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Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I am 51 years old and weigh 256 lbs. I have several medical problems, including knee pain. I also sit all day in my job and my long commute. I want to lose weight - where do I start?
Losing weight and becoming more active are fantastic goals! If you are mostly sedentary and knee pain is an issue for you, then I would start exercising with simple walking. Research shows that just 30 minutes ... continue reading about I am 51 years old and weigh 256 lbs. I have several medical problems, including knee pain. I also sit all day in my job and my long commute. I want to lose weight - where do I start?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
My knee pops out consistently when I work out. I’m 19 years old, at a healthy weight and have an active lifestyle. I have quit working out several times due to painful cracks and pops. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening?
A knee that decides to "pop" or make cracking sounds can be quite alarming. I think that all of us at one time or another have kneeled down and had our knees make a loud noise, but no pain occurs. In the majori... continue reading about My knee pops out consistently when I work out. I’m 19 years old, at a healthy weight and have an active lifestyle. I have quit working out several times due to painful cracks and pops. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How often should I have a mammogram? I am 77 years old and had breast cancer, and my mother died of breast cancer.
After diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, national guidelines recommend annual mammography. Also, MD exams are recommended every six months for five years, then annually.If you have been taking endocrine... continue reading about How often should I have a mammogram? I am 77 years old and had breast cancer, and my mother died of breast cancer.
Ruth A. Spirakis, R.D., M.S., CDCES
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
Is it true that I shouldn’t eat carrots because they are high in sugar?
No. It’s a misconception that carrots are high in sugar. A medium raw carrot contains only 5.8 grams of carbohydrate. Like other non-starchy vegetables, carrots are a good addition to a healthy ... continue reading about Is it true that I shouldn’t eat carrots because they are high in sugar?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
What's the fastest way to recover from Achilles tendonitis? I have a case of insertional tendonitis, and it's been six weeks since I've been able to run. I'd like to get back to my activities.
Thanks for the question - this is one that we get frequently! Achilles tendon issues are quite common and can vary in severity from annoying to debilitating. Mild tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendon, can ... continue reading about What's the fastest way to recover from Achilles tendonitis? I have a case of insertional tendonitis, and it's been six weeks since I've been able to run. I'd like to get back to my activities.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have to take Ambien for sleep a few times a month and notice that I don't remember certain things that happen after I've taken the Ambien. Is this normal?
Several drugs in this category that work on GABA receptors may produce some alteration in cognition or ability to remember things. These side effects usually subside when the medication has cleared your system.... continue reading about I have to take Ambien for sleep a few times a month and notice that I don't remember certain things that happen after I've taken the Ambien. Is this normal?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
Eden Medical Center
What tips should I follow when I'm shopping for shoes?
Here are my shoe buying tips:Have your feet measured while you're standing. As adults our bones don't grow longer, but as we mature our ligaments loosen and our feet splay, especially following pregnancy. So ou... continue reading about What tips should I follow when I'm shopping for shoes?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I recently read a scary statistic that said two-thirds of women who die suddenly of heart disease report no previous symptoms (as compared with half of men.) So if there are no symptoms – how would we know if a heart attack is coming on?
I am not familiar with this particular statistic, but let me answer by explaining the differences between sudden cardiac death and a heart attack - and the warnings we get with each.Heart attacks occur when a c... continue reading about I recently read a scary statistic that said two-thirds of women who die suddenly of heart disease report no previous symptoms (as compared with half of men.) So if there are no symptoms – how would we know if a heart attack is coming on?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I had a hysterectomy in June. I still have my tubes and ovaries and a small bit of cervix. Why and how am I still having full periods every month? Where is this blood coming from?
The type of surgery you had is a supracervical hysterectomy. If your ovaries are still functioning, then you are still having monthly ovulatory cycles. The monthly cycle causes bleeding from the endometrial tis... continue reading about I had a hysterectomy in June. I still have my tubes and ovaries and a small bit of cervix. Why and how am I still having full periods every month? Where is this blood coming from?
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