http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mitchell_hecht RSS Feed for Inq Col Mitchell Hecht en-us Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:01:00 GMT http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mitchell_hecht/20091116_Ask_Dr__H__The_causes_of_miscarriage.html Question: I recently had a miscarriage, and I'd like to know how long I should wait before trying to conceive again. What do you think caused it? http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mitchell_hecht/20091109_Ask_Dr__H__She_s_had_digestive_distress_since_gall_bladder_removal.html Question: I'm a 66-year-old female who had gallbladder removal 31/2 years ago. Ever since then, I've had more abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, pressure, belching, and flatulence than ever before! I've had all the tests done - colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, small-intestine study, and stool samples - all normal. Can you offer advice on how to deal with life without a gallbladder? http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mitchell_hecht/20091102_Ask_Dr__H__If_you_think_a_copper_bracelet_can_help_arthritis__go_for_it.html Question: I've been wearing a copper bracelet for the past year because it helps my arthritis. Can you tell me how it works? http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mitchell_hecht/20091026_Ask_Dr__H__Coumadin_a_better_choice_to_combat_atrial_fibrillation.html Question: I am a 77-year-old female who has been taking the blood thinner Coumadin for an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) for the last five years. It has been suggested by a trusted relative that I discontinue the Coumadin and take minerals, niacin, potassium, and magnesium. Do you agree? http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mitchell_hecht/20091019_Ask_Dr__H__Pain_in_feet_could_be_neuropathic.html Question: Could you tell me why the bottoms of my feet burn and throb at night? I'm 85 years old, and take Synthroid, Diovan, Zocor, Coreg CR, Actonel, and a baby aspirin. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mitchell_hecht/20091012_Ask_Dr__H__Air_pollution_can_increase_the_risk_of_heart_disease.html Question: Last year, you answered my question about air pollution and its effects on the athletes competing at the Beijing Olympics. Can you comment on a news story I just heard on how air pollution right here at home can increase our risk of heart attacks? http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mitchell_hecht/20091005_Ask_Dr__H__A_simpler_sterilization_procedure.html Question: I'm a 35-year-old mother not interested in having any more children. I don't want to use an IUD or take birth control pills. My husband does not want to have a vasectomy. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mitchell_hecht/20090928_Ask_Dr__H__Concerns_over_corn_syrup__mercury.html Question: A friend told me certain foods made using high- fructose corn syrup might be tainted with mercury. What are those foods? Why isn't the Food and Drug Administration doing something? http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mitchell_hecht/20090921_Ask_Dr__H__A_better_test_for_blood_in_stool.html Question: I just had a physical and my doctor did a new test in the office to check for blood in my stool. He said the test we've been doing for years isn't very good. Can you explain what he meant? http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mitchell_hecht/20090914_Ask_Dr__H__Wax__in_one_ear_but_not_the_other.html Question: Can you explain why I always seem to get a lot of earwax buildup in my right ear, but not my left? What's the point of earwax, anyway?