Brenham
979-836-6153

 

Locations

 

Q.I'm 50 and in quite good health and rarely get a cold or fever. Do I need to get a flu shot?

A. It is OK to get a flu shot if you just want to decrease the chance that you will get the flu during the flu season. If you are a health care worker, you should get the shot. Other folks that should consider getting vaccinated for flu would be public safety workers, law enforcement and school teachers.

 

Q.How often do I need to get my cholesterol checked?

A. You should have it checked at least once during your middle years and if it is elevated as advised by your doctor. If you have a family history of heart disease, it should be checked every year.

 

Q.What is considered "high" blood pressure?

A.Normal blood pressure is the upper number under 140 and the lower number under 85.

 

Q.Are those machines in the drugstores to check my blood pressure very accurate?

A.We have found that they often read the blood pressure on the high side. If it reads normal, there is at least some chance that it is normal. But if it reads high, you should have the blood pressure checked by a doctor or nurse.

 

Q.If I'm feeling better and don't have any more fever, do I have to keep taking my antibiotics?

A.We recommend that you take all the pills as prescribed.

 

Q.Are warts skin cancer? Is it really safe to remove them myself?

A.Warts are not cancer. It is OK to try the over the counter topical medicine. If the warts are bothersome then see your doctor.

 

Q.I'm a female, 55, and in relatively good shape. Do I still need a physical every year?

A.Your mammogram should be done every year. You should have a visit with the doctor every year, but the Pap smear may need to be done every second year if it has been normal for a long time and there are no other risk factors for cervical cancer. Your doctor can advise you about this.

 

Q.What is "high" cholesterol?

A.We now talk about "bad cholesterol" much more that total cholesterol. A desirable number for the bad cholesterol (also known as LDL cholesterol) is about 130 or lower. If you have a family history for heart disease, a target number would be 100 or lower.

 

Q.What are the signs that I might be headed towards diabetes?

A.Symptoms are increased urine amount, thirst and tiredness. If you have a family history of diabetes and are gaining weight, you should be checked for diabetes even if you are not having symptoms.

 

Q.I haven't had a tetanus shot in years. Do I really need to get another one or can I just wait until I would need one, like if I stepped on a nail or something?

A.You should have a tetanus shot every 10 years. If you have a severe wound then, we give it again unless you have had one within 5 years.

 

Q.My feet tend to swell a little by the end of the work day, so I must have too much water and should stop drinking fluids till the swelling goes down, right?

A.Sometimes, we get some swelling because of problems with the veins in our legs. If it is a lot of swelling or it is painful, you should see a doctor. Unless there is a medical reason for drinking more or less, just drink the amount that you are thirsty for.

 

Q.I get up once or twice in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Is that normal?

A.Whether you're male or female asking, once or twice would not always be abnormal. Some people are just born with a more "sensitive" bladder. More than 3 times should prompt some medical evaluation. This symptom might indicate diabetes or, in men, prostate problem.

 

Q.Why is my hair turning grey?

A.As we approach middle age, the hair follicle cells stop making as much pigment.

 

Q.Are those all-in-one vitamins any good? Why do I need extra vitamins?

A.If you have a balanced diet, you don't have to take vitamins. If you choose, just take a multivitamin (one that has all the different vitamins in it). But, please don't spend a lot of money on vitamins. Expensive vitamins do not help any more that inexpensive vitamins. Increasing the fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet is much more beneficial for your health than taking any vitamin.

 

Q.What is a bone density test and do I need one?

A.Ladies at about the age of 60 should have this test as a screening test. If you have a family history of osteoporosis (soft, fragile bones) or have had bone fractures that did not occur from a large trauma (fragility or low impact fracture), then you should have the test earlier.

 

Q.I'm a female in my late 40s. I rarely drink milk, but I've never had a broken bone. Do I need to worry about osteoporosis?

Q.If you don't take a lot of dairy products, you should consider taking a calcium supplement.