Effective Ways to Increase Height: Tips and Costs Explained
Grow taller? Hello, I am 166 cm tall and weigh 65 kg. Although I meet the height standards for my country, I still wish to be a bit taller. Are there any methods to increase my height? What are the costs involved?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
If you are still in your developmental stage and under 16 years old, there is still a chance for growth. However, if you have passed your growth age, the chances are slim. The primary determinant of height is family genetics. If your family members are not particularly tall, it i...[Read More] Effective Ways to Increase Height: Tips and Costs Explained
Understanding Microcytic Anemia: Is It Hereditary and How to Improve It?
What is the definition of microcytic anemia? Is it a hereditary disease? Dr. Sang: Hello! In my health check-ups over the past five years, I have consistently found issues with hemoglobin, blood concentration, and hematocrit levels (hematocrit 32.3%, hemoglobin 9.3 g/dL, white bl...
Dr. Sang Shude Reply:
Dr. Sang Shur-Te has left, and Director Jan Te-Chin is responding. Microcytic anemia refers to anemia caused by a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV less than 80 fL). Common causes include iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, chronic disease, and poisoning. Given your situation wit...[Read More] Understanding Microcytic Anemia: Is It Hereditary and How to Improve It?
Unexplained Discomfort in Legs: Causes and When to Seek Help
Discomfort in both legs of unknown origin? Dr. Huang, regarding the topic, my legs move freely and I have no pain or swelling, but at night when I sleep, I often feel uncomfortable in a way that's hard to describe. It feels somewhat sore, and I have a strong urge to exert fo...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. The discomfort in both legs without a clear cause may be attributed to calcium deficiency leading to lower limb cramps, especially since she is of childbearing age. Additionally, significant temperature differences between body temperature and room temperature (particularly du...[Read More] Unexplained Discomfort in Legs: Causes and When to Seek Help
Struggling with Obesity at 19: Seeking Medical Advice for Weight Loss
What to do about being overweight? Hello, I'm A-Hao. I have a question to ask you. I am 19 years old, but I have been overweight for a long time and have always wanted to lose weight. Currently, I am 166 cm tall and weigh 78 kg. My obesity really makes daily life inconvenien...
Dr. Fang Sijie Reply:
Dear A-Hao: 1. Obesity refers to an excess of body fat, but measuring fat content can be challenging. Therefore, methods such as ideal body weight calculations and the Body Mass Index (BMI) are currently used to define obesity. 2. Exercise not only helps prevent obesity and ach...[Read More] Struggling with Obesity at 19: Seeking Medical Advice for Weight Loss
Understanding Persistent Health Issues: A Guide for Patients
I'm not sure what the problem is? 1. I often experience constipation, which has not improved since childhood. 2. I have been feeling dizzy and drowsy since I was a child. 3. My menstrual periods are always late and not heavy, and I frequently have vaginal discharge. 4....
Dr. Sun Weixu Reply:
Dear careywong-2: First point: Constipation is a common condition that can be very frustrating. The hurried lifestyle of modern individuals often contributes to this issue: consuming low-fiber fast food, inadequate water intake, lack of exercise, and delaying bowel movements de...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Health Issues: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Chronic Fatigue: When to Seek Medical Advice
Easy fatigue..? I have been feeling mentally unwell for the past year or two, often experiencing fatigue, frequent yawning, and a desire to sleep. Despite getting sufficient sleep—going to bed around 11:00 PM and waking up around 7:00 AM—my energy levels remain low, and I feel a ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
It is recommended that you explore psychological (mental, emotional, personality, interpersonal interactions) and physiological (lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, elimination, etc.) aspects. If these factors can be ruled out, external factors such as workplace stress and o...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Fatigue: When to Seek Medical Advice
When to Avoid Alcohol: Health Indicators and Medical Conditions Explained
Under what symptoms should one avoid drinking alcohol? Dear Sir/Madam, 1. In general health check-ups, if certain values are elevated, it is advisable to limit alcohol consumption. Typically, if liver enzymes such as AST (aspartate aminotransferase) or ALT (alanine aminotransfer...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
In general, almost all health check items that show abnormalities require restrictions on alcohol consumption, such as liver function tests (GOT, GPT, rGT), blood sugar (sugar), cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid. Abnormalities in these parameters can have direct negative ...[Read More] When to Avoid Alcohol: Health Indicators and Medical Conditions Explained
When Should You Avoid Alcohol? Key Symptoms and Health Conditions Explained
Under what symptoms should one avoid drinking alcohol? Dr. Lin: Hello! 1. Regarding general health check-up items, which values, when elevated, suggest that one should limit alcohol consumption, and what are the approximate thresholds? At what level should one completely abstain ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
*In general, almost all health check-up items that show abnormalities require restrictions on alcohol consumption, such as liver function tests (GOT, GPT, rGT), blood sugar (sugar), cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid. Abnormalities in these parameters can have direct negat...[Read More] When Should You Avoid Alcohol? Key Symptoms and Health Conditions Explained
Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Hormone Supplements, and Dietary Tips
Leg fatigue? Hello: My mother's knee joints feel sore whenever she stands for a long time. Could this be due to joint degeneration? She usually takes calcium supplements and glucosamine. Can my mother take hormone supplements? She has high blood pressure and diabetes; is it ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Based on your age, your mother is likely at least in her fifties or sixties, which means she is probably post-menopausal. Discomfort in the knee joints could be due to osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, or inflammation of the ligaments and soft tissues. It is best to hav...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Hormone Supplements, and Dietary Tips
Understanding Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Symptoms
Bilateral rib pain? My father-in-law has been experiencing pain in both sides of his ribcage recently, especially at night when the pain worsens, requiring him to hug a soft pillow to sleep. He has a long history of duodenal ulcers and frequently receives intravenous therapy, whi...
Dr. Liu Jinyong Reply:
(1) Due to the incomplete description of the patient's condition, a comprehensive assessment cannot be made, and only reference information can be provided. Frequent intravenous infusions, if not targeted towards the underlying disease, will not have therapeutic effects. Add...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Symptoms
Unexplained Symptoms: A 7-Month Journey Through Medical Mysteries
Sick for seven months? I am a 26-year-old male, and since March of this year, I have been experiencing a series of health issues. Initially, I had unexplained gas pressure on my chest, and my bowel habits changed to once or twice a day (previously, I would have a bowel movement e...
Dr. Liu Jinyong Reply:
Due to the presence of incomprehensible codes in the medical history, a complete assessment cannot be made. Therefore, only general recommendations can be provided. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, eat regular and appropriate portions, exercise regularly, and drink pl...[Read More] Unexplained Symptoms: A 7-Month Journey Through Medical Mysteries
Understanding High Cholesterol: Risks, Ratios, and Treatment Options
High cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia) Hello, I recently went to the hospital for a health check-up at the age of 40 and had a blood test. The results showed cholesterol at 221 mg/dl and triglycerides at 117 mg/dl. The doctor explained that cholesterol is divided into high-densi...
Dr. Liu Jinyong Reply:
1. Further related examinations are needed. 2. The medical history and chief complaints are incomplete regarding diabetes mellitus (D.M.), smoking history, and heavy alcohol consumption. 3. The patient wishes to undergo relevant examinations and treatment at a hospital near the...[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: Risks, Ratios, and Treatment Options
Boosting Immunity: Tips on Diet, Exercise, and Hydration
Immune system Hello, doctor. How can I enhance my body's immune system to resist diseases? Regarding diet and exercise... I drink about 6000cc of water a day (sometimes not out of thirst, but out of habit). Will this affect my body? Thank you.
Dr. Sun Weixu Reply:
Drinking plenty of water is beneficial for the body, provided that kidney function is normal. In cases such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or uremia, one must be very cautious about fluid intake and output. With normal kidney function, consuming approximately 6000 cc of water ...[Read More] Boosting Immunity: Tips on Diet, Exercise, and Hydration
Understanding Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Costs, Coverage, and Benefits
Gastric sleeve surgery I am severely obese, with a height of 153 cm and a weight of 95 kg. I have tried various methods to lose weight without success. I read news reports about gastric sleeve surgery. Does your hospital perform this type of surgery? Is it covered by health insur...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
Hello Ms. Wen, thank you for your inquiry. In response to your two questions: 1. Health insurance does cover this weight loss surgery, but the conditions are very strict. You must undergo six months of dietary and medication management, and only if there is no effect will you h...[Read More] Understanding Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Costs, Coverage, and Benefits
Understanding Microcytic Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Anemia issues "Low hemoglobin microcytic anemia" refers to a type of anemia characterized by low levels of hemoglobin and small red blood cells. Your lab results indicate a hemoglobin level of 10.7 g/dL, hematocrit of 34.3%, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 60.6 fL, mea...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
Dr. Huang's response: Thank you for your inquiry! Miss, your anemia is microcytic anemia, and there are two main clinical causes: 1. Iron deficiency anemia (in women, the most common cause is heavy menstrual bleeding, with a smaller portion due to gastrointestinal bleeding f...[Read More] Understanding Microcytic Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Can I Get Tested for Hepatitis B at a Major Hospital?
I would like to check if I have hepatitis B. Can I get tested at a major hospital? Due to my irregular lifestyle, I only sleep 4 to 5 hours a day, and since I am only 17 years old, I am a bit concerned about my health. I was wondering if I could go to a major hospital for an exam...
Dr. Hong Chuanqi Reply:
Hello, Zongting. You have undergone examinations at two different hospitals, and the results from both hospitals are inconsistent, leaving you feeling confused. 1. The machines used by the two hospitals are of different brands, which may lead to slight variations in baseline va...[Read More] Can I Get Tested for Hepatitis B at a Major Hospital?
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights and Improvement Tips
Health Check Report (Some parts are unclear) I recently received my health check report and have a few questions: 1. What can I do to improve my elevated blood pressure? 2. The microscopic examination showed: - White blood cells in urine: 8-10, with a reference value of 0-5 ...
Dr. Liu Jinyong Reply:
Hypertension Management 1. Methods to Improve Elevated Blood Pressure: a. Pharmacological Treatment: Generally effective, but requires patient cooperation, such as: i. Taking medication regularly, on time, and in the prescribed dosage. ii. Consulting a physician i...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights and Improvement Tips
Nutrition Tips to Combat Fatigue and Improve Skin Health
Beautiful Diet Dear Doctor: I have the following symptoms: fatigue, excessive sleepiness, dull skin, difficulty achieving a fair complexion, and tendency to tan easily. What dietary changes can I make to improve these conditions?
Dr. Fang Sijie Reply:
Dear Ms. Pei-Hsia, 1. Fatigue and drowsiness can be caused not only by physiological issues but also by psychological factors (such as life stress, sadness, etc.) or medications (such as those for nasal congestion, etc.). 2. For skin care, it is important to consume plenty of f...[Read More] Nutrition Tips to Combat Fatigue and Improve Skin Health
How to Enjoy Si Wu Decoction Without Gaining Weight
How to effectively consume Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction)? Drinking Si Wu Tang with meat can make it oily, but if consumed without the meat, will it still contribute to weight gain?
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
The response from the physician at the Tainan Hospital of the Department of Health states: By skimming off the oil, you can reduce the intake of fats, making it less likely to gain weight. The oil content in foods, ranked from highest to lowest, is as follows: 1. Pork 2. Beef 3. ...[Read More] How to Enjoy Si Wu Decoction Without Gaining Weight
Essential Calorie and Portion Control Guide for Hypertension Management
I would like to request a food calorie calculation and portion size chart? I would like to request a food calorie calculation and portion guide. I have high blood pressure and obesity, and my blood pressure is currently controlled with medication. Are there any books related to w...
Dr. Xie Wenjie Reply:
1. For the food calorie calculation chart, please visit the following website: http://www.tmch.org.tw/Nutrition/index.htm 2. Recommended reading: Mayo Clinic on Hypertension.[Read More] Essential Calorie and Portion Control Guide for Hypertension Management