Is Bariatric Surgery Safe for Obese Patients with Heart Conditions?
Overweight Hello Dr. Huang: A while ago, I was hospitalized at your facility, but I feel that my treatment was not very effective. During my over one-month stay, I only saw a doctor 3 to 4 times, was advised to eat meal replacements, and did not undergo any specific tests. The re...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
A person without dreams: Height 147 cm, weight 145 kg, has reached the level of morbid obesity. It is recommended to visit a family medicine clinic to evaluate whether there are endocrine issues, dietary habits, exercise deficiencies, or poor lifestyle choices contributing to the...[Read More] Is Bariatric Surgery Safe for Obese Patients with Heart Conditions?
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks in Couples
I have a question? Hello Dr. Hsu: I have been a carrier of hepatitis B since childhood, and my mother is also a carrier. One of my biggest fears has finally come true. My husband is also a carrier of hepatitis B. Is there a risk of cross-infection between us? What should I be awa...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, this is Dr. Hsu Li-An's Family Medicine Column. The article discusses what to do if you are a carrier of Hepatitis B. "What should Hepatitis B carriers do?" This is a common question I encounter in family medicine clinics. I usually spend over five minutes e...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks in Couples
Understanding Leg Numbness and Weakness: Common Causes and Solutions
Numbness in the legs? I have two questions to ask: Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my heels and numbness in my thighs when standing, which has been ongoing for about 11 days. I have not had any sports injuries prior to this. Additionally, when I sit on the toilet, I of...
Dr. Hong Shouhong Reply:
1. There are many causes of anemia, with the most common being iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. Iron deficiency anemia can result from bleeding or poor iron absorption after gastric surgery, and it can be treated with iron supplementation. However, if there is ongoing blee...[Read More] Understanding Leg Numbness and Weakness: Common Causes and Solutions
Can High-Protein Foods Help with Weight Gain for the Underweight?
Is consuming protein (high-protein foods) beneficial for being underweight? I am 22 years old, 179 cm tall, and weigh only 51 kg, which is quite thin. I heard from relatives that consuming high-protein supplements, specifically the kind that can be mixed with cold water, might he...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. Your idea is not recommended. 2. It is advised to maintain a regular diet with three meals a day and to uphold good exercise habits.[Read More] Can High-Protein Foods Help with Weight Gain for the Underweight?
Understanding the Costs and Essentials of Comprehensive Health Checkups
What is the cost of a full body health check-up? Hello, may I ask about the approximate cost of a health check-up for adults? My mother is not in good health, and I want to take her for a check-up, but I'm unsure which tests to conduct and which hospital to go to. My mother ...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
JANE user: Adult health check-ups are free once a year for those aged 65 and older, and free once every three years for those aged 40 and older. If paying out of pocket, the cost of health examinations ranges from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the items selected; you can inquir...[Read More] Understanding the Costs and Essentials of Comprehensive Health Checkups
Understanding Elevated Cancer Antigen Levels and High Triglycerides: Key Considerations
The cancer antigen (nuclear medicine) from our company's health check shows a level of 3.5 ng/ml? Hello, doctor. 1. The company's health check showed that the embryonic cancer antigen (nuclear medicine) level is 3.5 ng/ml, which exceeds the standard by 0.1 ng/ml. What...
Dr. Hong Shouhong Reply:
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein primarily used for monitoring after tumor resection. Elevated CEA levels may be associated with various cancers, such as colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers, but it is not specific. An elevated CEA level does not necessarily...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Cancer Antigen Levels and High Triglycerides: Key Considerations
Is Juice-Only Breakfast and Fruit Diet Effective for Weight Loss?
Weight loss Hello doctor, I am 165 cm tall but weigh 75 kg. If I want to lose weight now, I plan to only drink juice for breakfast, eat only fruits and drink water and yogurt for lunch and dinner, and exercise daily. Is this plan feasible?
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello, Daidai: Consistent dietary control is essential. While consuming only fruits and yogurt can lead to short-term weight loss, for long-term results, it is important to understand the caloric content of the six major food groups. You should reduce high-calorie foods and aim t...[Read More] Is Juice-Only Breakfast and Fruit Diet Effective for Weight Loss?
How to Reduce Body Fat: Diet and Exercise Tips for Health
How can one reduce excessive body fat? Hello Doctor: My body size is not overweight, but my body fat percentage is 28. Is it possible to reduce body fat through diet or exercise? Additionally, I suspect I have breast cancer (currently under monitoring). Is it appropriate for me t...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
For women, a body fat percentage below 30 is considered normal. Exercise and diet can help reduce body fat percentage; typically, an increase in muscle tissue and a decrease in fat tissue will naturally lead to a decline in body fat percentage. Most breast tumors are benign fibro...[Read More] How to Reduce Body Fat: Diet and Exercise Tips for Health
The Relationship Between Body Fat and Cholesterol Levels Explained
The relationship between body fat and cholesterol? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask you about the relationship between body fat and cholesterol. I recently measured my body fat using a body fat scale, and the result was as high as 45% (weight 58 kg, height 162 cm), which is a...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello ICY users: Adipose tissue is primarily composed of triglycerides and serves as an effective insulator, existing in subcutaneous tissue and the abdominal cavity. Body fat analyzers mainly measure body fat by utilizing differences in electrical resistance. Cholesterol is dist...[Read More] The Relationship Between Body Fat and Cholesterol Levels Explained
Understanding Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes in Family Medicine
Anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes? I am not sure what disease this is; I would like to ask the doctor.
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. Anemia is primarily caused by inadequate hemoglobin or blood volume, often resulting from abnormal hematopoietic function or insufficient dietary intake. 2. As for myelodysplastic syndromes, I have not heard of such diseases; please discuss whether the terminology is being use...[Read More] Understanding Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes in Family Medicine
Struggling with Being Underweight: Seeking Solutions and Guidance
The issue of being underweight has been a persistent concern? Hello, I am 24 years old and have struggled with being underweight since middle school. I am currently 175 cm tall and weigh between 53-55 kg, which is considered too thin. Could you please help me? I have the followin...
Dr. Hong Shouhong Reply:
Being overweight or underweight is related not only to age, diet, and lifestyle habits but also to one's constitution and genetics. If there is a drastic change in weight over a short period, it may be associated with certain diseases, and a medical examination should be sou...[Read More] Struggling with Being Underweight: Seeking Solutions and Guidance
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Health Checkup Report Consultation Hello, recently the company arranged for a health check-up, and the results showed several abnormalities. I would like to ask: 1. Elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels, what does this abnormality indicate? What impact does it have on th...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing from Tainan Hospital of the Department of Health Executive Yuan responded: 1) Elevated CPK levels are mostly due to muscle overexertion (from exercise or excessive labor), which causes muscle cell damage and the release of CPK. Additionally, some elevations in ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Comprehensive Guide to Common Health Concerns in Family Medicine
Question Set Dear Dr. Tsai, Hello! Please take a look at the following information. I have many questions regarding medical knowledge, and I would appreciate any information you can provide to help me understand what I should do. Thank you! Medical History: I do not smoke, drin...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Your questions are quite broad and not suitable for online discussion; it would be best to visit a clinic in person.[Read More] Comprehensive Guide to Common Health Concerns in Family Medicine
Managing Complex Health Issues in Elderly Patients: A Nutritional Guide
Multiple complex diseases Hello Dr. Liu: I am here to ask you a question on behalf of my friend. My friend's grandmother is 80 years old and is currently hospitalized due to illness. She has multiple complex medical conditions, including chronic diarrhea, with at least four ...
Dr. Liu Jinyong Reply:
Based on the limited information provided, the gradual weight loss in the elderly individual may be attributed not only to diarrhea but also to poor dental health affecting chewing ability, which in turn impacts food intake. Given the current situation, dietary management should ...[Read More] Managing Complex Health Issues in Elderly Patients: A Nutritional Guide
Struggling with Weight Loss and Binge Eating: Seeking Help
Which specialty should I see? About two years ago, I was a 65 kg overweight girl. After controlling my diet, I managed to reduce my weight to 49 kg before the Lunar New Year this year. My weight loss method involved almost completely avoiding carbohydrates and consuming a lot of ...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
Ms. Amei, the symptoms you described are somewhat similar to binge eating disorder, but considering you also have symptoms of amenorrhea, I would still recommend that you first consult a meticulous endocrinologist or neurologist to rule out diabetes, endocrine disorders, and abno...[Read More] Struggling with Weight Loss and Binge Eating: Seeking Help
Understanding Nighttime Leg Cramps in Elderly Women: Causes and Remedies
Muscle cramp Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about an 85-year-old female who frequently experiences nighttime calf cramps. What could be the cause? How can dietary therapy or prevention be implemented? What should be done during an episode? Which specialty should she consult? A...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
The Tainan Hospital of the Department of Health indicates that osteoporosis, degenerative joint disease, and muscle atrophy in the elderly are common causes of nighttime calf cramps in older adults. Adequate calcium supplementation (such as drinking 300 cc of milk daily, taking a...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Leg Cramps in Elderly Women: Causes and Remedies
Effective Strategies to Combat Hair Loss: Causes and Solutions
How to suppress hair loss? If you are experiencing significant hair loss, there are several potential causes to consider. Genetic factors can play a role, even if only one family member, like your grandfather, has experienced baldness. Other common causes of hair loss include hor...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. Insomnia, stress (including emotional factors), and medication can all contribute to hair loss. 2. In terms of diet, it is advisable to reduce the intake of fatty foods (including fried foods). In daily life, ginger juice can be used occasionally to stimulate the scalp, but it...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Combat Hair Loss: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Occasional Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
If you experience occasional stomach pain, consider the following steps: 1. **Identify Triggers**: Keep a diary of your food intake and activities to identify any patterns or specific Sometimes I experience stomach pain, and I often have to rush to the bathroom after eating. I a...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
The symptoms you are describing are quite vague and lack details regarding your lifestyle, dietary habits, and emotional state. It is advisable to visit an outpatient clinic for a more thorough consultation.[Read More] Understanding Occasional Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Premature Gray Hair: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Hello, doctor: I noticed white hair starting from high school, and it has increased over time. Now that I am in my second year of college, I still have white hair. Sometimes I experience headaches, especially when I am very tired, such as after...
Dr. Sang Shude Reply:
Having white hair at a young age can indeed be a concern, and it's quite disheartening. As of now, there is no effective method to address this issue, aside from maintaining a normal diet and lifestyle, and trying to relax as much as possible. It's important to have hea...[Read More] Understanding Premature Gray Hair: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults
Managing Sudden Blood Pressure Drops in Hypertension Patients: What to Do?
Patients with hypertension experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure along with discomfort? My father has hypertension, and today his blood pressure suddenly dropped to 98/50 mmHg, and he feels drowsy with body aches. Does this situation require immediate medical attention? So...
Dr. Xie Wenjie Reply:
1. Patients with hypertension who experience a sudden drop in blood pressure need immediate medical attention, often due to self-adjustment of their medication (overdose) or the concurrent use of oral medications from multiple healthcare providers. 2. Hypertension patients need...[Read More] Managing Sudden Blood Pressure Drops in Hypertension Patients: What to Do?