 |
Ask the DocDr. Davis Smith is an internist practicing in Connecticut and at Trinity College in Hartford. He specializes in the care of adolescents and GLBTQ patients. |
|---|
Q: How can I reduce acid reflux?
-Sherie, University of Florida
A: Sherie,
Acid reflux is one of those complaints whose treatment sits on the fence between self-care and professional medical care. For young, healthy people, the causes are usually not serious.
Acid reflux is usually the product of two related problems:
Causes
Sometimes there are clear causes or cofactors:
Symptoms
The usual symptom of acid reflux is a burning wash coming up into your throat, sometimes accompanying a burp. It can be quite sudden and severe, enough so that people sometimes think they’re having angina (cardiac chest pain).
Reflux tends to be worse when lying down because gravity isn’t helping to keep liquids down in the stomach. It can cause a sore throat, hoarse voice, and even exacerbation of asthma.
Treatment
There are increasingly effective and well-tolerated medications available without a prescription. But if your symptoms are not responding to over-the-counter options, visiting your school’s health center or your primary health care provider for evaluation may be necessary.
When a patient comes to me complaining of reflux symptoms, I review his or her symptoms and medical history. I think of treatments in four categories:
Behavior change usually means discontinuing aggravating habits. For example, as much as I love coffee, I had to stop drinking it because it caused me gastritis (stomach wall irritation) and reflux from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I’ve had to tell some students to take a hiatus from drinking alcohol because of persistent GERD symptoms.
Though some references recommend sleeping with the head of the bed elevated and avoiding a laundry list of foods (that I happen to really like), I’m not sure how much merit these interventions have, especially when compared with the highly-effective medications available.
Acid neutralizers include calcium carbonate (e.g., Tums®) and other products that temporarily lower stomach acid concentrations. For minor cases these may be effective, if only to confirm the diagnosis.
H2 blockers, sometimes called acid reducers (such as cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine and ranitidine), can be effective—but some cause sedation.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as lansoprazole, omeprazole, and esomeprazole, are highly effective and some are now available without a prescription. They’re often immediately effective, but a week or more of daily use (best taken 30 minutes before breakfast) may be necessary for complete relief. This allows time for the sphincter to heal after acid concentrations have lowered.
If a week of daily PPI use isn’t helping, or if symptoms recur soon after stopping several weeks’ use, it’s time for another appointment to assess additional causes and potential treatments.
More information about acid reflux and GERD.
More about antacids and other treatments.
 |
Ask the CounselorPeter Welch, M.A., is a wellness educator and counselor at the University of New Hampshire. |
|---|
Q: Why does keeping a journal help people? What’s a good way to do it?
-Julie, Bethel University
A: Julie,
The rewards of putting words on paper are many. Researchers have discovered what journal writers have known all along: It’s good for us. Here are some ways:
Writing for the sake of self-expression can be very relaxing, and this helps to build a stronger immune system. Writing about a stressful experience can also help reduce physical symptoms for those with a chronic illness.
Journal writing can help you develop an ongoing relationship with your “inner dialogue,” and in turn, this can help you better understand yourself and your relationships with others. Through writing, you’ll gain insight, build self-confidence, and enhance your creativity and intuition.
Although some journal writers type their entries on a computer, I like having a notebook with blank pages. I even use a special writing instrument when I journal. Setting aside a few minutes each day to record your thoughts and feelings is a great way to begin journaling. Creating a quiet and peaceful environment in which to journal may also be helpful.
Keep in mind that your journal is your journal: A private place to record your own thoughts and feelings about your life. You can create a judgment-free zone that doesn’t need to be shared with anyone else.
As you become more comfortable with the process of journal writing, you may want to venture into other creative forms of self-expression. For example: Scrapbooking, writing letters, creating digital video clips, or keeping a gratitude journal.
In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself.
—Susan Sontag
 |
Ask the NutritionistJenna Volpe, P.D., is a registered dietitian and eating disorders specialist in Massachusetts. |
|---|
Q: What’s your view of the "Paleo" diet?
-Christopher, Minot State University
A: Christopher,
You are one of many people to ask about the Paleo diet, which gets its name from the Paleozoic era of human development. This diet suggests eating only foods that were readily available to our ancestors—when they lived in caves, foraged for food, and ate basic animal products when possible.
The Paleo diet is essentially a form of restriction in that it excludes many foods.
There are pros and cons to the Paleo diet. A positive aspect is its emphasis on whole, natural foods that have been minimally processed. However, the many restrictions mean that a lot of necessary nutrients may be missing.
Plant-based foods—such as whole grains, fresh fruit, and legumes—contain essential dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and other nutrients necessary for health. Dairy foods are important sources of calcium and Vitamin D, which are difficult to obtain in adequate amounts from other foods.
In general, any diet that excludes certain types of food or entire food groups should be considered with a lot of scrutiny. For most people, a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of foods will be more healthful and satisfying.
Allowed Foods:
Foods Not Allowed:
 |
Ask the Relationship EducatorDr. Rick Hanson is a licensed psychologist and the director of the counseling center at Rockhurst University in Missouri. |
|---|
Q: How long should I wait between long-term relationships?
-Tara, Walsh University
A: Tara,
Typical online advice isn’t exactly helpful, is it. “Take as long as you need, but don’t wait too long.”
Ultimately, the goal is to wrap up one relationship before exploring a new one. The longer and more intimate the relationship, the more time it takes to separate.
Time offers you the opportunity to cleanse the palate, if you will. It’s a chance to reflect on what went well and what didn’t, how you need to grow, and what you want. Before you can enjoy the delicious subtleties of a new relationship, you need to get the taste of the old one out of your mouth. Here are some things to consider as you go through the process:
Here are some signs that you may be ready for a new relationship:
Ultimately there’s no specific amount of time that’s right. Listen to your inner voice and tune in to how you feel. This will allow you to recognize when developing a new connection is healthy.
By Erin Burgos
Sometimes people feel awkward asking questions or explaining how they’re feeling to health care providers. But offering information will help them help you. Here are some tips:
More ideas about what to discuss.
By Erin Burgos
Learning the ins and outs of food marketing can help you distinguish between truly healthy products and overblown claims. Here are some things to know:
Click on each event to learn more.
National Minority Health Month
Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness Month
National Alcohol Screening Day - 10
