Q: I read in your column about a woman who burned her hand on a curling iron.  She used cold soy sauce to relieve the pain. Many years ago, I absent-mindedly poured boiling water from the teakettle over my hand instead of in the mug.  The pain was incredible. I […]

Q: Medical marijuana is now legal in the state where I live.  What conditions can it be used for and how effective is it?  Do people who use medical marijuana need to be concerned about addiction? A: Medical marijuana, also called medical cannabis, can be helpful in treating a variety […]

Q: I read that some people become hoarse when taking Advair.  I had this problem too.  My doctor switched me over to Singulair, an oral medication, to control my asthma.  My hoarseness went away, and my asthma is now under control.  Perhaps this will help someone else. A: Montelukast (Singulair) […]

Q: The instructions for my home blood-pressure machine make it clear that you should be sitting for at least five minutes, with your arm at just below heart height.  In the doctor’s office, you hop off the scale, climb on a stool and sit with your legs dangling.  Then the […]

Q: I developed peripheral neuropathy two years ago.  I suffered until a neurologist prescribed Lyrica twice a day.  Although it has helped my symptoms, I have gained 25 pounds in the past six months.  The increase in appetite is very difficult to control.  I even wake up at night with […]