY EYE. DO I HAVE TO WORRY?

This is one of the most common symptoms that bring patients into the Ophthalmogist's office. Although this symptom is usually experienced in the fourth decade and beyond, it can be found at any age.

In the vast majority this represents either syneresis (aging of the vitreous humor) and or vitreous separation. In rare instances, there may be an associated retinal break which can lead on to retinal detachment.

Because of the possibility of retinal involvement it is recommended that patients contact an Ophthalmologist at the first sign of symptoms.

Benjamin Chau, MD
Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.

Published - June 3, 2002

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that results in bone loss, increasing the risk to fractures from minimal trauma. It is the most prevalent bone disease in the United States. Frequently, it is associated with women because the type of osteoporosis caused by rapid bone loss, is due to estrogen deficiency that occurs in menopause. Another type of osteoporosis characterized by gradual bone loss, is associated with aging. Major fracture sites are hip, spine and wrist.

Increasing estrogen levels through hormone replacement therapy, stop smoking, reducing excessive alcohol consumption, increasing dietary vitamin D and calcium intake and increasing exercise can reduce a person's risk factors. Some medications such as oral steroids can increase the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. Risk factors that cannot be changed are gender, heredity, body type, age and ethnic background.

Julie A. DeLilly, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.

Published - January 7, 2002

What can I do to diagnose, prevent and treat osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis means "porous bones". In osteoporosis, bones become weak and brittle and fracture, or break, easily. Osteoporosis, in the absence of a fracture, is a painless condition. Fractures of the spine, hips and wrists are the most common. Hip and wrist fractures usually arise from falls. Spinal fractures can occur without any fall or injury, are compression in nature and cause a stooped posture. Osteoporosis is more common in women, however men can also develop osteoporosis. The older you get, the higher your risk.

Osteoporosis can be prevented by avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption. Adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, as well as weight-bearing exercise can also help prevent osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy after menopause, and certain medications that stop or slow bone breakdown also help prevent and treat the condition. Osteoporosis can be diagnosed by having a simple, painless bone density test. Talk to your doctor about what you specifically should do to diagnose, prevent and /or treat osteoporosis.

Elizabeth D. Duenas, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.