Open Question: My good cholesterol is low, how do I make it higher? I'm only 21 so I'm just wondering?

Usually people would ask how to lower it, but apparently mine is too low, which actually kind of shocks me because aside from the occasional chest pains I feel fine. So question How do I make my good cholesterol higher? Any help and tips are greatly appreciated. If it's medication[which I doubt will be given but just in case] I'm allergic to sulfa drugs more

Open Question: Questions about gen-simvastatin (lipitor)?

I have been on this medication for 7 months (40mg) and have been experiencing severe muscle pain. My doctor changed my perscription to one tablet a week. Will this really help keep my cholesterol down. more

Open Question: Severe issue, doctors please advise ... It is more than serious please.?

First of all I need to describe the case from the beginning: 1- Before 2 years my mother was complaining about her memory; she was unable to retrieve some information, or names. 2- She is 62 years old. 3- At that time we went to the doctor and he said that she does not have Alzheimer, but she has depression, he gave her anti-depressant called Zoloft with Depackine. 4- Things from 2 years ago till now do not changed to the good, however she was going to the doctor every 2 months to have the normal check. 5- lately some vague signs start to appear, we should repeat a story for her twice or maybe more to understand it, and she has too much tense inside her. 6- She smokes heavily, drink coffee a lot, has high cholesterol with high blood pressure. and she takes medications for pressure and cholesterol. 7- We take her again to the doctor, he said he is not sure but she might have Alzheimer disease in an early stage. 8- Doctors, its not from my passion, but I am sure she has depression becasue she has nothing to do in home, she lived a very hard life, and she fought to grow us and she still fighting. Therefore I would ask your help ... I am quite sure she does not have that disease so would you please advise. I am willing to do anything you propose to have my mother in a good health please. Thanks more

Open Question: Is that Alzheimer or it is depression? Doctor's please help I need all doctors to help on this?

First of all I need to describe the case from the beginning: 1- Before 2 years my mother was complaining about her memory; she was unable to retrieve some information, or names. 2- She is 62 years old. 3- At that time we went to the doctor and he said that she does not have Alzheimer, but she has depression, he gave her anti-depressant called Zoloft with Depackine. 4- Things from 2 years ago till now do not changed to the good, however she was going to the doctor every 2 months to have the normal check. 5- lately some vague signs start to appear, we should repeat a story for her twice or maybe more to understand it, and she has too much tense inside her. 6- She smokes heavily, drink coffee a lot, has high cholesterol with high blood pressure. and she takes medications for pressure and cholesterol. 7- We take her again to the doctor, he said he is not sure but she might have Alzheimer disease in an early stage. 8- Doctors, its not from my passion, but I am sure she has depression becasue she has nothing to do in home, she lived a very hard life, and she fought to grow us and she still fighting. Therefore I would ask your help ... I am quite sure she does not have that disease so would you please advise. I am willing to do anything you propose to have my mother in a good health please. ThanksDoctor's please help again, I am waiting your answers more

Resolved Question: Chest pain/tightness in 35 year old?

35 years old, high blood pressure under control with meds. Smoker, elevated cholesterol, but Doc has not put on medication. Healthy otherwise. Been having vague chest pains the last few months - told the doc during physical - listened to my heart and gave me an EKG. . Results of physical normal except cholesterol. Doc told me to cut out junk food. Chest pains come and go, kind of a tightness that seems to get worse when I think about it. Not severe pain, just weird. Comes in waves, neck, back are tense. Have been laid off and anxious for sure, but thinking about the pains make me more anxious. Any advice? more

Voting Question: High triglyceride genetic?

I am an asian american female and had bloodwork done recently. My cholesterol is 152 (ranges 130-200), HDL is 35 (ranges 29-83), triglycerides is 213 (46-187). My hemoglobin A1C was 5.5. High triglycerides and diabetes runs on my dad's side. I am 22 years old, BMI is 19.5, active student, I try to exercise when I can, I take omega-3 fatty oils, and I eat tons of vegetables and fruits and I drink alot of water. Is there anything else I can do to reduce the triglycerides and glucose without medication? I don't want to take medication because I don't want to overwork my liver or kidneys. Please help! more

Voting Question: My pcp claims I have broken my narcotic contract, but is using information from before I signed the contract!?

I was married to an abusive husband who threw me down the stairs- when I was pregnant. Nine years later I had my first back surgery for 2 ruptured discs. In January of '08 my Primary Care Physician (pcp) diagnosed me with degenerative disc disease and started me on the fentanyl patch (25mcg/hr) and percocet (5mg) Over the course of a year he raised then Fentanyl to 200mcg/hr and the oxycodone to 15mg roxicodone. I had a second surgery in July of '08 which left me with severe nerve damage in my right leg and ended up with a staph infection in my sciatic nerve. The problem is for the whole first year my pcp didn't require a narcotic contract. Then in March of this year he required me to sign a contract (and informed me if I didn't I wouldn't receive my meds). Three weeks after i signed the contract he dismissed me from his practice (which means I cannot go to any pcp in the hamot network, they see the dismissal notice) He says I called to often (which he asked me to do to let him know how I was doing). This is completely untrue, I feel he dismissed me because he knew I would be in chronic pain for the rest of my life, and didn't want the responsibility of treating me. To top it all, I had about 20 days to ween myself from the 200mcg/hr +15 roxicodone to NOTHING! I had two whole weeks of intractable vomiting/no sleep/pain, then when i finally get to a new PCP, they tell me they cannot accept me because of the dismissal letter! He said the reason for dismissal was too frequent calling which I didn't even have the chance to do, From the time I signed the contract to the time i received the dismissal letter I had not called even one time! I don't understand how he can use what happened before I signed the contract, especially since I was only calling because he ASKED me to! Now I cannot find a pcp because of my dismissal, and I cannot see my neurosurgeon without a referral. I was supposed to have my lumbar spine fused in July this year. Now I can't, nor can I find help for the pain. I don't know where to go to be treated, the pain is debilitating and I can't even get my mail without a walker and a back brace. I am on multiple life sustaining medications (warafarin-blood thinners, levothyroxine-thyroid medication, cholesterol medication, along with celexa+klonopin for my anxiety. I need a PCP to have these refilled, otherwise, without the blood thinners, I'll have a stroke, and without my anxiety medications I'll have to go to the hospital, but since the hospital closest is a hamot hospital, will they even treat me?! Will the hospital treat my pain? Please Help! So, in short- Was I treated fairly? What are my options now? Will hospitals treat my pain/anxiety Some have told me to seek a lawyer for malpractice, is this malpractice?I have (just now) contacted a laywer like was suggested by the first two answerees, and they didn't blow me off, maybe I have something there. But I still need treatment! They'll return my call Monday. more

Resolved Question: How can I lower my cholesterol...?

How can I lower my cholesterol quickly and safely please. And without taking medications. How long does it take to lower your cholesterol without medication? more

Resolved Question: will i ever get pregnant?

my partner is on medication for high blood pleasure diabetes and cholesterol,we are trying for a baby and have been for 18 months,and yet nothing has happened has he got a low sperm count now with taking all these tablets please can someone help or advise me more

Voting Question: How should a 21 deal with high cholesterol at 400?

I'm 5'5, I weigh 155 lbs and am quite athletic; I gave blood two weeks ago and checked my cholesterol levels from the blood banks website. It said that my cholesterol level was at 398. The last blood test that I took about two years ago showed my HDL was only at 39. I really don't want to take the medications that end up having severely negative effects on future health. I need to make some lifestyle changes and I want to, but where do I start and what do I do? more

Resolved Question: Lovaza for triglycerides?

I've been prescribed Lovaza for my very high triglycerides. What has been your experiences on the medication? Does it work? How big of an improvement did it have on triglycerides and cholesterol? Side effects? more

Resolved Question: MY HUSBAND IS ON MEDICAL HOLD BY THE ARMY BECAUSE OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL. COULD THIS STOP HIM FROM BEING DEPLOYED?

HE IS ON MEDICATION AND HAS BEEN LIKE THIS FOR SOME TIME.HE IS ON MEDICATIONS. HIS GOOD CHOLESTROL IS AROUND 400. more

Resolved Question: what foods should i avoid if i am diabetic?

type II diabetes with Metformin medication and high-blood pressure medication, as well as medication for high cholesterolI really love fruits and salads, and I've heard that certain fruits should be avoided, although avoiding fruits does not really "feel" right to me. I know to avoid fats, starches and refined sugars, but fruits? Vegetables? more

Resolved Question: Why is my mom forgetting things?

My mom is 62 years old. A teacher and a very active woman. But lately she seems to be having trouble remembering things. She wants to say something but instead says something else. She tells me that she doesn't know why she can't say what she was originally thinking. Or she will start talking about something and forget in mid-sentence what it was she was talking about. Are these signs of age? Or shall we take a more agressive approach and go to the doctor and possibly consider Alzheimers? She also takes A LOT of medications for Diabetes, High blood pressure, Cholesterol, Dizziness... could these medications be causing this? Thanks any advice that will point me in the right direction is despreadley needed! more

Resolved Question: Can we afford national healthcare?

The budget deficit is at an all time high, we just spent over a trillion dollars of debt to bail out the banking industry. We've spent that amount in Iraq, and are just shifting the money flowing out to Afghanistan. Social security and medicare are going bankrupt in the not so far future, and we are going to spend billions on fighting global warming. Unemployment is still rising, and the recovery is stalled. The cost alone to cover the uninsured will be over 1 trillion in the next 10 years. That doesn't even count insuring all of America under a mandatory, one size fits all, national healthcare plan. No one knows how much that will cost, but lets put it this way. If Medicare is going insolvent in 20 years, making a similar program to cover everyone in America will not only bankrupt the system, hugely inflate taxes, it could destroy the most advanced healthcare system in the world. Here's something to think about from an insurance point of view. Let's say you have a 60 yr old that has $100 per month to pay for health insurance premiums, but they are currently uninsured. They take 2 brand name blood pressure pills that are $200 a month. A cholesterol medication that costs another $200, and is on insulin for diabetes that costs $400 per month to treat. Obama and other Democrats seems to think it's fair for them to pay $100 a month, to get $1,000 per month in treatment paid out by the company. Not only do they think that's fair, they also think they have the right to force the private insurance company to enter into that agreement, knowing massive medical bills that could exceed $1,000,000 when this person finally starts to die and they go to the hospital for treatment.If the government really wants everyone covered, they would only cover the very poor, and the uninsurable, without a competing public option. They could pay for these programs by legalizing and taxing marijuana, which would eliminate the black market and associated crime, free up jail space, and allow America to chill out and destress. Then everyone is covered and happy.One more thing, the housing collapse and financial system chaos was started when banks were forced to reduce underwriting standards, and make loans to people working part time, or with no job at all, and no chance at making their monthly payments, let alone repaying a quarter of a million dollar back to the bank over the next 30 years. That's bad business, and forcing reduced underwriting standards on private insurance will undermine the system, rates will skyrocket, and you will have a system where the company may not have the money it needs to pay your claim when you need it the most. more

Resolved Question: When speaking about Health Care Reform, did President Obama talk about tort reform? Is that change...?

we can believe in from President Obama? How can he be blaming health care costs on anything else? The Democratic Party is full of lawyers, so in order for Mr. Obama to really do health care reform, he would have to go against his base. Do you believe that will ever happen? In a recent press release, stated the following "Lawsuit Abuse Facts: " According to a recent Towers Perrin study, the U.S. tort liability system cost each U.S. citizen $721 in 2001 ($205 billion total). More than 40 percent of doctors reported avoiding prescribing appropriate medication because they knew the drug might be involved in litigation. Personal injury lawyers walk away with 30-50 percent of any jury award to the plaintiff, plus an additional percentage of the award to cover expenses. Since its widely used cholesterol-lowering drug Baycol was withdrawn from the market, Bayer is facing more than 8,000 lawsuits. The New York Times notes that at least 6,000 of those lawsuits, however, are being filed by people who did not suffer any side effects whatsoever. Their web site state these "Fast Facts - Symptoms of Lawsuit Abuse:" Lawsuit abuse affects all Americans on different levels. 80% of Americans say personal injury attorneys take too much of their clients' winnings. 76% of Americans believe medical liability lawsuits threaten access to quality healthcare for families. 74% of Americans describe medical liability issue as crisis or major problem. By 61% to 22% margin, Americans say lawsuits against doctors result in wealthy lawyers rather than improved quality of care for patients. Lawsuit costs passed on to consumers add up to nearly $721 per year for every person in America today. Because of litigation fears, 79% of doctors said they had ordered more tests than they would based only on professional judgment of what is medically needed. It takes at least a year to resolve most lawsuits, and delays of three to five years are not uncommon. Unfortunately, injured people with legitimate claims can wait years before their cases go to trial. An estimated $50 billion per year is spent on unnecessary test procedures designed only to guard doctors and hospitals against malpractice claims. Almost half of the money spent by physician insurers goes towards defending cases that ultimately are closed without compensation paid to the claimant. http://headaches.about.com/cs/advocacy/a/lamus_cala.htmThe first four answerers are saying Tort Reform is not needed! Wow... it is only 2% of health care (I wonder where you got that fact!). Even if it were true, that is still $5 Billion.... not much of a savings and that is why lawyers throw around that fact!! more

Voting Question: Dizzy, stomach pain, throat spasms and contriction, swelling of subglotis?

Dizzy, stomach pain, throat spasms and contriction, swelling of subglotis? Hi everyone. This is a mystery to me and my doctors. So anyone who wants to be a doctor, is in med school or is a doctor, post your guesses and I'll answer when I have a response. Here are my symptoms FOR THE PAST 6 WEEKS: 1.Dizzy spells (about 2 a week) and occastional vertigo (less than 1 a week) 2. Stomach pains- wrenching, twisting; most of the day; does not change in correspondence to diet changes (I haven't had caffine, chocolate, coffee, tomatoes, any sauces in 6 weeks and am on a low-fat, low fiber, low sugar, low wheat diet because they do not know what I have) 3. Headaches- occasional migranes- I take no pain medication for it. 4. Pulsations of the knee (as in the front- like knee cap), neck (both sides) and inner elbow (not contstantly only when not moving 5. Throat Constriction and esphasgous spasms (I've had to go to the ER due to hyperventalition because of the spasms where they administer albutercol [a tranquilizer- 1/2 mg] to calm the spasms- happened twice in past 6 weeks) 6. Nausea- continuous, aggravated by certain smells (like citrus fruit, coffee and BBQ), sometimes causes lack of appitite 7. Bruising more easily and more severly MEDICATIONS: I've done two courses of amoxycillian (12 days each- 3 times a day) I've tried Zantac for 17 days and it made everything more severe. Taken of zantac and told to take tums 6 times a day (2 tablets) IF IT HELPS, it doesn't so I haven't used it more than 5 days after prescribed. Blood tests are negative for allergies (including gluten allergy), Epstien Barr (EBV), mono, strep--4 times each. Endoscopy showed irrated stomach lining, esophagous and subglotis. Throat is red, not sore, however feels constricted. ENT said it is not from Ear Nose or Throat. Pulmonologist said lung function is above normal and no allergies and no pulmonary hypertention. GI- preformed endoscopy and ultrasound (inflammed but nothing else) Internist- sent for metabolic tests (pancreatic enzymes are all elevated--especially amylase) Cardiologist- heart is working perfectly, no water around heart. I have LOW blood pressure, normal pulse, LOW cholesterol, LOW-not too low- blood sugar. The stomach pains, which are wrenching and twisting in nature, are in the center of my torso (below my rib cage) and also to the left of the place in the center. From what the GI doctor tells me, that is either the pancreas or the stomach. Also, I have been fatigued and over tired. I have fallen asleep while exercising and have been forced to give up exercising (its been 4 out of the 6 weeks that I haven't exercised--I usually ran 3 miles a day and worked out at the gym (weight lifiting) twice a week before). I haven't gained or lost much weight. Also, I am a female weighing 147 (or so) at 5 feet 6 inches. I am aged between 18-25 (I rather not give my exact age, thank you for understanding). The most powerful and annoying symptoms (also the most continuous) are the ABDOMEN PAINS, THROAT CONSTRICTION and the NAUSEA. Thank you in advance for all your suggestions. And please don't write go to a symptom checker website. I would like to have human input. I do have the ability to check those websites; however, i chose not to because they are not the product of an expirence of an illness/symptoms or education in medicine. Also, there is no possibility of me being pregnant. I am not married and have not participacipated in any form of sexual acts, of course kissing is excluded. I have also had x rays of the abdomen with normal results. I do not have cancer of the throat, tounge, esophogus, stomach, uterus, ovaries, or blood. The biopsy results turned up negative, so far. THANK GOODNESS! I have a normal white blood cell count- so my body is not fighting an infection- at least that is what the doctor's think. No one has displayed symptoms like mine who have spent time with me (therefore, the doctors have inferred it is not contagious). I have not had a fever, yet, in the past 6 weeks. I have been hospitalized for rehydration (through ringer's lactate) for 2 days and 1 night because I was dehydrated at the beggining of this (6 weeks ago) where it began with migrane, bloodshot eyes, dehydration and dizzy spells. I was admitted and watched overnight. 3 days ago - 5 days left to answer. Additional Details The reason anxiety is not what the doctors are looking for is because I have physical symptoms that show inflammation of different organs and tenderness when physically examed. Also, they tried antianxiety medications that didn't work. more

Resolved Question: Has anyone been prescribed Simvastatin?

I was given this medication for 2 years.My legs became very heavy and it was painfull to walk.My doctor wants to change medication for another Statin.I have read that these statin meds all have bad side effects.Has anyone had any experience of these meds for high cholesterol? Is there anything else i can use?I have been exercising regularly for 6 months now,i changed my eating habits but still have high cholesterol. more

Resolved Question: I need a good and tasty vegetarian recipe for Collard Greens please.?

Growing up my Mother boiled our collard greens to death with bacon grease. I would like to cook them for my family but I have Diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. So I need a tasty recipe that preserves the nutrients and does not make it fatty and high in cholesterol. I also want to teach my daughter how to eat healthy so that she does not end up diabetic, hypertensive, and have high cholesterol and end up on 11 daily medications a day like me! more

Resolved Question: 25 w/ high blood pressure - what to expect from my doctor?

I am 25, technically underweight (but healthy), and am on a whole lot of medication for mental health problems. My last few blood pressure reads have been high, today was 151/102. My dad has had cholesterol problems for ages, but I haven't heard anything about high bp in my family. My psychiatrist who prescribed all the meds is sending me to my primary care doctor to figure out what to do. I'm really worried because it took like 2 years to get the combination of meds right, and my life was hell during that period. I don't want to change anything. I'm pretty active and in good shape, my diet isn't balanced but consists of lots of dairy and carbohydrates, and I have a sweet tooth. But I rarely eat fast food, potato chips, that kind of garbage. I eat meat but not often, it's too much trouble to cook. So the question is, what can I expect when I see my primary care doctor? A diet? More meds? Taking me off meds? The whole prescription cocktail is just perfect right now and I am so afraid of risking symptoms coming back. more

Resolved Question: Is there prescription drugs for lowering cholesterol?

How common is it for doctors to prescribe medication to lower cholesterol? more

Resolved Question: How can I lower my cholesterol without medications?

Ok...I'm a 27 year old female. I'm not obese, don't drink, don't smoke,don't drink coffee or any other caffeine drinks other than a coke on saturdays. I started working in out in December or 2008 and started eating healthier. Well, on weekends I did have pizza or burger. I even went on Weight Watchers April of 2009 to lose a few pounds and keep me on track with my eating. I work out 4-5 times a week . I do step aerobics, small weights, spinning classes. I've lost 10 pounds and most my food is fat free or light or 100 calorie packs of whatever to portion out stuff so I don't overdo it. I even take prenatal vitamins that include a fish oil pill. No, I'm not pregnant. Planning to later getting ready. All I can think of is that it's genetic or hereditary. My parents both have cholesterol, my younger brother age 23, and probably my younger sister age 25. So someone please tell me what I can do to lower my Cholesterol and tryglicerides without having to take medications. All meds have side effects and I'm too young to be asking for pills. I don't see any reason to go back to the doctor to get told to take a fix it pill. Here are my stats I guess you can call it... I had cholesterol back in August 2008. cholesterol: 253 Triglycerides: 415 HDL: 41 LDL: doesnt say Went for another test in February of 2009 after exercising and eating better. Chol: 170 Tri: 169 HDL: 39 LDL: 97 Went for another test in May 2009 Chol: 190 Tri: 168 HDL: 44 LDL: 112 more

Resolved Question: My mom has had dry mouth for about 3 weeks, I would appreciate your help :)?

My mom saw the doctor and was told it was stress, she committed herself to God and got baptized, reading the Bible daily, is running in the morning, is taking medication for acid reflux, and got a back massage today. Also she is using a toothpaste for dry mouth and some other mouth wash thing. What else could she do. I mean. She stresses out a whole lot and worries that her dry mouth will never go away. Shes working really hard, how can you relieve stress for one, and secondly how much longer will it take Additional details :: :Shes not a diabetic, :O All blood tests were fine, she does however have high cholesterol and is taking medicine. :) PLEASE help; thankyou more

Voting Question: Doctors to Be---Doctors---Guessers---Researchers! HELP MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE?

Hi everyone. This is a mystery to me and my doctors. So anyone who wants to be a doctor, is in med school or is a doctor, post your guesses and I'll answer when I have a response. Here are my symptoms FOR THE PAST 6 WEEKS: 1.Dizzy spells (about 2 a week) and occastional vertigo (less than 1 a week) 2. Stomach pains- wrenching, twisting; most of the day; does not change in correspondence to diet changes (I haven't had caffine, chocolate, coffee, tomatoes, any sauces in 6 weeks and am on a low-fat, low fiber, low sugar, low wheat diet because they do not know what I have) 3. Headaches- occasional migranes- I take no pain medication for it. 4. Pulsations of the knee (as in the front- like knee cap), neck (both sides) and inner elbow (not contstantly only when not moving 5. Throat Constriction and esphasgous spasms (I've had to go to the ER due to hyperventalition because of the spasms where they administer albutercol [a tranquilizer- 1/2 mg] to calm the spasms- happened twice in past 6 weeks) 6. Nausea- continuous, aggravated by certain smells (like citrus fruit, coffee and BBQ), sometimes causes lack of appitite 7. Bruising more easily and more severly MEDICATIONS: I've done two courses of amoxycillian (12 days each- 3 times a day) I've tried Zantac for 17 days and it made everything more severe. Taken of zantac and told to take tums 6 times a day (2 tablets) IF IT HELPS, it doesn't so I haven't used it more than 5 days after prescribed. Blood tests are negative for allergies (including gluten allergy), Epstien Barr (EBV), mono, strep--4 times each. Endoscopy showed irrated stomach lining, esophagous and subglotis. Throat is red, not sore, however feels constricted. ENT said it is not from Ear Nose or Throat. Pulmonologist said lung function is above normal and no allergies and no pulmonary hypertention. GI- preformed endoscopy and ultrasound (inflammed but nothing else) Internist- sent for metabolic tests (pancreatic enzymes are all elevated--especially amylase) Cardiologist- heart is working perfectly, no water around heart. I have LOW blood pressure, normal pulse, LOW cholesterol, LOW-not too low- blood sugar. The stomach pains, which are wrenching and twisting in nature, are in the center of my torso (below my rib cage) and also to the left of the place in the center. From what the GI doctor tells me, that is either the pancreas or the stomach. Also, I have been fatigued and over tired. I have fallen asleep while exercising and have been forced to give up exercising (its been 4 out of the 6 weeks that I haven't exercised--I usually ran 3 miles a day and worked out at the gym (weight lifiting) twice a week before). I haven't gained or lost much weight. Also, I am a female weighing 147 (or so) at 5 feet 6 inches. I am aged between 18-25 (I rather not give my exact age, thank you for understanding). The most powerful and annoying symptoms (also the most continuous) are the ABDOMEN PAINS, THROAT CONSTRICTION and the NAUSEA. Thank you in advance for all your suggestions. And please don't write go to a symptom checker website. I would like to have human input. I do have the ability to check those websites; however, i chose not to because they are not the product of an expirence of an illness/symptoms or education in medicine. Also, there is no possibility of me being pregnant. I am not married and have not participacipated in any form of sexual acts, of course kissing is excluded. I have also had x rays of the abdomen with normal results. I do not have cancer of the throat, tounge, esophogus, stomach, uterus, ovaries, or blood. The biopsy results turned up negative, so far. THANK GOODNESS! I have a normal white blood cell count- so my body is not fighting an infection- at least that is what the doctor's think. No one has displayed symptoms like mine who have spent time with me (therefore, the doctors have inferred it is not contagious). I have not had a fever, yet, in the past 6 weeks. I have been hospitalized for rehydration (through ringer's lactate) for 2 days and 1 night because I was dehydrated at the beggining of this (6 weeks ago) where it began with migrane, bloodshot eyes, dehydration and dizzy spells. I was admitted and watched overnight. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! FOR YOUR HELP! more

Voting Question: Why do I have to starve myself to try and lose weight?

I'm 5' 3" and weight 185 lbs. I wear a size 14 on the bottom and 18 on the top. I am going to be 60 in a couple of months. I take medication every day for heart disease/cholesterol, RSL, depression, etc. I want to be thin! more

Resolved Question: is there a herbal otc medication that works well ,that can be taken instead of synvestatin for cholesterol?

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Voting Question: Dizzy spells (Vertigo), Stomach pains (wrenching, twisting), Headaches (Migranes), Pulsations, Throat Constric?

Hi everyone. This is a mystery to me and my doctors. So anyone who wants to be a doctor, is in med school or is a doctor, post your guesses and I'll answer when I have a response. Here are my symptoms FOR THE PAST 6 WEEKS: 1.Dizzy spells (about 2 a week) and occastional vertigo (less than 1 a week) 2. Stomach pains- wrenching, twisting; most of the day; does not change in correspondence to diet changes (I haven't had caffine, chocolate, coffee, tomatoes, any sauces in 6 weeks and am on a low-fat, low fiber, low sugar, low wheat diet because they do not know what I have) 3. Headaches- occasional migranes- I take no pain medication for it. 4. Pulsations of the knee (as in the front- like knee cap), neck (both sides) and inner elbow (not contstantly only when not moving 5. Throat Constriction and esphasgous spasms (I've had to go to the ER due to hyperventalition because of the spasms where they administer albutercol [a tranquilizer- 1/2 mg] to calm the spasms- happened twice in past 6 weeks) 6. Nausea- continuous, aggravated by certain smells (like citrus fruit, coffee and BBQ), sometimes causes lack of appitite 7. Bruising more easily and more severly MEDICATIONS: I've done two courses of amoxycillian (12 days each- 3 times a day) I've tried Zantac for 17 days and it made everything more severe. Taken of zantac and told to take tums 6 times a day (2 tablets) IF IT HELPS, it doesn't so I haven't used it more than 5 days after prescribed. Blood tests are negative for allergies (including gluten allergy), Epstien Barr (EBV), mono, strep--4 times each. Endoscopy showed irrated stomach lining, esophagous and subglotis. Throat is red, not sore, however feels constricted. ENT said it is not from Ear Nose or Throat. Pulmonologist said lung function is above normal and no allergies and no pulmonary hypertention. GI- preformed endoscopy and ultrasound (inflammed but nothing else) Internist- sent for metabolic tests (pancreatic enzymes are all elevated--especially amylase) Cardiologist- heart is working perfectly, no water around heart. I have LOW blood pressure, normal pulse, LOW cholesterol, LOW-not too low- blood sugar.The stomach pains, which are wrenching and twisting in nature, are in the center of my torso (below my rib cage) and also to the left of the place in the center. From what the GI doctor tells me, that is either the pancreas or the stomach.Also, I have been fatigued and over tired. I have fallen asleep while exercising and have been forced to give up exercising (its been 4 out of the 6 weeks that I haven't exercised--I usually ran 3 miles a day and worked out at the gym (weight lifiting) twice a week before). I haven't gained or lost much weight. Also, I am a female weighing 147 (or so) at 5 feet 6 inches. I am aged between 18-25 (I rather not give my exact age, thank you for understanding). The most powerful and annoying symptoms (also the most continuous) are the ABDOMEN PAINS, THROAT CONSTRICTION and the NAUSEA. Thank you in advance for all your suggestions. And please don't write go to a symptom checker website. I would like to have human input. I do have the ability to check those websites; however, i chose not to because they are not the product of an expirence of an illness/symptoms or education in medicine.Also, there is no possibility of me being pregnant. I am not married and have not participacipated in any form of sexual acts, of course kissing is excluded. I have also had x rays of the abdomen with normal results. I do not have cancer of the throat, tounge, esophogus, stomach, uterus, ovaries, or blood. The biopsy results turned up negative, so far. THANK GOODNESS! I have a normal white blood cell count- so my body is not fighting an infection- at least that is what the doctor's think. No one has displayed symptoms like mine who have spent time with me (therefore, the doctors have inferred it is not contagious). I have not had a fever, yet, in the past 6 weeks. I have been hospitalized for rehydration (through ringer's lactate) for 2 days and 1 night because I was dehydrated at the beggining of this (6 weeks ago) where it began with migrane, bloodshot eyes, dehydration and dizzy spells. I was admitted and watched overnight. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! FOR YOUR HELP! more

Resolved Question: My mom use to smoke. Did smoking have anything to do with her weight gain? Will I be like her?

My mother is 52 years old (i am 18) my mom is over weight and I am scared that I will end up like her. She and my dad have been married for 21 years and he says that she use to be almost like anorexic skinny and I have seen pictures. She looks nice for a woman her age, but i am scared of the weight. She use to smoke and she quit when i was probably 3 or 5. My dad says that when she quit, it went downhill. Does the smoking have anything to do with her big weight gain? I know she's smoked for a really long time. I don't smoke and I try to eat healthy. My mom has been on everything, stress medication, ant-depressants, weigh loss, weight watcher, we have worked out together but it never worked, she would give up. Her doctor said that her cholesterol is really high and for about a week she has been eating good, but i see her back to her old eating habits (not that great) but its a tad bit better. my mom is about 5'3. im not sure of her weight but her pant size is 16w. I am 5'9 and weigh about 150, i know that is normal but i just don't want to grow up like my mother, no matter how much i love her. more

Voting Question: Am I going to be like my mother?

My mother is 52 years old (i am 18) my mom is obese and I am scared that I will end up like her. She and my dad have been married for 21 years and he says that she use to be almost like anorexic skinny and I have seen pictures. She looks nice for a woman her age, but i am scared of the weight. She use to smoke and she quit when i was probably 3 or 5. My dad says that when she quit, it went downhill. I don't smoke and I try to eat healthy. My mom has been on everything, stress medication, ant-depressants, weigh loss, weight watcher, we have worked out together but it never worked, she would give up. Her doctor said that her cholesterol is really high and for about a week she has been eating good, but i see her back to her old eating habits (not that great) but its a tad bit better. my mom is about 5'3. im not sure of her weight but her pant size is 16w. I am 5'9 and weigh about 150, i know that is normal but i just don't want to grow up like my mother, no matter how much i love her. more

Resolved Question: What is my chance of a heart attack within 10 years ?

Im 46 and some website told me I only have a 3% chance of having a heart attack in the next 10 years. Given that both my father and grandfather had heart attacks way sooner than 46, I suspect my chances are MUCH, MUCH greater. My cholesterol and BP are under control with medication. I take baby aspirin everyday. Im NOT overweight but I am a bit more sedentary than is ideal. No real stress related to job or kids or money. (Single and broken hearted) Anyway, my question is given my family history, what are my realistic chances in the next 10 years ? Both my dad and his dad smoked and I do not/ Which is worse ? Family history or smoking ? Thanks. more

Resolved Question: Can I sue an ER doctor, and what kind of attorney do I need?

Last Saturday, my father was having severe complication with the left side of head that extend to his left side of his body. He described it as "he feels that as if someone was twisting his muscles" as if someone were to twist a towel dry (if that makes sense.) When I brought him to the ER room which was around 3:00 AM, an ER doctor on call assisted him. My first impression of that doctor at that very instance was very distance. He had no facial expression and I felt that he didn't wanted to put all the effort he had with us. Anyways, I told him my father did not know alot of English and I'm willing to assist him in every way. I told my family history as well as my dad's current medical history. The only thing that was unhealthy of my dad was the fact that he has high cholesterol (which was diagnose last feburary) and he's been of the medication for almost 2 months (which we have the intention to see his regular doctor the coming week.) I told the doctor that my grandfather (my dad's father) died of a stroke exactly 1 year ago. (already that's clear indication of my dad's symptoms. So the ER doc says will do a CAT scan. So the results came back, and there was no sign off hemmorrige or no bleeding in the brain. So I asked for an MRI (clearly something was wrong with my father, he wouldn't ask to go to the hospital unless something was wrong.) the ER doc says an MRI was not necessary. (because he is a doctor i gave my trust to him.) He sent my father home with some pain killer. I brought it to the pharmacy and got it filled. The next morning, I was going to give my dad the pain killers (and he said he didn't have that kind of pain that you would need to take medicine for.) as I open the medication. They medication was for a different patient. I quickly called the pharmacy and to see if there was a mistake. To my dismay, the hospital mislabled the prescription although the medication was intended for him. Less than 12 hours, my dad suffered from a stroke. He had to be hospitalized for 5 days. My poor dad had to suffer from something that could have prevented. my whole family suffer from distress and pain from this exprience. My father whose only 53 had his 1st stroke within 12 hours from his ER visit. I truly believe that this malpractice . I also feel that we were not treated fairly. Racism would be a hard word to sallow, but we really felt that it was so. IS this something we should take legal action for? ANy advice to whom i should seek for an attorney? more

Voting Question: Other than Colestipol and Colestid what medications can lower blood levels of carotenoids?

effects cholesterol-lowering drugs to lutein more

Resolved Question: How badly would you be affected if Medicare was shut down?

Sick Australians are going to have to pay up when Medicare, Australia's free healthcare system, is forced to close its doors. In an interview, NSW Health director-general Debora Piccone said that "we are really on the edge of losing the universal healthcare system that this country has." Rising costs and an ageing population have sparked concerns the medicare system could come to an end in just five years. State health authorities have revealed we are heading for a US-style user pays system, where insurance premiums exceed $3000 even with employer subsidies. Under the US system there is no free health care. It is a "for-profit system" in which people only get the treatment they can afford - not the treatment they need. Essentially, your health insurance fund - not doctors - decide what medical treatment will be given. In the US, where there is no Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the cost of routine diabetes, cholesterol and blood-pressure medications is around $1,000 per month. Read article in Yahoo7 Finance - http://au.biz.yahoo.com/y7finance_editorial/02062009/medicare_bad_health.html more

Resolved Question: High Cholesterol Problem?

Hi everyone ! I was going to start the very highest form of acne medication because mine is really bad. So, I needed to take a blood test to make sure that I was okay and healthy to start the medication called " Accutane". They just got the results back and it turns out that my cholesterol levels are too high for me to start the medication. I am only thirteen years old and I need a quick and easy way to help lower my cholesterol levels. ~Any help is appreciated~I like to eat popcorn (regular butter) and I eat eggs at 1-3 times a week. Please help me this is very important to me and I've already stopped my popcorn and egg habit. But could it still affect my cholesterol levels?Oh yes, I'm also getting a blood test every month when and if I start the medication to monitor my health. If any of the serious side effects occur, my doctors say that they'll be able to catch it in time. more

Voting Question: Why do I have to choose one over the other?

Last week, I had a fight with my mom. Things have been pretty tense in the house for a couple of months, and last Thursday, things went over the edge. My mom was angry because I keep defending my father (who I don't live with, my parents are divorced) when he isn't paying his part of my medical bills. I was in the hospital in February, and my dad has to pay a percentage and my mom has to pay a percentage. My mom is almost done paying her part, but my dad is not paying his. My dad has MS, and he has had it for about the last 10 years or so. It has steadily progressed, and now it's just about as bad as it's been. He was in the hospital last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. So they have that bill to pay. His medications are about $12,000 a month, and he has to have Khemo Therapy once every three months. That, by itself, is about $5,000. I know all of this, so I understand why they are having trouble paying. They said they will pay, and I believe them, they just need time. But, my mom doesn't understand and she doesn't believe that they are as financially unstable as we are right now, and she just keeps getting stressed about it. Well, Thursday night, she went off on me saying that if my dad didn't pay then she wasn't going to let me go over there this weekend. I told her that I was, because I had already made these plans and that the court order says that I have a right to see him regardless of financial issues, that's not my problem and I shouldn't be punished for that. So, she finally said, "Fine, go over there. Pack your things and leave." and I knew what she meant! So, I went, and thought that she didn't really want me to leave and thought I'd just give her time to calm down. Well, I came in this morning, and my room was cleaned out! Here's where it gets complicated. I over heard her on the phone one day, and she has really bad medical problems; she takes about 9 pills a day. (Cholesterol, thyroid, blood pressure, blood sugar, back injuries, depression, and stress) She had stopped taking her medicines because she couldn't afford them, and she started getting real sick. The doctor said, "If you don't start taking your medicines and cut out the stress, you have at most 15 years." I wasn't supposed to hear that, she thought I was still asleep. On top of that, my dad's MS has gotten so bad that he has 5-10 years, if even that. So here's my delima: I don't want to move out and leave my mom, if anything happened to her I would feel guilty and blame myself. But, I can't stay there because I'm just miserable. On the day's when things are good, things are good! But it's those more often day's when I don't want to be there. What should I do? Thanks in advance! more

Resolved Question: i need birth control and im diabetic!! what do i do?

im 19, diabetic and need birth control. i also take medication for high blood pressure,cholesterol, aspirin, calcium, vitamin D,and insulin shots.. i want to know if birth control will affect my blood sugar levels and if it will have side affects with my other medication.. HELP!!!! more

Resolved Question: Can I go without blood pressure medication for 6 weeks?

I've been taking the blood pressure medications Maxide and Norvasc for about 4 years for mildly elevated blood pressure (130/85-135/95 when first diagnosed). I was recently laid off and my health insurance lapsed. I've since found a new job but my new health insurance won't kick in until July 22. These medications can cost me upwards of $600 without insurance, and even so I can't afford to see a doctor right now to get a new prescription. I'm a 32 year old female and I have been keeping a low sodium, low cholesterol diet. I barely eat any meat and my diet is high is soy. Since being laid off I've been exercising about 2 hours a day although that will be reduced a bit when I start my new job in a couple of weeks. So basically I'm just wondering if a healthy lifestyle can replace blood pressure medication for the next few weeks or if there is any kind of supplement I can take in the meantime in temporary place of the medications. Will being off the medications for 6 weeks be too much for my body to take? My blood pressure wasn't very high to begin with, just in the high-normal range. more

Resolved Question: What causes chest pain during orgasm?

For a few months, I have been experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, and extreme heart pounding during sex with my boyfriend. It's making our sex life very difficult because, when I'm on the verge of having an orgasm, I have to stop completely and lie down for about ten minutes until it stops. The chest-heaving, difficulty breathing, and pain are that strong. I can usually orgasm after a few tries, but they're hardly enjoyable because I'm so focused on the other things. Instead of never wanting it to stop, I can't wait to just get it over with so I can feel normal again. I am hardly even 20 years old. I'm not overweight, but I am a bit out of shape. I take stimulant medications that increase heart rate as the result of another medical condition. Do you think this could be related to that? What else could it be? The only other thing I can think of that might be relevant are the fact that my cholesterol is high. I've been trying to lower it since I found out though. I thought it might be some type of asthma or something, but I have no history of lung problems. Help? more

Resolved Question: advice on my young cousin please, choloesterol?

heya, my cousin, kate, is 11 (12 on my due date lol) her father (my uncle) died 2years ago, at only 42, he had a heart attack. his sister maxine, had to have an op (shes 33) she had a triple heart bypass. due to cholesterol. my cousins nan (father and aunts mother) also had a heart attack at a young age, luckily shes great. anyway, my aunt got the 2 children tested as the choloesterol is inherited and nothing to do with diet. my uncle was on tablets but unfortunatly, it was too late. my couisins is 6.6 n it should be 5 or below xxx shes in the red. the specialist is pleased they have found it sooner than her fathers, she is very very slim, her bmi is 16. the specialist has reccomended that we try the lower fat diet, but without her loosing any weight. he said he doesnt know if it will help but she has a review in sept to discuss medication. do u have any tips, i mean my auntie is obv worried, loosing ur hubby at only 42 is devestating and the last thing u want is the children to suffer any further xx thanks so much xxxx btw, the lad, tom, is 9 and hes fine xxx he doesnt carry the gene (thank god)aww thanks all, its just shes so skinny, no1 would have ever thought she would be affected, my aunt and i have been looking into benecol (cholesterol lowing spread etc) to see what we could find. i might suggest swimming, as it would be good for me and baby and maybe help our katie out too, what dya think?xx more

Resolved Question: What is SHBG on a lab blood test? What do elevated SHBG levels mean?

i just got my first blood test done.. my doctor basically ticked all the boxes on the blood test form.. i had blood glucose, insulin, tryglycerides, cholesterol, liver enzymes, thryoid hormones, esterogen, testosterone, etc done.. everything was normal except for my SHBG.. the normal range for a female is 35 - 110.. mine was 168.. is that normal? i'm 18 yrs old.. im not on any medication more

Resolved Question: Why are my fingers all tingly...?

Hi, I am 15 years old (female) and I have just notices a tingling in my fingers on the left hand. It started outward and now its on the middle finger kinda. Could this be poor circulation? Or something else. I dont know if its elated but my mexican food dinner didnt sit well and I am having a little difficult breathing. Not bad though. Im scared. Please help? Oh and I am not overweight. I am thin and fairly active. I have p.e. at school and take a ballet class once a week. If this makes a difference for the circulation thing, I kind of crack my own neck, not hard though just turn it a little to pop stuff (i know i shouldnt im trying to stop) Could this be a heart attack? My family has a history of it, (my grandpa and mom and I have high cholesterol) but my grandpa had a heart attack and lived, but now he my mom and I are all on medication and my cholesterol is at a healthy level as of now. (been on med since i was 11) Its not that noticeable it feels like my hand is about to fall asleep, or like its waking up....I crack my knuckles a lot. sorry for all the writing. im nervous My left arm feels a bit weird more

Resolved Question: Tingly fingers on the left hand :(?

Hi, I am 15 years old (female) and I have just notices a tingling in my fingers on the left hand. It started outward and now its on the middle finger kinda. Could this be poor circulation? Or something else. I dont know if its elated but my mexican food dinner didnt sit well and I am having a little difficult breathing. Not bad though. Im scared. Please help? Oh and I am not overweight. I am thin and fairly active. I have p.e. at school and take a ballet class once a week. If this makes a difference for the circulation thing, I kind of crack my own neck, not hard though just turn it a little to pop stuff (i know i shouldnt im trying to stop) Could this be a heart attack? My family has a history of it, (my grandpa and mom and I have high cholesterol) but my grandpa had a heart attack and lived, but now he my mom and I are all on medication and my cholesterol is at a healthy level as of now. (been on med since i was 11) Its not that noticeable it feels like my hand is about to fall asleep, or like its waking up....I crack my knuckles a lot. sorry for all the writing. im nervous more

Resolved Question: Left fingers are tingly?

Oh and I am not overweight. I am thin and fairly active. I have p.e. at school and take a ballet class once a week. If this makes a difference for the circulation thing, I kind of crack my own neck, not hard though just turn it a little to pop stuff (i know i shouldnt im trying to stop) Could this be a heart attack? My family has a history of it, (my grandpa and mom and I have high cholesterol) but my grandpa had a heart attack and lived, but now he my mom and I are all on medication and my cholesterol is at a healthy level as of now. (been on med since i was 11)Hi, I am 15 years old (female) and I have just notices a tingling in my fingers on the left hand. It started outward and now its on the middle finger kinda. Could this be poor circulation? Or something else. I dont know if its elated but my mexican food dinner didnt sit well and I am having a little difficult breathing. Not bad though. Im scared. Please help?Its not that noticeable it feels like my hand is about to fall asleep, or like its waking up....I crack my knuckles a lot. sorry for all the writing. im nervous more

Resolved Question: Brittle - Dry Hair.......Need to make it healthy again.?

My moms hair is in bad shape. She hasn't relaxed her hair in months and it seems as the hair is starting to break where the newgrowth and relaxed hair meet. Everytime she combs her hair it breaks. There is a portion of her head where I can see her scalp. She does take medications for blood pressure, diabietes & cholesterol. I am looking for suggestion of treatment/hair products that will make her hair stronger, healthy and grown back. Thanks in advance more

Resolved Question: Systematic candida, high cholesterol - I need info, support and advices?

It is third time I have vaginal candida in 3 months. And I also had it on my tongue. I have been to gyn and dermatologist, and got medications for it. Beside this I keep anti-candida diet (no sugar, less carbohydrates, no yeast, mushrooms, 60-70% of vegetables, etc) I take probiotics, basica (which is a product we have for making ur body more basic), aloe-vera, I drink clay for internal usage, and grapefruit seed essence, eat large quantities of plain pro biotic yogurt. And with all this it still returns! I suspect that I have systematic candida. I was exposed to extremely lot of stress which ended with sleeping disorder and anxiety. It lasted form August last year till beginning of March, when I took payment free leave, and am recovering and feeling much better now, sleep well, do yoga, eat healthy (I am about 90% vegetarian, hardly eat eggs, sometimes cheese, lost of yogurt, and very rarely chicken or turkey meat). Still my candida returns, so I suspect my immune system is super weak. my recent blood test showed higher cholesterol and my alcalic phosphates is lower than normal. I really do not know what to do about cholesterol, since I live healthy, eat healthy..and am off the stress now. And I am, I think still young being a 35 years old woman. Can you please recommend me understand how can I regain my health! And what does this lower alcallic phosphates in my blood test mean exactly? Answers of health care professionals will be appreciated. more

Resolved Question: What are some blood levels to count besides sed rate, CBC and Liver panels?<t?

I have my blood drawn each month at a hospital. What are some ideas of other items to check in my blood? I am considering asking for my HDL and LDL and total cholesterol. Can you think of anything else to ask my GI Doctor to request? I take some powerful medications which is why I have my blood checked each month. more

Resolved Question: systematic candida - I need info, support and advices?

It is third time I have vaginal candida in 3 months. And I also had it on my tongue. I have been to gyn and dermatologist, and got medications for it. Beside this I keep anti-candida diet, I take probiotics, basica (which is a product we have for making ur body more basic), aloe-vera, I drink clay for internal usage, and grapefruit seed essence, eat large quantities of pro biotic yogurt. And with all this it still returns! I suspect that I have systematic candida. I was exposed to extremely lot of stress which ended with sleeping disorder and anxiety. It lasted form August last year till beginning of March, when I took payment free leave, and am recovering and feeling much better now, sleep well, do yoga, eat healthy etc. Still my candida returns, so I suspect my immune system is super weak. my recent blood test shower higher cholesterol and my alcalic phosphates is lower than normal. Can you please recommend me understand how can I regain my health! Answers of health care professionals will be appreciated. more

Resolved Question: Is this water training dangerous?

In addition to working out daily, I train 3 times a week by cold water immersion. I'm 51 years old with no major health problems other than mild hypertension and high cholesterol both for which I take medications. My resting heart rate is in the 50's. I do a cold water training by getting my heart rate up to 170 in my dry sauna and dunking my entire body including my head in an icy cold bath tub. I have a soaker type bath and I fill it wit cold water and 3-4 bags of 40# ice to make it icy and very cold. My heart rate typically goes from 160 down to 40-50 in about 20 seconds and I can stay under water for over 3 minutes. Question is, am I doing any damage to myself? Could I die from this? Is this a good training technique? I have done this 100's of times without problems. more

Resolved Question: I have sour stomach for several days, now i have fever, headache and lower backache, should i go to the ER?

I have upset stomach for several days, last night i have severe lower backache, headache and fever. I'm on medication for my cholesterol. I can't sleep 'coz all of the pain. Should i go to the ER ? I don't know what to take. more

Resolved Question: Can anyone give me info on healthy eating?

I am trying my hardest to get me and my family into healthy eating routine but I am not sure if I am doing it right for our health needs. I am on several medications that have the risk of weight gain and I also need to lower my cholesterol level by lets just say major amounts.I am now at the highest weight I have ever been even when I was pregenate. I am not happy with how I look at this time and I have never been one to worry about my looks. I think it is more my worry about my health. My husband needs to lose considerable weight as well. I feel that his weight has affected his back, he has severe back pain. I think it has also caused him to develop sleep apnea but it has not been diagnosed yet. My daughter is in athletics and the coaches need her to gain a little weight and put on some muscle mass. She eats all of the time but never gains weight. She eats mostly fruits and veggies but does eat a little meat. My son is very small for his age and is very thin. He also eats quite a bit but is also a little picky. He needs to gain weight and muscle mass for sports as well. Now that I have covered our basic indivdual needs here are my main questions. 1. What is the proper calorie breakdown...Protein, Carbs, Fats? 2. What are some foods that are high in Protein but lower in fats and Cholesterol? (I can not eat eggs or any type of fish) 3. I have been tracking my foods and activities on Livestrong.com and it takes your weight and activity level to show how many calories you need to eat to meet your loss goal. So does that mean I have to eat all of the calories? ( I have been eating how I feel is healthy but I have not been able to eat as many calories as it shows. It seems I would be eating all the time.) 4. What are the best veggies and fruits to eat? 5. How can I hide the veggies that my kids won't eat and have the nutrients still intact? 6. My kid and I have been eating a lot of fruits! Is that O.K.? Well I guess that about covers all the questions at this time and I appreciate anyone who takes the time to give me help with attaining my goals for me and my family to get healthier. Thank you all. P.S. The reason I am so concerned is that I lost both of my parents to heart disease when I was only a young teenager and I do not ever put my kids through the pain I have lives with all these years. Also I am unable to join a gym at this time so all of my exercise will be done at home with walking, stability ball, tennsion bands, and a few exercise videos. more