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Daily Column

May 31, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Let me start by saying I am a registered nurse.

I just read the letter from the insane woman who wants to murder her husband because he urinates and ejaculates in the shower, plus he doesn’t use a washcloth — horror of horrors. You showed considerable restraint in not sending the nice white padded wagon over to this woman’s house and having her hauled off to the happy farm.

This woman and all of the other women who write to you and are so disgusted about this behavior in the shower must not know that urine and semen are sterile substances when they leave the body. Unless this guy is leaving a pile of defecation in the shower, then it’s really not a big deal. In fact, I would venture to guess that ALL men and some women urinate and masturbate in the shower at one time or another.

As for using a washcloth versus ones hands –the washcloth is must nastier. The sweat and bacteria on the skin are much more disgusting than sterile body fluids and don’t rinse out of the washcloth unless it is laundered daily. Soap and running water will clean the hands that have scrubbed body crevices. There is also hand sanitizer for the overly obsessed. Heck, my husband uses the shower to wash out his sinuses! Now that is gross, but I have no homicidal tendencies toward him.

Lighten up ladies. Your problems run much deeper than a mate urinating and ejaculating in the shower! See a shrink already.

DEAR READER:
Thank you! I have received several letters similar to yours from other health professional. Many were written by women. Yours put a humorous spin on whole situation as well as pointing out what I was hesitating to say.

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Daily Column

May 31, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I recall my mother in her later years requesting I trim her toenails, as she wasn’t agile enough to perform the task herself. Her nails were so thick and yellow I had to go for the wire cutters, as clippers would not suffice. Now I am getting in that same situation. Are you aware of a treatment or cure?

DEAR READER:
As we age, our toenails grow more slowly and thicken, making them susceptible to infection and causing difficulties in cutting. Regular trimming can be made easier if you soak your feet in warm, soapy water to soften the nails first. Then, with the use of toenail clippers that are more heavy duty than regular nail clippers, trimming is easier. Be sure to clip the nails straight across. If this process doesn’t work because you are not agile enough to bend down that far, a trip to a podiatrist might be in order.

If the nails are yellow, a sign of infection, I recommend the use of Miranel, a topical antifungal that is safe, effective, and available without prescription.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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Daily Column

May 30, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Are generic prescription drugs from India safe to use? Thank you for your input.

DEAR READER:
Outsourcing is all too common today, whether we are talking about a pair of rubber boots or something as critical as cardiac medication. India now has more facilities making drugs and drug ingredients for the American consumer than any other foreign nation today.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of all drugs made for American use regardless of where they were manufactured. However, during the past seven years the FDA has conducted just 200 inspections at plants in both India and China, and many of those inspections were done with prior notice. As a comparison, 1,222 quality assurance inspections were made in US manufacturing plants in 2007. In the US, the FDA performs spot inspections without advance notice. This keeps pharmaceutical companies on their toes more than they would be with advance notice.
The FDA claims they are unaware of any health issues caused by drugs imported from India, but also admits it would be impossible to determine if contamination or poor quality causes some patients to become sicker or remain ill.

India is currently producing both finished drugs and drug ingredients for more than 350 types and strengths of heart medicines, antibiotics and antidepressants. Just ten years ago, they were responsible for only eight. This is largely because of cost. Americans want cheaper drugs and these countries can make them for much less than US based companies. While most of these manufacturers provide high quality products and ensure they meet FDA requirements, some companies are less than honest. No matter where production occurs, counterfeit drugs are a problem. However, in India and China, this risk is increased, simply because someone is out to make a quick buck.

In my opinion, the FDA needs to increase its over-seas inspections (without notice to the plant). This is the only way to be sure that US importers and consumers are receiving high-quality products.

To the best of my knowledge, several organizations in the US and abroad are urging the FDA to increase foreign inspections. If a foreign manufacturer in on the up-and-up, he should have no concerns (and many are asking for more inspections). This will not only provide peace of mind to consumers, it will help weed out the so-called “bad guys”.

I recommend that anyone who wants the US FDA to take greater responsibility write or email the organization to express their opinions. Perhaps if enough Americans come forward, we can achieve change.

If you would like to read more about this topic, I direct you to an article (“FDA Scrutiny Scant In India, China as Drugs Pour Into U.S.”) written June 17, 2007 by Marc Kauffman for www.WashingtonPost.com.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicines”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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Daily Column

May 29, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 78-year-old male who was told at least eight years ago at a diabetic seminar to start using Equal in my coffee instead of sugar. I became ill in January of this year with dizziness, weakness and loss of balance. One night I fell and couldn’t get up. My wife phoned for the ambulance to take me to the hospital where I remained for a week.

Later I saw my family doctor who sent me to two specialists who could not help me. Then I read the letter in your column from the lady whose mother had identical problems. After discontinuing taking aspartame she became her old self again. I subsequently found aspartame is now in Equal. I stopped taking it three weeks ago and now feel wonderful. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

DEAR READER:
Frankly, I have been amazed at the number of my readers who have had unpleasant reactions to aspartame. The sugar substitute can cause a wide range of medical problems, including life-threatening reactions.

I would feel more comfortable — as I’m sure you would — by eliminating any product that contains aspartame and substituting pure fructose, FruitSweet or similar products instead. Better still, drink that coffee black. You’ll be amazed how quickly you come to enjoy the true taste of tea, coffee, or other products to which you previously added sweeteners.

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Daily Column

May 29, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
What is the safest way to dispose of old prescription bottles and out-dated medication? I am afraid to just throw the bottles away because of all the information on the labels. I am also afraid to throw the pills in the garbage because I live in a rural area and regularly have wild animals get into my trash cans (despite my attempts to keep them out).

DEAR READER:
A short time ago I responded to a reader who indicated she was reluctant to dispose of empty prescription bottles in the garbage because of all the personal information contained on the label. I suggested she use a magic marker to cover the information, or soak the bottles in warm to hot water for ease of removal of the label. Since that article appeared, I have received several letters from readers with varying thoughts I will share with you.

A blow dryer applied to labels for a few seconds will provide instant removal of the label.

Place the empty bottle in a container of water and heat it in the microwave for one or two minutes for removal of the label.

Use a single-edge razor blade to scrape labels off, taking extra care to make sure your hand doesn’t slip and cause any cut fingers.

Ask your local pharmacy staff if they have a means of shredding and disposing of old prescription bottles. Many have the capability, and they will dispose of unused medications, too. This suggestion sounds great to me as it guarantees your privacy and helps with recycling at the same time.

Out-dated medications can easily be discarded by flushing down the toilet. Birth control pills are also excellent plant fertilizers (one pill every two or four weeks).
Readers, thank you for your ideas.

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Daily Column

May 28, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My right thumb pained me constantly from arthritis. I read about the castor oil treatment you recommended and although it seemed like a stretch, I thought “nothing ventured, nothing gained“. I rubbed a few drops every night over the painful area and after a few days, the pain subsided. As long as I keep rubbing the oil on, I’m pain free. I still don’t have strength in that thumb, but it’s wonderful not to have constant pain. So, one more advocate of the castor oil treatment.

DEAR READER:
Thank you for sharing your experience. There are numerous endorsements for arthritis, including grape juice and pectin, anti-inflammatories, over-the-counter Castiva, and prescription drugs. Plain castor oil is simple and effective. If it works, stick with it.

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Daily Column

May 28, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
You are sadly mistaken and you must reconsider your endorsement of Life Line Screening. It’s a big rip off! Let me explain.

For a modest cost they perform several “screening” tests that look very attractive. This is a misrepresentation because “screening” means to separate good from bad results. These tests are cheap, fast, and vastly inaccurate.

During one of these screenings my wife was diagnosed with low bone density. We brought the results to our family doctor who recommended an expensive and thorough test (I don’t remember the name), which showed the density to be fine. Another female acquaintance also failed the Life Line bone density test. Her doctor put her on Fosamax, an expensive medication. When informed of my wife’s results, she opted for the expensive bone density test and guess what? She was fine, too.

I have written to my senior center about this and they have stopped using Life Line testing. Please don’t recommend this cheap, inaccurate testing and false representation by Life Line.

DEAR READER:
Perhaps I should have done more research before giving a blanket endorsement for bone density screening through Life Line. I have received several letters similar to yours but have not heard of any discrepancies in the cardiovascular screenings. In contrast, the test for osteoporosis seems somewhat unreliable. In defense, I personally know physicians who use heel bone density screening units in their offices and appear satisfied with the machine printouts. Patients who receive an abnormal result should see their own doctor and request a hospital based X-ray bone density screening. In fact, this happened to me and I, too, needed the special testing which showed normal bone density.

Physicians are not on site when this mobile testing is performed by the technicians. All results should be forwarded to the doctor for interpretation. In actuality, the technicians who perform the tests should only give you a risk factor for osteoporosis, not a diagnosis. I had hoped the inexpensive testing would catch a variety of problems early on and would make people more aware of potential medical problems. I would like to hope Life Line testing for stroke, cardiovascular disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms is substantially more accurate with results that are reliable.

While cost may be an issue for some people, it appears, at least in this case, you certainly got what you paid for. Thank you for sharing your experience. I regret any misdirection I might have shared with my readers.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Osteoporosis”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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Daily Column

May 27, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My 36-year-old daughter weighs about 110 pounds. She’s been feeling lightheaded and has had tingling sensations in her arms and hands for the past year. She’s been to a heart doctor, had MRIs and blood work done, but continues to feel bad. What do you think her problem could be? Do you know of any other tests that should be done?

DEAR READER:
There are many diseases that can cause the very symptoms your daughter is experiencing. If she is a smoker or consumes aspartame, she should stop at once. She may be experiencing the effects of work-related anxieties, outstanding bills, children, a sick relative, and other stressors. Therefore, in order to touch all the bases, I suggest she be evaluated by a mental health expert to identify if any anxiety or stress disorder is the culprit.

Fortunately, she appears thus far to have had appropriate normal studies and consultations. I assume her testing found that her thyroid is normal, there are no signs of cancer, and she is not anemic. If not, more testing should be ordered by her physician. If the doctor has run out of options, she should be referred to an appropriate specialist. In the interim, offer moral support and help her get to the root of the problem.

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Daily Column

May 27, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
While driving recently, I listened to a radio program about medical issues. The program hosts indicated that sound nutritional practices can, over time, allow people to eliminate pills and medications they had been told they would have to take all their lives.

I had my first physical in over 30 years. I was found to be in good shape, except I was diagnosed with thyroid disease. I take one L-thyroxine 25 mcg pill daily. Periodically I have to have a blood sample drawn to determine if the drug dose is adequate. My question is, do you know of some nutritional practice that can eventually eliminate my dependence on taking synthetic thyroid medication for the rest of my lifetime?

DEAR READER:
There are some home remedies you can take for hypothyroidism; however, the results will likely be less than optimal. Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and aspartame can all worsen a thyroid condition. Try adding fresh vegetable juices to your diet three days a week. With your doctor’s permission try using products such as Thyroidinium or Tryosine 400 (an amino acid supplement). These are available at health food stores. You may choose to see a naturopathic physician along with your primary care physician. If you choose this route, be sure the two physicians work together to provide you with the best treatments. The naturopath can offer natural remedies while the PCP can provide modern medicines and testing. You must continue to have appropriate testing to ensure your thyroid is within limits.

Having said this, the fact that you have an under active thyroid gland and require medication is an indication to me that you will have to take it for the rest of your life. Your thyroid probably is not going to function properly on its own. Fortunately, L-thyroxine is inexpensive and safe to use. Make some dietary modifications and stick with your doctor‘s recommendation.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicines”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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Daily Column

May 26, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I read one of your articles about a lady taking Actonel. I am a 77-year-old lady taking Atenolol. Is this the same medication? I, too, have lots of back pain and cramps.

DEAR READER:
No. Actonel is for bone weakness due to osteoporosis. Atenolol is used to lower blood pressure.

Atenolol does not, to my knowledge, cause back pain and cramps. I urge you to see your doctor to discover the cause of your pain. Perhaps it is due to another medication you are taking or the result of a pinched spinal nerve or herniated disc. Your physician can order appropriate testing or refer you to a specialist.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Hypertension”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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