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Q and A
Vinpocetine Improves Memory
Dear Pharmacist,
My 88-year old mother-in-law takes an herb from a flower. It’s called Vinpocetine. She is as sharp as a tack and has the memory of a 20 year old. She credits this flower pill for it. I’m only 50 and I can’t remember certain words or events in my own life. Have you heard of this, and can it help everyone with memory loss?
Fatty acids prove "essential" for ADHD
Question: My grandson was just diagnosed with ADHD. His doctor, of course, is suggesting Ritalin. Is this the only option?
Sorry to Pop Your Soda Bubble
Dear Pharmacist,
My teenage daughter downs several diet sodas a day. She insists they’re a healthy, weight-loss alternative to regular sodas. Should I be concerned?
Fighting early hair loss
Question: I'm only 32, and I've been losing my hair for the past few years. It's very sparse now. I have read your advice about taking omega-3s and I do take fish oil capsules. I'm wondering if there is anything else can I do?
Supplements To Promote Good Kidney Function
Dear Dr. Cutler,
In my last blood test to check my kidneys, my creatinine level was within the normal range, I believe, at 1.1 mg/dL. But an additional test called the BUN test was also done, and my level was 59 but should have been near 70. I’m afraid my kidneys might not be filtering as well as they should. Along with drinking plenty of water, could you recommend any supplement that I could take to help support the health of my kidneys?
Having Bad Dreams, It Could Be Your Medicine
Dear Pharmacist,
My doctor is referring me to a psychologist because I’m having so many bad dreams. These are new for me, and while I believe that dreams are “telling” I can’t help but wonder if it’s something I’m taking. In the last 6 months, I’ve began taking three new prescriptions. Could my drugs have any bearing on my sleep or dream state?
Pulling the trigger…finger that is
Question: My doctor recently diagnosed me with "trigger finger." He says all I can really do is rest it and massage it. There has to be something better to treat this. It's really getting in the way of my daily life.
The Mystery of Sudden Memory Loss
Dear Dr. Mirkin:
Can sudden memory loss be caused by medications?
BPH Battlers: Beating A Swollen Prostate
Question: I'm confused by what seem to be conflicting claims for herbal treatment of prostate enlargement. Does stinging nettle decrease or increase the amount of testosterone?
And what is DHT? Is it good or bad? What does it do?
How to take vitamin E
Question: I recently read an article about how taking over 100 milligrams of vitamin E daily can increase a person's risk of developing lung cancer. What are your thoughts?
