http://askdoctortom.wordpress.com Health and medical quesitons and answers in Northern California Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:19:11 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en After being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36 a few months ago and testing positive for the breast cancer gene, actress Christina Applegate made the decision to have a double mastectomy. "I have taken a very progressive stance for the rest of my life," Applegate told Oprah Winfrey on ... http://askdoctortom.wordpress.com/2008/10/01/preventive-mastectomies/ Bonnie from Citrus Heights wrote: I heard that there had been a news story about bacteria that is in some home pools. Chlorine is not powerful enough to kill the bug which causes flu like symptoms.  Is this true?   Dr. Tom answered: There have been a number of outbreaks of gastrointestinal ... http://askdoctortom.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/does-chlorine-kill-bacteria-in-swimming-pools/ Shannon wrote: I was curious as to the differences in salt. I use kosher, sea salt & iodized. Is one any healthier than the other? Thank You for your opinion on this matter. Dr. Tom answered: The story about salt relates to your taste buds. You see, there are a lot ... http://askdoctortom.wordpress.com/2008/05/29/are-all-salts-created-equal/ Yvonne from Sacramento wrote: Ever since I began taking anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication for osteoarthritis in my hip, I have been experiencing hoarseness. I would like to know if there is something I can do or take that will alleviate this problem. Dr. Tom answered: Hoarseness is referred to ... http://askdoctortom.wordpress.com/2008/05/21/viewers-voice-is-hoarse-are-meds-to-blame/ Marjorie from Sacramento: I have had a cough for over two months. They took a CT scan and found a flattened nodule 8mm in diameter on my lung. [Doctor ] told me to wait six months for a retest.  I am not a smoker.  Is six months too long to wait?  I ... http://askdoctortom.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/lung-nodule-worries-viewer/ Arielle from Folsom wrote: I have had tennis elbow now for 5 months. I have received one cortisone shot, wear a proper arm brace, ice several times a day and I am taking 600 mg of Motrin 3 times a day. After all this time I am still in pain. ... http://askdoctortom.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/tennis-elbow-can-be-a-real-racket/ Alex from Modesto asked: What alternative cures are there for acid reflux disease besides diet, over-the-counter and prescription drugs.   Dr. Tom Answered: Gastro Esophageal Reflux or GERD is a condition whereby acid that is secreted in the stomach to help with digestion is "refluxed" upwards from the stomach into the esophagus, ... http://askdoctortom.wordpress.com/2008/04/17/how-can-i-treat-acid-reflux/ Michael in Marysville wrote: I live 20 miles or 25 minutes from an emergency room. What do I do if I get bitten by a rattle snake?    Dr. Tom answered: It's spring time and this is the time when snakes begin to come out. It is estimated that more than 8,000 ... http://askdoctortom.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/treating-snake-bites/ Sue from Tracy wrote: Our teen has been diagnosed with gluten intolerance. The products available are limited and very expensive. We are told it is very serious. Why are most products available from Midwest and Canada? This is very hard on a teen who loves pizza and tacos and all ... http://askdoctortom.wordpress.com/2008/03/31/feeding-a-child-with-gluton-intolerance/ Deanna from Diamond Springs wrote: I have cerebral palsy all on my right side since birth and at age 15 got Epilepsy. During the winter my right leg and foot get cold sometimes. But my left leg and foot do not. Why is that? What causes it to exactly happening? Cerebral ... http://askdoctortom.wordpress.com/2008/03/31/cerebral-palsy-gives-viewer-the-chill/