Dear Pharmacist,
Last week, you gave a ‘Dumb’ Award to “anti-depressant drugs and the doctors who prescribe them for every woman who is tired or tearful.” I struggle with depression, and my medications don’t help. Can you elaborate?  –D.D.  Tacoma, Washington

Answer: You and millions of other people will get shuffled from one psychiatrist to another, [...]

Dear Readers,
After I presented last year’s dumbest healthcare ‘awards,” I received your emails and chuckles for months afterwards.  Sometimes, ridiculous things happen in the medical industry, so at this time, I’d like to present my second annual ‘Dumb Awards’ in Medicine:
Dumb Award: The first ones goes to (drum roll please)… the Federal Communications Commission for [...]

Dear Readers,

Americans deem January 1st as a magical day to help us kick bad habits. The frenzy of self-improvement begins at the stroke of midnight on December 31st when everyone sings “Auld Lang Syne”  though no one knows what the song means. All this partying makes people sick during the festivities, and email [...]

Click Here To Visit Lifescript For My New Column.

Dear Readers,
Here are the most interesting FDA-approved items for 2009.  I wish you all a very happy new year!

Adcirca (tadalafil) tablets, Rx: Sex pills may help you breath easy!  Adcirca is just Cialis renamed. It treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) which causes excessive pressure in the arteries of the lungs. PAH symptoms [...]

Dear Readers,
Since this column prints during the holiday season, I’ve decided to write about the greatest gift we an give, love. Experiencing love can make you feel better because it causes you to release endorphins. In a day and age where prescribed anti-depressants are top-selling drugs, a little love can go a long [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I celebrate Hanukkah and my husband celebrates Christmas?  Why am I telling you this?  We both have big families and the food doesn’t stop for 2 weeks solid!  I have worked hard all year to lose 24 pounds and I’m scared to gain back all the weight. Any ideas?  –P.D.  Hollywood, Florida

Answer:  Since [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I’m taking Norvasc, Atenolol and a statin cholesterol drug, Crestor.  The side effects are intolerable. Do you know of any natural ways to lower blood pressure?
–T.E.  Salt Lake City, UT

Answer: You have many options, but I only have space to elaborate on one impressive option -beets. They pack a crimson punch like [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I had a mastectomy this summer and I am scared to lose my other breast too.  I recently found out about you and bought your “24-Hour” book and it has some information, but I want more guidance, specifically as it pertains to breast cancer.  What else can you tell me?
–N.L.  Seattle, Washington

Answer: [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I’ve had monthly cramps for years so I take lots of Motrin and Midol.  My mom came over and put an old-fashioned castor oil pack on me.   It worked like magic.  Can I apply it regularly? What else are castor oil packs used for?
–C.S. Gainesville, Florida
Answer:  Castor oil packs are a safe, natural [...]